It’s no secret that the music industry can get dramatic, and SZA is the latest artist to find herself in the middle of online chatter. After a public spat involving Nicki Minaj and SZA’s manager, the singer is setting the record straight, emphasizing her lack of connection to Minaj and explaining her neutral stance on the highly publicized Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake beef.
No Connection to Nicki Minaj
The drama kicked off when Nicki Minaj publicly accused SZA’s manager, Terrence “Punch” Henderson of TDE, of bullying her. Known for her candid rants on X (formerly Twitter), Minaj’s accusations led to a few replies from SZA before she decided to step back. In a recent interview with GQ, SZA insisted that there’s no personal history or connection between her and Minaj.
“I don’t know her,” SZA stated in the interview. “We have no connection to each other. There’s no backstory. Like, there was no through line narrative. It was just like, ‘Roc Nation’…. I don’t know where it came from. That’s not even my place to correct a narrative that I don’t got s*it to do with. It was a little strange. It was very like, ‘Why?’ But also, you know, ‘I guess.’” Her comments suggest she was pulled into the situation unexpectedly.
Staying Neutral in the Kendrick vs. Drake Beef
SZA also took the opportunity to address her relationship with Kendrick Lamar and Drake. As a longtime friend and collaborator of Kendrick Lamar, and having toured with him following the intense back-and-forth with Drake, many fans speculated about her allegiances. However, SZA clarified that she maintains friendships with both artists.
“It was something between two grown-ass men, so why would I insert myself between something between two grown-ass men, you know?,” she explained. “And I feel like that’s how everybody felt — with the exception of people who didn’t feel that way. I didn’t really have any stake, per se. Obviously, I love Kendrick. I’m signed to TDE. That’s my family. Obviously, I’ve known Drake for so long and we have a beautiful rapport. And, obviously, it’s always unfortunate when the unfortunate occurs.”
Performing Collaborations Amidst Feuds
When asked about performing her Drake collaboration, “Rich Baby Daddy,” during Kendrick Lamar’s Grand National Tour, SZA defended her decision. She pointed out that “Poetic Justice,” a song featuring Drake, was also on the setlist. “Why wouldn’t I?” she questioned. “‘Poetic Justice’ was in the set list. So why wouldn’t I keep ‘Rich Baby Daddy’? I don’t know why I wouldn’t be celebrating some s*it that I ate up.” Her stance emphasizes her desire to focus on her music and collaborations without getting entangled in external conflicts.
- SZA denies knowing Nicki Minaj personally, despite a recent online feud involving her manager.
- She stated there is “no backstory” and “no connection” between her and Minaj.
- SZA clarified her neutral position on the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake beef, calling it a conflict between “two grown-ass men.”
- She affirmed her friendships with both Kendrick Lamar and Drake.
- SZA defended performing her Drake collaboration “Rich Baby Daddy” on Kendrick’s tour.
What do you think about SZA’s comments on the Nicki Minaj feud and the Kendrick vs. Drake situation? Do you agree with her decision to stay neutral? Share your thoughts in the comments below!