The feud between Nicki Minaj and Cardi B has been one of the most publicized rivalries in hip-hop, marked by a blend of subliminal jabs, public confrontations, and social media spats. What began as subtle tensions has evolved into a complex and ongoing dispute, with the latest flare-up occurring in late September 2025.

Origins of the Feud

The animosity between Nicki Minaj and Cardi B is believed to have started around 2017, though the exact moment remains a topic of debate. Some trace the tension to Cardi’s rapid rise in the industry, which some perceived as a challenge to Nicki’s dominance. The situation escalated in 2018 when both artists collaborated on the Migos track “MotorSport.” Rumors circulated about behind-the-scenes discord, with speculation that Nicki had altered her verse after learning of Cardi’s involvement. Both artists denied these claims, but the whispers fueled public interest and suspicion.

The feud reached a peak during New York Fashion Week in September 2018, when Cardi B threw a shoe at Nicki Minaj during a Harper’s Bazaar ICONS party. The altercation was reportedly sparked by comments Nicki made about Cardi’s parenting, leading to a physical confrontation that was widely covered in the media.

Recent Developments

Fast forward to September 2025, and the rivalry has reignited with renewed intensity. Cardi B released her album Am I the Drama?, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and achieved double platinum status in its first week. Despite this success, Nicki Minaj took to social media to mock the album’s promotional pricing and insinuate that Cardi had inflated her sales figures. Nicki also made disparaging remarks about Cardi’s pregnancy, which many interpreted as personal attacks.

In response, Cardi B released a fiery remix of her song “Magnet,” targeting Nicki with insults about her family and personal life. The exchange quickly escalated, with both artists trading barbs on social media platforms. Other figures in the hip-hop community, such as JT and Ice Spice, have also weighed in, either supporting one side or the other, further intensifying the public spectacle.

Adding fuel to the fire, NFL player Stefon Diggs became inadvertently involved in the feud. After being accused of sexual assault, Diggs was rumored to be the father of Cardi B’s child. Nicki Minaj reportedly made controversial remarks about Diggs, using the situation to taunt Cardi B and reigniting tensions between the two artists. Cardi has shown support for Diggs despite the serious allegations against him, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing drama.

Public Perception and Media Coverage

The ongoing feud between Nicki Minaj and Cardi B has captivated the public’s attention, with media outlets extensively covering each new development. The rivalry has sparked debates about authenticity, competition, and the portrayal of women in the music industry. Some fans express frustration over the personal nature of the attacks, while others view it as a reflection of the pressures and challenges faced by female artists in a predominantly male-dominated industry.

Despite the animosity, both Nicki Minaj and Cardi B continue to enjoy successful careers, with their music and public personas remaining influential in the hip-hop and broader entertainment landscape. The future of their relationship remains uncertain, but the feud has undeniably left an indelible mark on the culture.