The rivalry between two of hip-hop’s biggest female superstars, Cardi B and Nicki Minaj, has once again boiled over. It has turned into a vicious social media war on X (formerly Twitter). The rivalry started as a long-standing industry competition. It has now reached shocking new levels. This escalation involves deeply personal insults about family and children.
The Early Days: From Respect to Rivalry
In the beginning, Cardi B was an up-and-coming star. She openly expressed admiration for Nicki Minaj, the reigning queen of rap. However, as Cardi’s star rose at a meteoric rate with “Bodak Yellow,” the dynamic shifted. The first signs of tension appeared online, with fan bases clashing and subtle, often-deleted, shady comments made on Instagram Live. The core issue? There is a perceived battle for the top spot. This occurs in a male-dominated industry that often has room for only one woman at a time.
The Infamous 2018 Harper’s Bazaar Event: The Heel Throw Seen ‘Round the World
One of the most pivotal and documented moments in their feud happened off-social media but was endlessly dissected online. During New York Fashion Week in 2018, the two were involved in a physical altercation at a Harper’s Bazaar party.
As detailed in numerous viral video breakdowns, the incident allegedly started over a disagreement concerning parenting and past comments. The confrontation escalated, culminating in Cardi B lunging at Nicki Minaj, and famously, a shoe was thrown. Cardi B later stormed out of the event with a visible knot on her head. The paparazzi footage of her, furious and explaining her side, became an instant meme and news story.
The Spark: Album Sales and Subliminal Shots
The feud officially flared up. It appeared that Nicki Minaj was mocking the commercial success of Cardi B’s new album. Nicki posted a deleted image referencing a “$4.99” promotional price and questioned the first-week sales numbers.
This initial shade quickly moved into personal attacks, with both “rap queens” trading severe low blows.
- Nicki’s Attacks (The Slugs): Nicki clowned Cardi’s lyrics, calling the Grammy winner “Barney Dangerous” and mocking her new song, “Magnet”. She also took a personal shot at Cardi’s pregnancy, calling her a “barefoot and smelly liar with a big belly”.
- Cardi’s Counter-Attacks: Cardi B immediately fired back, roasting Nicki by bringing up family controversies, including Nicki’s convicted brother. She also accused Nicki of allegedly needing fertility treatments and questioned her ability to reproduce.
Cardi also tried to shut down the comparison entirely. She told Nicki she should compare herself to peers who started their careers around the same time. Cardi stated that she was still in high school when Nicki first gained fame.
The Unthinkable: Weaponizing Children and Family
The conflict drew widespread condemnation. Both artists crossed a major taboo in celebrity beefs. They dragged their children into the fight. Commentators, including the hosts of The Breakfast Club, called the attacks on the children “irresponsible on both women’s part”.
The confrontation became shocking when insults were traded regarding their kids:
- The First Dig: The argument reportedly coincided with Nicki Minaj’s son, Papa Bear’s, birthday. Cardi B mocked Nicki for dedicating “essays” to the feud online instead of celebrating her child. Cardi wrote: “You haven’t even cut your kid’s cake yet… you must have took your first line of the day”.
- The Low Blows: In a dangerous escalation, Nicki tweeted “Barney B and Culture Vulture.” She directly referenced Cardi B’s daughter, Culture. Cardi warned Nicki not to mention her children. The conversation then allegedly saw Nicki Minaj call Culture “ugly“.
- The Shocking Response: Cardi B’s final response was shocking. She accused Nicki of allegedly abusing drugs. Cardi B claimed, “your son is nonverbal cuz you effed him up with drugs.” She suggested the insult came from jealousy.
Final Thoughts
Many mothers of non-verbal children felt Cardi was wrong. They believed that speaking on Nicki’s son, who allegedly has disabilities, was inappropriate, especially concerning children with autism. Nicki knew her child had disabilities before calling Cardi’s kids ‘monkeys’. She chose to log on Twitter on her kid’s birthday to pick a virtual fight with Cardi. She targeted Cardi’s children and got scolded for crossing the line. Cardi was wrong for engaging with Nicki and bringing up Nicki’s child as well.
I posted an article a few days ago about Black Women weaponizing each other on social media and using their kids as weapons. This is no different. Stop using your kids as weapons.
