Nicki Minaj Praises Female Rappers and Criticizes Spotify: “I Truly Love Them As Artists and People”

Nicki Minaj, the Trinidadian rap icon, is once again making headlines—not just for her music but for her candid remarks about the state of female rap and her contentious relationship with Spotify. During a revealing interview with Joe Budden, the Young Money queen shared her thoughts on the evolution of the female rap game, her admiration for fellow artists, and the misconceptions about her career longevity. True to form, Nicki didn’t hold back, blending sincerity with sharp commentary, and leaving fans and critics alike with much to unpack.

“I Truly Love These Women”: Nicki Minaj on Female Rappers

Nicki Minaj’s career has often been framed by comparisons to other female rappers, a narrative she’s both embraced and challenged. In her sit-down with Joe Budden, the rap legend took a moment to clarify her feelings about her peers, stating that her love for female rappers goes beyond competition or public perception.

“There’s a lot of female rappers that I really, really, really actually love,” she shared earnestly. “Like, as an artist and as a person.” Nicki explained that the current generation of female MCs has not only inspired her but also brought new energy and creativity to the industry.

However, she was quick to steer the conversation away from negativity. “What I don’t want this to turn into, honestly, even though I like being funny and stuff, I don’t want this to turn into bashing female rappers, to be honest. So let me reel back for a second,” she added.

For Nicki, it’s not about dividing or comparing but acknowledging the unique contributions each artist brings to the table. This sentiment is particularly striking given her history as one of the most dominant figures in female rap—a role that often put her at odds with peers in an industry that previously seemed only capable of spotlighting one woman at a time.

A Complicated Legacy in Female Rap

Nicki Minaj’s career trajectory reflects both her monumental achievements and the pressures of being at the top. As the most prominent female rapper of her era, she carried the mantle alone for years, becoming a symbol of resilience and excellence. In the process, however, she faced criticism and scrutiny that few other artists have endured.

During her conversation with Budden, Nicki touched on the misconception that her success depends on the absence of others. This narrative, fueled by detractors over the years, has often tried to paint her as a gatekeeper who thrives only when competition is scarce.

Nicki and her alter ego Roman—a theatrical persona that fans know well—addressed these criticisms humorously but firmly. Roman mocked those who question her relevance or suggest she’s only successful when others “don’t drop.”

As Joe Budden pointed out, this narrative ignores the immense impact Nicki has had on hip-hop and the doors she’s opened for future generations of female artists. Today, with multiple women dominating the charts simultaneously, Nicki’s legacy as a trailblazer is more evident than ever.

Nicki Minaj Calls Out Spotify

Nicki’s interview wasn’t all praise and reflection—she also had sharp words for Spotify. The rapper criticized the streaming giant for what she perceives as a lack of proper acknowledgment and respect for her contributions to hip-hop. This is not the first time Nicki has clashed with Spotify; in the past, she’s accused the platform of underhanded practices, such as manipulating playlists and streams to favor other artists.

While she didn’t go into specifics during the interview, her comments reignited discussions among fans about how streaming platforms treat legacy artists. For someone of Nicki’s stature—widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time—the lack of consistent recognition from such a major player in the industry feels like a glaring oversight to her devoted fanbase, the Barbz.

Celebrating the Current Female Rap Renaissance

Despite her frustrations, Nicki remains optimistic about the state of female rap. She celebrated the diversity of talent in the current landscape, pointing out how today’s artists are rewriting the rules and expanding the genre’s reach.

“Female rappers right now… are even inspiring me, you know what I’m saying?” she admitted. This acknowledgment from someone of Nicki’s caliber is significant, as it underscores her willingness to evolve alongside the industry she helped shape.

Artists like Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, Latto, and others are carving their own paths, and Nicki seems genuinely excited about what they bring to the table. Rather than viewing them as competitors, she sees them as collaborators in pushing the culture forward.

A Lasting Legacy

Nicki Minaj’s interview with Joe Budden serves as a reminder of her enduring impact on hip-hop. Whether addressing her love for fellow female rappers, defending her legacy, or calling out industry giants like Spotify, Nicki continues to stand as a powerful voice in music.

Her candidness about her relationship with the current generation of artists, paired with her acknowledgment of their influence on her, shows a side of Nicki that fans may not often see. It’s a reminder that even the most iconic figures are constantly learning, growing, and finding inspiration in others.

As fans celebrate her honesty and humor, one thing is clear: Nicki Minaj’s place in hip-hop is not only secure but thriving. Whether she’s uplifting others, creating music that breaks records, or challenging industry norms, she remains an unstoppable force—and a queen in her own right.

What are your thoughts on Nicki Minaj’s comments about female rappers and Spotify? Do you agree that she’s the GOAT of her era? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned for more updates on Nicki Minaj and everything happening in the world of hip-hop.