Fat Joe sides with Lil’ Kim over Nicki Minaj
Fat Joe Supports Lil’ Kim vs. Nicki Minaj: “She’s a Legend, Pay Homage”
As the heated war of words from Lil’ Kim towards Nicki Minaj continues to divide fans and stir debate across hip hop, one of the culture’s elder statesmen is making his position known. Fat Joe is giving his support to Lil’ Kim. Also, he’s not holding back. The Bronx-bred rapper, known for his longstanding friendship with the Queen Bee, is standing firmly in her corner. So, he’s urging Nicki Minaj to acknowledge the legacy she’s benefiting from.
In a recent VladTV interview, Fat Joe praises Minaj’s talent and rising stardom, but insists that paying homage to those who paved the way—especially someone like Lil’ Kim—is not only respectful, it’s necessary.
Fat Joe Calls Lil’ Kim a “Living Legend”
Speaking candidly about the brewing feud, Fat Joe doesn’t deny Nicki Minaj’s talent, calling her “super dope,” “sexy,” and “fly.” He even says, “She’s got it all,” and credits her fashion and presence as top-tier. But for Joe, that’s exactly why giving credit to Lil’ Kim matters more than ever.
“Nicki Minaj needs to pay homage,” Joe says. “What’s wrong with saying, ‘Yo, Kim is dope’? She’s the sht. Everybody knows that. She’s a real btch, a living legend. She was down with Notorious B.I.G.—why wouldn’t you big her up?”
Fat Joe’s comments echo the sentiments of many longtime hip hop fans who feel that Nicki Minaj’s style, delivery, and image borrow heavily from Kim’s trailblazing blueprint.
The Homage Debate in Hip Hop
At the heart of the Lil’ Kim vs. Nicki Minaj drama is a generational rift. Kim believes Minaj has adopted elements of her persona without giving proper credit. From fashion-forward music videos to bold lyricism, fans and critics alike have noted the similarities.
Lil’ Kim herself has voiced her frustration on numerous occasions. However, she’s saying that all she wants is respect.
“If you’re gonna swagger jack somebody and take their style, at least pay the respect and the homage,” Kim told Kendra G. “All I ask for is to be respected.”
According to Kim, her efforts to embrace new artists have often been met with betrayal once they taste success. She says she’s tired of being overlooked by artists who benefited from the door she opened.
Nicki Minaj Stands Her Ground
While Kim and her supporters call for acknowledgment, Nicki Minaj has remained largely unbothered, publicly brushing off the jabs. Meanwhile, Drake is calling Kim out for her comments. Meanwhile, Nicki has made it clear she has no intention of engaging with negativity, focusing instead on building her brand through her work with Young Money, and standout singles like “Your Love” and “Massive Attack.”
Minaj’s Young Money labelmate Drake has defended her stance, saying the repeated calls for homage feel insecure.
“You don’t have to get on stage and announce your presence,” Drake said. “That’s a given. I watched Nicki pay homage time and time again, and I just didn’t respect [Kim] getting on stage and making demands.”
Drake’s comments add another layer to the dispute, suggesting that true legends command respect without having to ask for it.
50 Cent Believes There’s More Behind Kim’s Frustration
Adding fuel to the fire, 50 Cent recently weighed in, stating he believes Kim’s anger isn’t solely directed at Nicki Minaj, but rooted in larger industry frustrations.
“I think it’s other things irritating Kim,” 50 told Lady La. “Nicki’s momentum shouldn’t offend anyone. I think it’s probably more irritating to see Puffy standing next to Nicki… because his music sucks right now.”
For 50, the issue may be less about artistry and more about positioning—seeing key industry players align themselves with Nicki while seemingly leaving Kim behind.
Joe’s Loyalty to Kim Runs Deep
For Fat Joe, this isn’t just a passing opinion—it’s personal. He and Lil’ Kim have a shared history that stretches back more than a decade. The two collaborated on multiple tracks, including the 2009 single “Porn Star” from Jealous Ones Still Envy 2 (J.O.S.E. 2). Joe has also stood by Kim during her past conflicts, including her high-profile feud with 50 Cent.
Though Fat Joe maintains close ties with Young Money artists like Lil Wayne and Drake, he remains loyal to Kim, proving that respecting relationships is more important than industry politics.
“I still say KRS-One is my idol. I still say LL Cool J is my idol,” Joe said. “There’s nothing wrong with giving people their flowers.”
His point is clear: being confident in your own talent doesn’t mean you can’t show appreciation to those who came before you.
No Diss Records, Just Real Talk
Despite his firm stance, Fat Joe has no interest in fueling the feud further through music. He makes it clear that he won’t be dropping a diss record aimed at Nicki Minaj. Instead, his focus remains on promoting his own work.
Joe is gearing up for the release of his next album, The Darkside Vol. 1, which drops July 13, 2010. The project marks a return to his gritty, hardcore roots and features appearances from Lil Wayne, Cam’ron, Clipse, and R. Kelly, among others.
“This album is for the streets,” Joe said in an earlier interview. “I’m giving people that real Fat Joe—the raw, uncensored version.”
In short, Joe is letting his music speak for itself, even as the drama between Kim and Nicki continues to dominate headlines.
The Bigger Picture: A Culture Divided
The clash between Lil’ Kim and Nicki Minaj is about more than two artists—it reflects a larger conversation within hip hop about legacy, influence, and acknowledgment. While fans on both sides argue passionately, figures like Fat Joe represent a bridge between generations, reminding younger artists to respect the paths carved out before them.
As the debate rages on, one thing is certain: Lil’ Kim’s impact on hip hop is undeniable. Whether Nicki Minaj ever explicitly says it or not, the blueprint is there. And Fat Joe’s public support solidifies her position as a foundational voice in female rap history.