by Cameron Adams
As Nicki Minaj returns with a new song, are there still old wounds to heal?
RAPPER Nicki Minaj has returned with her first solo track in three years – Super Freaky Girl.
The R-rated song features a hefty sample of Rick James’ SuperFreak, a 1981 hit also used on MC Hammer’s U Can’t Touch This.
Listen to Linda Marigliano talk about Super Freaky Girl on the latest episode of New Music:
The song was originally called Freaky Girl, however Nicki told fans she was legally stopped from using that title and picking a replacement.
It’s a rare backdown from Nicki, who has a history of beefs which – like her music – have entered pop culture.
Nicki v Miley
Miley Cyrus found out the hard way you don’t slag Nicki off in the press and get away with it. When the two were in the same room – at the 2015 VMA’s no less, Nicki said “Now, back to this bitch that had a lot to say about me the other day in the press. Miley, what’s good?’ The phrase launched a million memes.
Nicki v Taylor
Taylor’s had bad blood with a few female artists. Again, back in 2015, when Taylor was nominated for Video of the Year Nicki tweeted the show “celebrated women with very slim bodies”. Taylor replied “I’ve done nothing but love and support you. It’s unlike you to pit women against each other. Maybe one of the men took your slot…” (Mark Ronson and Ed Ronson were also nominated with Taylor, as well as Beyonce).
Nicki v Mariah
It was not just the battle of the divas, but the battle of the fanbases -Nicki’s fans (Barbz) and Mariah’s fans (Lambs). The pair had actually worked together on a song (Up Out My Face) back in 2009. Four years later, video leaked of the pair exchanging heated words when they were both cast as judges on American Idol. Years later Nicki would rap “I’m quick to the check a bitch if she outta line” while Mariah said being on Idol was like “working with the devil.”
Nicki v Cardi
As far back as 2017 Nicki shut down rumours of a feud by tweeting her congratulations to Cardi B on her first US No.1 single. But a year later Cardi and Nicki reportedly got into a physical altercation at New York Fashion Week. TMZ said Nicki approached Cardi to sort out their issues in the flesh, and Cardi reportedly ended up throwing a shoe. The pair called a truce online – where a lot of their back and forth had taken place – however fans are wondering if the pair will prove there’s no bad blood anymore by recording a song together.
For more music news, listen to New Music with Linda Marigliano on the free LiSTNR app: