Rapper Nicki Minaj has been facing a wave of “hate” and ageism within the hip-hop industry. Since her debut in 2007 with her mixtape Playtime Is Over at 22, Minaj has showcased her lyrical skills, high energy and contagious animated personality.
Even before releasing her first album, Minaj’s freestyle “Itty Bitty Piggy” gained widespread love. Her debut album, Pink Friday, solidified her position as a standout in the industry.
As Minaj’s popularity grew, she collaborated with hip-hop giants, which caused some feathers to be ruffled. Other rappers who were established in the industry may have felt threatened by her rise. Despite crediting the rap legends before her, Minaj did not always receive the same love. Yet, she refused to bow down to anyone who failed to recognize her talent.
However, in 2023, the situation remains unchanged. Despite dominating the rap industry for women for a decade, Minaj — who is 41 — has faced criticism and derogatory terms like “grandma” or “problematic.” Unafraid to clap back, she has been involved in rap feuds with Lil Kim, Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott, Remy Ma, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion and Latto, among others.
While the origins of these feuds may be blurred, Minaj is often portrayed as the issue and not accepting of new rising talent. It poses the question of why Minaj is quick to be blamed even after collaborating with multiple popular rising artists.
Ageism is prevalent in hip-hop, raising questions about why Minaj is judged and questioned while other celebrities of the same age are not. Some other hip-hop artists currently facing ageism are rap legends Jay-Z, J. Cole and Future. Yet, Beyoncé, at 42, continues to dominate; Ciara, at 38, still shines; JLo, at 54, still has the dance moves; and Missy Elliott, at 52, continues to receive her flowers.
Jay-Z is really older than hip-hop.
— Cory Provost (@coryprovost) February 6, 2023
future is 40 time for him to rap about mortgages and healthcare! https://t.co/ZcPVDDBn3v
— ☄️ (@topfloordj) November 20, 2023
Future hates women
Killer Mike is a landlord
J Cole is 40at the end of the day all of your favorite rappers are bad people
— let that sink in (you cry dont cry) (@thesinksinside) November 28, 2023
These legends have all faced their beef with other artists, but Minaj appears to be the most attacked.
Recently, Minaj joined content creator Kai Cenat on his livestream on Dec. 14, showcasing her playful side and not holding back her personality. However, not everyone received it well. Some social media users accused her of trying to act like a 20-year-old, while others called her “grandma” or “aunty.”
Nicki Minaj trying to fit in with the 20-year olds😭 pic.twitter.com/NsVTxWqXj6
— Mate (@ThatOneMate55) December 14, 2023
Should Minaj not enjoy her birthday month and album release? It may be time to acknowledge that people hate Minaj simply because it has become a common thing to do.
As a powerful woman who uses her voice and even references Jesus in her songs; perhaps that is why she is attacked. Minaj consistently is scrutinized for responding to disrespect while others appear to not be held to the same standard.
“No one b—-could be my opp, that s— offends me,” the rapper even stated in the song “Seeing Green.” “It’s corporate giants and machines that went against me.”
Her latest album, Pink Friday 2, positively addresses these narratives, particularly in the song “My Life.” After experiencing personal loss, navigating motherhood and constantly being portrayed negatively in the news, when will people realize that she is also a human deserving of grace?
