Betrayal and Backstabs The Real Reason Remy Ma and Nicki Minaj Became Hip-Hop Enemies

The world of hip-hop is no stranger to rivalries, but few feuds have been as explosive and controversial as the one between Remy Ma and Nicki Minaj. Once two of the most influential women in the rap industry, their relationship took a drastic turn, evolving into a bitter rivalry that has captivated fans and media alike. With accusations of betrayal, backstabs, and an ongoing war of words, their feud became a centerpiece in the world of rap beefs. But what really happened between these two powerhouse women? How did their relationship deteriorate to the point of no return, and where do they stand today?

The Beginning: Two Queens of Rap

Before the feud, both Remy Ma and Nicki Minaj were celebrated for their talents, each representing a unique era and style in hip-hop. Remy Ma, known for her gritty, no-nonsense lyricism, first gained recognition as part of Fat Joe’s Terror Squad, where she contributed to hits like “Lean Back” in 2004. Her career was on a rapid rise until legal issues led to her imprisonment in 2008.

On the other hand, Nicki Minaj entered the scene with an entirely different flavor. Known for her vibrant personality, rapid-fire flow, and theatrical persona, Minaj rose to prominence around the late 2000s with chart-topping singles like “Super Bass” and “Starships.” By the time Remy Ma was incarcerated, Nicki had essentially taken over the female rap space, often dubbed the “Queen of Rap” during this period.

Despite both women operating within the same genre, there wasn’t any visible tension early on. Fans speculated that their mutual respect would prevent any animosity from brewing, but things took a sharp turn after Remy Ma’s release from prison.

The Tipping Point: Subliminal Shots

When Remy Ma was released from prison in 2014, the landscape of female rap had drastically changed. Nicki Minaj had established herself as the dominant force, with few female competitors at her level. Though fans hoped for a collaboration between the two rappers, what they got instead was a slow-brewing tension, which ultimately boiled over into one of the most talked-about rap beefs in recent history.

Rumors of tension began to surface when both rappers started sending subliminal shots through their music. In several of her verses, Nicki Minaj made thinly veiled comments about “other” female rappers who were trying to take her crown. While she didn’t name names, many interpreted these lyrics as digs at Remy Ma, who had recently returned to the rap game.

For her part, Remy Ma was vocal in interviews about her desire to reclaim her throne. She spoke confidently about being one of the best female rappers and suggested that the path had been cleared for others (likely referring to Minaj) during her absence. However, the tension remained largely under the surface until 2017, when everything came to a head.

“shETHER”: The Diss Track That Shook the Industry

In February 2017, Remy Ma dropped a diss track titled “shETHER”, a direct attack on Nicki Minaj that sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community. The song was a vicious, seven-minute takedown, where Remy spared no detail in her lyrical assault on Nicki. From accusations of ghostwriters to allegations about her relationships, Remy Ma left nothing off the table.

Lines like, “I killed your career, it’s over / Shether, the reaper, I’m here / And Nicki Minaj is who you ain’t.” instantly grabbed headlines. The diss track sampled Nas’s legendary Jay-Z diss “Ether,” further fueling its impact as a certified rap beef classic. Fans and media outlets immediately jumped into the fray, declaring Remy Ma the victor, at least temporarily, in the ongoing battle.

Nicki Minaj, however, remained relatively quiet in the immediate aftermath, which only intensified the conversation about whether she would respond. The silence led some fans to believe that Remy’s diss had truly gotten under her skin.

The Aftermath and Nicki’s Response

Following the release of “shETHER,” Nicki eventually broke her silence with a series of tracks aimed at Remy, most notably “No Frauds” featuring Lil Wayne and Drake. While “No Frauds” was seen as a more commercial response compared to Remy’s underground-style diss, it still contained plenty of venom aimed at Remy Ma.

Lines like, “What type of bum b*** shoot a friend over a rack? / What type of mother leave her one son over a stack?”* were clear references to Remy’s criminal past and her time in prison. Though Nicki Minaj’s response wasn’t as raw or brutal as “shETHER,” it was a hit song with major commercial success, allowing her to retain her dominance in the mainstream.

Despite the musical responses, it became clear that the tension between the two women went beyond just music. Interviews, social media posts, and comments from their respective camps continued to stoke the flames of their feud, with both sides trading jabs and accusations.

Personal Vendettas and Industry Politics

While fans were drawn to the back-and-forth between Remy Ma and Nicki Minaj, there were also deeper, more personal elements to the beef. Some insiders claimed that the feud was fueled not just by competition, but by personal vendettas and jealousy. Remy Ma had been open about the struggles she faced during her time in prison, watching from behind bars as Nicki Minaj skyrocketed to fame.

Moreover, there was talk about the politics within the music industry. It was speculated that Nicki Minaj had tried to prevent other female rappers, including Remy Ma, from gaining traction in the industry. While these claims were never confirmed, they added another layer of complexity to the already heated rivalry.

In interviews, Remy Ma suggested that she wasn’t just attacking Nicki Minaj for clout, but out of frustration with how she believed Nicki was operating behind the scenes. Remy accused Nicki of trying to block her opportunities and controlling the narrative around female rap.

Current Status: Are They Still Enemies?

As of 2024, the feud between Remy Ma and Nicki Minaj seems to have cooled, but their relationship remains icy. Though they haven’t publicly traded insults in years, there is no indication that they have reconciled or put their differences aside.

In interviews, both women have taken a more diplomatic approach to discussing each other. Nicki Minaj, who has continued to enjoy massive commercial success, has largely refrained from mentioning Remy Ma by name, while Remy has stated in more recent interviews that she is focusing on her own career and personal life, rather than on beefs.

Despite the relative calm, the feud still holds a special place in the history of hip-hop rivalries. Fans continue to speculate whether the two will ever collaborate or if the animosity will reignite, but for now, it seems that both Remy Ma and Nicki Minaj have moved on to other ventures in their careers.

The story of Remy Ma and Nicki Minaj’s feud is a tale of ambition, betrayal, and backstabs that captivated the world of hip-hop for years. While the full extent of their personal grievances may never be known, what is clear is that their rivalry helped shape the landscape of female rap and set the bar for future generations of artists.