Nicki Minaj and SZA Clash Online Over Unanswered Collab Requests
Things got tense online this week as Nicki Minaj and SZA found themselves caught in a fiery back-and-forth that played out across social media.
It all kicked off when Nicki fired off a string of tweets on Tuesday night aimed at Terrence “Punch” Henderson, president of Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) and SZA’s former manager. Nicki claimed he had shut down her business ideas and accused him of trying to “bully” her.
Around the same time, SZA tweeted what looked like a cryptic warning:
“Mercury retrograde… don’t take the bait lol silly goose.”
She didn’t mention anyone directly, but Nicki clearly thought it was about her—and she didn’t hold back.
Nicki . You absolutely know my music and what I contribute cause you’ve asked for features twice to no response . In addition to rapping my lyrics on feeling myself “Cooking up the bass looking like a kilo”? Lol ur having a moment ..im not sure why but be blessed. pic.twitter.com/tSnhAkCpqx
— SZA (@sza) July 17, 2025
What followed was a barrage of insults from the rapper, ranging from jabs at SZA’s appearance to digs at her talent. Nicki even tweeted, “If every song you’ve ever done vanished right now, the music business wouldn’t even miss you.”
In another sharp post, she wrote:
“Bitch, what have you ever done besides yodel with auto-tune that needed retuning? Boo, I’m an icon. You’re not. The end.”
Known for staying out of drama, SZA decided to speak up this time. In a composed but direct response, she pointed out that Nicki had previously requested to work with her—not once, but twice.
“Nicki. You absolutely know my music and what I contribute cause you’ve asked for features twice to no response. In addition to rapping my lyrics on Feeling Myself—‘Cooking up the bass looking like a kilo’? Lol ur having a moment… I’m not sure why but be blessed,” she wrote, including a screenshot of a message allegedly from Nicki’s team.
Wait. Does Sza think she’s more successful than me? Lol yall catch me up pls. Sza if every song you’ve ever done vanished right now the music business wouldn’t even miss you. I’ve been to countries that never heard of you. I know you’re not THAT stupid are you? Stadiums? Did you… pic.twitter.com/0fKGvT1Zow
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) July 16, 2025
SZA added that while she often gets flooded with online hate, she still shows up to packed shows and chooses real-world love over online noise:
“I get bullied by millions online every day, then step my ass out onna packed stadium tour where people show me real love. In real life. My parents are healthy and I’m the most successful I ever been. Get some perspective and bark at the wall!!!”
In response, Nicki dug up old tweets supposedly from SZA, where she had taken shots at Beyoncé, Rihanna, Madonna, and Ciara—stars SZA later worked with. Nicki used those posts to claim SZA had a pattern of “targeting women for no reason.”
I get bullied by millions online every day then step my ass out onna packed stadium tour where ppl show me REAL love . IN REAL LIFE . My parents are healthy and I’m the most successful I ever been . GET SOME FUCKING PERSPECTIVE n BARK AT THE WALL !!! https://t.co/g4olWPzArK
— SZA (@sza) July 15, 2025
She also brought her longstanding tension with Roc Nation and its CEO Desiree Perez back into the spotlight, referencing a personal family matter involving Perez’s daughter, and accusing the industry of silencing certain voices.
This dust-up is just the latest in a long string of Nicki’s run-ins with fellow female artists like Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Latto, and Mariah Carey.
Like do you know the level of inside HATE for yourself you had to have had to be this much of a cunt for no reason to the women you later worked with? Now wanna act like you a mthfkn tarot card, bitch quit.
What an odd little weirdo https://t.co/GaNjYTRlTp
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) July 16, 2025
As things cooled down, SZA signed off with one last note:
“Lmao lemme go back to being calm, shy and meek. Y’all have a blessed night! See you tomorrow for night 2, Paris!”
For now, she’s back on tour with Kendrick Lamar and just wrapped a show at the Paris La Défense Arena—drama aside.
