Where’s the Loyalty? Lil Wayne & Drake Called Out for Staying Silent on Nicki Minaj’s Grammy Snub

The announcement of the 2025 Grammy nominations has ignited passionate debates across social media, with fans and industry insiders weighing in on both the highlights and omissions. While artists like Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar have been celebrated for their impressive number of nominations, the glaring absence of Nicki Minaj from the list has caused an uproar among her loyal fanbase, the Barbz. Despite the commercial success of her highly anticipated album Pink Friday 2, Minaj did not receive a single nomination, leading to heated discussions about fairness, loyalty, and the politics of the Recording Academy.

Among the voices speaking out was Capella Grey, who stirred the pot further by seemingly calling out Nicki’s long-time collaborators, Lil Wayne and Drake, for their lack of public support following the snub. His comments quickly went viral, sparking a major debate about loyalty in the music industry.

Nicki Minaj’s Grammy Snub: A Familiar Story

The absence of nominations for Pink Friday 2 is not an unfamiliar narrative for Nicki Minaj, who has had a tumultuous history with the Grammys. Despite being one of the most influential and successful rappers of her generation, Minaj has yet to secure a Grammy win, a fact that continues to baffle her fans. Her groundbreaking contributions to hip-hop, including chart-topping hits and record-breaking achievements, have repeatedly been overlooked by the Recording Academy.

This year, the exclusion of Pink Friday 2 felt particularly glaring. The album received critical acclaim and performed well commercially, cementing Minaj’s status as a hip-hop powerhouse. For the Barbz, the lack of recognition for their queen is nothing short of a travesty, and they’ve taken to social media to voice their frustration. Many fans are not only holding the Recording Academy accountable but also calling out Nicki’s peers for failing to rally around her in moments of injustice.

Capella Grey’s Criticism of Lil Wayne and Drake

Adding fuel to the fire, Capella Grey, known for his hit “Gyalis,” took to Twitter (now X) to express his thoughts on the situation. In a post that quickly gained traction, Grey appeared to call out Lil Wayne and Drake, both of whom have long-standing ties to Minaj, for not publicly defending her following the Grammy snub.

“Drake and Wayne can’t act so clueless when it comes to loyalty all the time,” Grey wrote. “Now I see why shorty be so tight ngl. She risking her whole reputation on rants to defend them, & their response really be ‘lol I’m neutral chill’ when it’s on the [reverse]. Maybe New Yorkers just move different? … Yea idk.”

Grey’s post struck a nerve, with fans rushing to both defend and criticize his take. On one side, some agreed with his sentiments, arguing that Lil Wayne and Drake, who have benefited from Nicki’s unwavering support over the years, should reciprocate that loyalty. On the other hand, critics questioned whether Nicki herself had always been loyal to her collaborators, suggesting that the perceived lack of support might not be entirely one-sided.

Backtracking Amid Backlash

The backlash to Capella Grey’s comments was swift, and it wasn’t long before the artist attempted to walk back his statement. In a follow-up tweet, Grey wrote, “Ma fault. I ain’t know the disloyalty was so both ways. Lemme just stay outta people’s business on Twitter.” This acknowledgment of the complexities in Nicki’s relationships with her peers didn’t stop the ongoing debate, but it did show Grey’s willingness to step back from the fray.

His initial comments, however, had already sparked larger questions about loyalty in the music industry. Should artists like Lil Wayne and Drake, who owe part of their legacy to their collaborations with Nicki, publicly support her in times of controversy? Or is their silence justified, particularly in an industry where personal and professional relationships often blur?

The Double-Edged Sword of Loyalty in Hip-Hop

Nicki Minaj has long been known for her loyalty to her collaborators, often going to great lengths to defend them publicly. From her early days with Young Money, where she built her career alongside Lil Wayne and Drake, to her recent controversies, Nicki has consistently been vocal in supporting those she believes in. However, loyalty in the music industry can be a double-edged sword, with expectations often running high and the risks of public association just as steep.

For Lil Wayne and Drake, their silence may not necessarily indicate a lack of support but rather a strategic choice to stay out of public disputes. Both artists have their own careers and reputations to protect, and public comments on such a contentious issue could potentially backfire. However, their neutrality in this instance has left many fans questioning the strength of their bond with Nicki.

Industry Politics and the Grammy Debate

The Grammy snub has also reignited broader discussions about the Recording Academy’s treatment of hip-hop and its lack of recognition for artists who push boundaries. Over the years, many hip-hop icons, including Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., and Snoop Dogg, have faced similar snubs, leading to accusations of bias against the genre. For Nicki Minaj, the lack of nominations for Pink Friday 2 feels like yet another example of this ongoing issue.

Fans argue that Nicki’s contributions to the genre, her trailblazing impact on female rappers, and her consistent chart success should make her a Grammy frontrunner. The fact that newer artists like Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion have won Grammys early in their careers only adds to the perception that Nicki has been unjustly overlooked.

Moving Forward: Nicki Minaj’s Legacy

Despite the lack of Grammy recognition, Nicki Minaj’s legacy in hip-hop remains undeniable. She has paved the way for countless female rappers, broken records, and redefined what it means to be a woman in the male-dominated world of hip-hop. For many fans, her influence and success far outweigh the validation of a Grammy award.

As for the debate sparked by Capella Grey, it highlights the complexities of loyalty and relationships in the music industry. While fans may expect unwavering support from Lil Wayne and Drake, the reality is that loyalty in such a competitive and public field is rarely straightforward. Whether or not they choose to defend Nicki publicly, her contributions to their shared legacy are undeniable.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Grammy nominations have brought both celebration and controversy, but the ongoing discourse around Nicki Minaj’s snub reflects deeper issues within the music industry. As fans continue to rally behind her, Nicki’s resilience and dedication to her craft remain unwavering. Whether or not the Grammys ever acknowledge her contributions, her place in hip-hop history is secure. For now, the Barbz will keep fighting for their queen, and the conversation around loyalty and recognition in the industry will continue.