Safaree Samuels, the rapper and Love & Hip-Hop star, recently opened up on the We In Miami podcast, sharing raw insights into one of the most challenging times of his life—the aftermath of his breakup with Nicki Minaj and her subsequent relationship with fellow rapper Meek Mill. In a candid teaser for the episode, Safaree recounted how this period felt like a “dark time” for him, touching on both the personal and professional struggles he faced as he navigated life in the shadow of his high-profile ex and her new partner.
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For years, Safaree was known as Nicki’s supportive partner, standing by her side as she rose to stardom. However, their breakup, followed by Nicki’s relationship with Meek, thrust him into a period of isolation and industry backlash, leaving him to rebuild his image and career against all odds. Here’s a closer look at Safaree’s reflections, the impact of Nicki’s new relationship with Meek, and the lasting effects of his time away from the spotlight.
Navigating a ‘Dark Time’ in the Shadow of Nicki and Meek’s Romance
Safaree did not hold back when discussing the turmoil he endured after his split from Nicki and her subsequent relationship with Meek Mill. “When me and Nicki first broke up and she got with Meek, they were, like, the biggest in the world,” he recalled. “We was all beefing and sht. You gotta think about—I had two of the biggest people in the world against me. Nobody wanted to be next to me. Nobody wanted to work with me or none of that sht. So it just made everything hard and that sh*t that was a dark time for me.”
Safaree’s words paint a picture of a man who felt isolated, facing not only the emotional pain of a breakup but also the weight of an industry that seemingly turned its back on him. Once closely associated with Nicki’s success, Safaree found himself cast aside, with many in the entertainment world distancing themselves in favor of Nicki and Meek. This “dark time” he described was marked by feelings of rejection and a struggle to maintain a foothold in the music world as he worked to redefine his identity.
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Industry Fallout and Struggles Post-Split
After the split, Safaree faced harsh backlash from Nicki’s fanbase and from industry insiders who were quick to side with her and Meek Mill. He admitted to feeling as if he had become a pariah, with no one willing to associate with him or give him the support he needed to stay afloat in the industry. Reflecting on this, he said, “I’m not even gonna sugarcoat sh*t. Her fans and certain people just wanted it to be like, ‘Okay, they not together no more. F**k him, let it be nothing. Let him disintegrate, let him disappear, whatever.’”
The fallout was difficult for Safaree, who not only had to contend with the end of a long-term relationship but also had to fight against a wave of negativity that seemed determined to erase him from the industry. At the time, Nicki and Meek’s relationship was a major focus of media attention, and their star power eclipsed Safaree’s attempts to carve out a solo career. This wave of public opinion and the fervent support for Nicki and Meek left Safaree in a precarious position, facing an uphill battle to reclaim his place in the music scene.
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Overcoming Adversity and Building Resilience
Though he was initially knocked down by the impact of the split, Safaree made it clear that he refused to let the negativity define him. “But nine, 10 years later—10, 15 TV shows later, a lot of music out later, doors up later—I’m still here,” he pointed out. “Some people don’t like that. They’re like, ‘Damn, why are nias still paying attention to this nia?’”
Safaree’s statement highlights his resilience and determination to keep going despite the challenges he faced. From making appearances on numerous television shows to releasing his own music, he has managed to stay relevant and maintain a career in the public eye. His ongoing presence in the industry is a testament to his ability to overcome adversity, and his willingness to speak out about these experiences reveals a man who has emerged stronger from the hardships he endured.
Revisiting the Role of Meek Mill in the Breakup
Safaree’s journey hasn’t been without its share of controversies and moments of regret. Back in 2016, during an interview with Rap-Up, he directly attributed part of the reason for his and Nicki’s breakup to Meek Mill. “He definitely was a big part as to why me and Nicki broke up,” he said at the time. Though he did not elaborate further, his comments hinted at the complex dynamics that had led to the end of his relationship with the Pink Friday 2 star.
Their breakup and Nicki’s subsequent relationship with Meek set off a wave of emotions that played out publicly and often controversially. During the same year, both Safaree and Meek took their frustrations to X (formerly Twitter), where they traded barbs in a series of not-so-subtle jabs. Safaree tweeted, “You ever see a pic of some1 you use to deal with and wanna send that ‘wyd bighead’ text i hate yall #stuntgang,” which many saw as a thinly veiled reference to Nicki. Meek responded with a Snapchat post captioned “Hey bighead” alongside a crying emoji, further fueling speculation. Safaree followed up, downplaying his initial tweet but noting, “It’s funny to see how much control I have over ppl I don’t know… I do this for yall! thx 4 the love #stuntgang.”
Jealousy and the Nas Incident in “Right By My Side”
Safaree also shared a story about another painful moment he experienced during his relationship with Nicki, one that involved rapper Nas. In Nicki’s 2012 music video for “Right By My Side,” she shared an on-screen kiss with Nas, and Safaree later admitted on the Keep It a Stack podcast that this scene hurt him deeply. “You wanna know what’s so crazy? I didn’t know it happened until the video came out,” he shared. “Ni**a, I was hurt. When that sh*t happened, I was hurt.”
He went on to describe how he had been present on set that day, only to step away for a short time—an unfortunate moment that led him to miss the filming of the scene. Reflecting on the experience, he said, “I was there the whole day so I was like, ‘Damn. Did that happen when I left to go? I must’ve left for like an hour, two hours and I think that’s when that scene happened, yo.’” His reaction reveals the level of emotional investment he had in his relationship with Nicki, as well as the pain that can come from such deeply personal moments.
Safaree Today: A Story of Survival and Success
Years after the tumultuous breakup and his struggles in the industry, Safaree has carved out his own path and established a successful career. From his appearances on Love & Hip-Hop to his own music releases, he has proven that he can stand on his own and move past the “dark time” he once described. Though the fallout from his relationship with Nicki and her romance with Meek left lasting scars, he has ultimately emerged as a resilient figure in the entertainment world.
Safaree’s story is one of survival and self-discovery. His willingness to open up about the darkest periods of his life reveals the strength it takes to overcome personal and professional setbacks. In his words, “Some people don’t like that. They’re like, ‘Damn, why are nias still paying attention to this nia?’” But as he continues to thrive and move forward, Safaree is a testament to the power of resilience, proving that even in the face of hardship, it’s possible to come out stronger on the other side.
As he reflects on these experiences, Safaree’s journey offers fans a window into the complex emotional landscape of fame, heartbreak, and the quest for self-identity. For him, life after Nicki has been about reclaiming his independence, finding success on his own terms, and learning that sometimes, the darkest times can lead to the brightest chapters.
