Nicki Minaj’s verse on Young Money’Lil Wayne, Drake, Tyga, and more, is a fan favorite. So when Latto, who has been vocal about her admiration for Minaj in the past, performed the verse during an Instagram Live session, it didn’t take long for the clip to go viral. However, the reception was far from unanimous, as fans and critics alike took to social media to weigh in on what her actions might mean.
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The Complex History Between Latto and Nicki Minaj
Latto has publicly praised Nicki Minaj’s music throughout her career, acknowledging her as an influence and an icon. Yet, there have been subtle tensions between the two that date back to a now-infamous Twitter spat in 2022. During a heated exchange, Latto was accused of “age-shaming” Nicki, and the two rappers have since had an icy relationship. Latto was also criticized for reportedly recording a private phone call between her and Minaj during the dispute, which didn’t sit well with Nicki’s loyal fanbase, the Barbz.
The feud reached its peak when Latto’s fans pointed out that Nicki had seemingly taken issue with Latto’s song being classified in a different Grammy category than hers. In a now-deleted tweet, Nicki expressed frustration over the Grammy Awards’ genre categorization, and while she didn’t directly call out Latto, the subtext was clear. Latto responded, and the situation quickly escalated into a back-and-forth that left fans choosing sides.
However, despite the bad blood between them, Latto has never shied away from expressing her respect for Nicki’s contributions to the genre. Her decision to rap the verse from “Bedrock” seemed like a nod to Minaj’s influence on her, but not everyone saw it that way.
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Social Media Reacts: Praise, Criticism, and Speculation
Latto’s Instagram Live performance of Nicki Minaj’s verse sparked a flurry of reactions, with fans divided over what her intentions might have been. Some saw it as a sign of admiration, while others viewed it as disingenuous, given their past issues.
One user on the app formerly known as Twitter expressed disappointment, saying, “‘Latto is real asf for rapping a Nicki Minaj verse’ Actually NO, Latto talked about Nicki’s family, recorded a private phone call, and age-shamed her. Y’all remember what Nicki said? ‘Sealed your fate, if you ever hated on the family.’” This tweet was echoed by others who felt that Latto’s public tribute to Minaj’s music was hypocritical, considering their previous beef.
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On the other hand, some fans came to Latto’s defense, pointing out that her performance of the verse was likely just a genuine show of respect for an artist she has admired for years. “Latto has always said she loves Nicki’s music,” one fan wrote. “Just because they’ve had issues doesn’t mean she can’t appreciate her art.”
The mixed reactions didn’t stop there. Azealia Banks, another outspoken figure in the hip-hop community, also chimed in on the situation. Known for her no-holds-barred opinions, Banks took a surprisingly diplomatic approach, saying, “Ya know, it’s like let ME just be nice to the girls who love me and embrace them and collab with them. Because I just like I think Nicki is an icon completely deserving of all the love and praise she gets.” Banks, who has also had her share of feuds with Nicki in the past, seemed to suggest that both Latto and Minaj could benefit from letting go of the drama and supporting one another.
A Possible Turning Point?
Latto’s appreciation for Nicki Minaj’s music has always been clear, but it remains to be seen how Minaj herself will react to this viral moment. Nicki has never been one to hold back when she feels disrespected, and her relationship with Latto has already seen its fair share of public tension. However, this latest incident could represent an opportunity for the two to either bury the hatchet or further escalate their ongoing cold war.
As of now, Nicki Minaj has yet to publicly comment on Latto’s performance of her verse, but given her track record, it’s possible that she could address the situation in an upcoming interview or through social media. Fans are already speculating on whether the “Anaconda” emcee will see Latto’s gesture as an olive branch or just another instance of her trying to gain attention through Nicki’s name.
Regardless of how Minaj reacts, it’s clear that Latto’s gesture has reignited interest in their complicated relationship. As two of the most prominent female rappers in the industry, their dynamic continues to be a hot topic among fans and media outlets alike.
Latto’s Busy Year: The “Sugar Honey Iced Tea Tour” and “Rhythm + Flow”
Despite the controversy, Latto’s career shows no signs of slowing down. She recently kicked off her “Sugar Honey Iced Tea Tour,” which features rising stars Mariah The Scientist and KARRAHBOOO as supporting acts. The tour has been met with positive reviews, with fans praising Latto’s energy and stage presence. Her setlist includes hits like “Big Energy” and “Put It on Da Floor Again,” further solidifying her place as one of the hottest artists in the game.
In addition to her tour, Latto was also announced as one of the judges for the new season of Netflix’s “Rhythm + Flow.” Joining Ludacris and DJ Khaled on the judging panel, Latto will help uncover the next big hip-hop star. The show, which first premiered in 2019, is returning for a second season with a star-studded lineup of guest judges, including GloRilla, Big Sean, Busta Rhymes, and Remy Ma. This new role is a significant milestone for Latto, as it positions her as not just an artist but a tastemaker in the industry.
Latto’s decision to rap Nicki Minaj’s verse from “Bedrock” has undoubtedly stirred the pot, reigniting discussions about their complicated relationship. While some fans are hopeful that this moment could lead to reconciliation, others remain skeptical. For now, the ball is in Nicki Minaj’s court. Will she see Latto’s performance as a sign of respect or view it as another attempt to capitalize on their drama?
One thing is certain: both Latto and Nicki Minaj are powerhouses in their own right, and their influence on the rap game is undeniable. Whether their relationship remains strained or they eventually find common ground, their impact on hip-hop will continue to be felt for years to come. Fans will be watching closely to see what happens next in this ongoing saga, as Latto’s career continues to rise and Nicki Minaj remains firmly seated on her throne as one of the queens of rap.
