The music world was taken by storm this week as a surprising feud erupted between two celebrated artists: Nicki Minaj and SZA. The drama began swirling after Nicki accused SZA of subtweeting her, which triggered a string of fiery exchanges between the two stars. But it turns out, the simmering tension began even earlier—and not directly between the women themselves.
It Started With Top Dawg Entertainment’s Punch
The spark that lit the fire came when Nicki Minaj alleged that Punch, the president of SZA's label Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), had bullied her online. “So glad I have proof of being bullied and lied on by a man publicly,” Nicki posted on July 15 via X (formerly Twitter), referring to Punch. She claimed he turned against her after she rejected several business proposals from him.
Punch has yet to issue a public response, but the tension quickly evolved from him to SZA.
SZA’s Cryptic Post Sparks Twitter War
Soon after Nicki's post, SZA tweeted a message that read, “Mercury retrograde.. don’t take the bait lol silly goose.” While she didn’t name anyone, Nicki assumed the comment was aimed at her and lashed out.
“Go draw your freckles back on, bookie,” Nicki fired back, mocking SZA’s distinct beauty choices.
Nicki Goes Off About Appearance and Career
The confrontation didn’t stop there. Nicki proceeded to mock SZA’s appearance, saying she looked like she had been “stung by a f---ing bee,” followed by more jabs referencing her freckles. She then took aim at SZA’s success, particularly the major chart milestones earned by SZA’s SOS album.
SZA’s 2022 album recently went 9x Platinum, making SZA the only Black artist to spend more than 80 weeks in the Billboard 200's Top 10, surpassing even Michael Jackson. However, Nicki questioned the legitimacy of the honor, suggesting SZA had only tacked on new tracks to boost numbers. “I thought she was like a real artist? Girl, bye,” Nicki blasted.
SZA Responds Fiercely—but Indirectly
SZA didn’t respond directly to Nicki’s insults but made her stance clear. When a fan warned her that the Barbz—Nicki’s devoted fanbase—would come after her, the “Snooze” singer clapped back.
“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,” SZA tweeted. “My parents are healthy and I’m the most successful I’ve ever been. GET SOME F--KING PERSPECTIVE n BARK AT THE WALL!!!!”
A Feud That May Not Simmer Down Soon. With both artists enjoying peak careers and powerful fanbases, the clash between Nicki Minaj, one of rap’s most influential voices, and SZA, an R&B powerhouse with critical and commercial acclaim, has left fans—and social media—buzzing.
Whether this spat quietly fades or flames further in the public eye remains to be seen, but for now, Nicki vs. SZA is officially one of the biggest celebrity showdowns of 2025.
