Lil’ Kim Confirms Nicki Minaj Diss, Backed by Ray J
The last few weeks have been buzzing with speculation about a feud between Lil’ Kim and Nicki Minaj. Lil’ Kim’s performance in New York last week only fueled the fire when she seemingly threw shade at the rising star of female rap. Now, Kim has confirmed the rumors: she did diss Nicki Minaj during her set. And she’s not alone in her stance—Ray J, who performed with her on stage, publicly backed her up.
In the midst of what has been a rejuvenating time for Lil’ Kim’s career, especially after signing with Roc Nation, the veteran rapper isn’t backing down. She’s preparing to drop her upcoming album, Vintage, and has made it clear she expects younger artists to pay homage to the pioneers who paved the way, herself included. The clash between the two female rappers isn’t just about competition; it’s about respect in the game.
A Growing Feud in Female Rap
Female rap has always been fiercely competitive, and in recent years, Nicki Minaj has taken the spotlight with a string of hits and features with artists like Ludacris and Usher. Many, including Jay-Z and Game, have given her the co-sign as a major force in the industry. But it’s not all love. Several established female rappers, such as Khia and Eve, have voiced issues with the way Minaj is being hailed as the new queen of rap. For Lil’ Kim, it’s not just about being replaced—it’s about what she sees as a lack of respect from the newer generation.
At her performance at the Fillmore in New York City, Lil’ Kim didn’t shy away from letting the world know how she feels. In the middle of her set, during the fan-favorite “Crush On You,” Kim removed a pink wig she was wearing—one that bore a striking resemblance to Nicki Minaj’s colorful wigs—and threw it into the crowd. “They can have it,” she declared. The message was clear: she’s moving past the imitation, but not without calling it out first.
Ray J performed “Wait a Minute” with Kim that night. He took the opportunity to speak his mind as well. “I’m seeing a lot of Lil’ Kim impostors,” he stated on stage, alluding to Minaj without directly naming her. Ray J called Lil’ Kim the greatest female rapper ever. Kim wound up saying, “We love her, we just want her to pay homage.”
Lil’ Kim’s Call for Respect
Lil’ Kim has made it clear that her frustration with Nicki Minaj isn’t just about the younger artist’s success. During her interview with Kendra G, she expressed her belief that every female artist in the game should respect the pioneers. According to Kim, she’s tried to embrace new female rappers, but feels that some—like Minaj—try to step over her legacy without acknowledging it.
Lil’ Kim’s comments about Nicki Minaj reflect her experience in the industry and her belief that new artists need to recognize where the inspiration comes from. “I’ve been doing this for years, and all I ask for is a little respect,” she said during the interview. “If you’re going to swagger jack my style, at least acknowledge me, don’t act like you created it.”
The diss was less about Minaj’s talent and more about the attitude Kim perceives from her younger peer. According to Kim, Nicki has subtly dissed her in interviews and on social media, and that’s where the issue lies. “Everybody knows where this came from,” Kim said, referencing her pink wig. “If you don’t pay homage, then f*** you.”
A Strategic Move for Lil’ Kim?
With the exception of “Dancing With The Stars,” Lil’ Kim has been out of the spotlight for a few years. So, this feud has certainly put her back in the headlines. Some believe that Kim, who has been relatively quiet since the mid-2000s, is using this beef as a way to reignite her career. With her Vintage album in the works, this public clash with one of the industry’s hottest stars could be the fuel she needs to get back into the public eye.
Nicki Minaj, for her part, has remained relatively silent on the matter. She hasn’t addressed Lil’ Kim directly. Also, she has made it clear she isn’t interested in feuding with the older rapper. For Minaj, her career is on a meteoric rise. So, there’s little to gain by getting drawn into a public beef. Instead, she’s continued to focus on her music. This includes her recent collaborations and the promotion of her upcoming debut album Pink Friday.
Ray J’s Role in the Beef
Ray J’s involvement in the feud adds another layer of intrigue to the story. The singer and reality TV star has long been associated with Lil’ Kim. As a result, his support for her comes as no surprise to those familiar with their history. On stage at the Fillmore, Ray J took the opportunity to show his loyalty to Kim, but also to make a point about the state of female rap. “I’m just saying, we need to respect where it all started,” he said.
His remarks have stirred up more conversations about whether or not Nicki Minaj has paid proper respect to the pioneers who came before her. While Minaj’s fans have quickly defended their favorite rapper, pointing to her unique style and contributions to the genre, Lil’ Kim’s camp feels that the younger artist is overlooking those who laid the groundwork.
What’s Next for Lil’ Kim and Nicki Minaj?
As Lil’ Kim prepares to release Vintage, the question remains whether this feud will continue or fizzle out. For now, Kim seems focused on her music and on reclaiming her spot in the industry. Nicki Minaj, on the other hand, continues to enjoy massive success, seemingly unbothered by the feud.
For fans of both artists, the ongoing tension adds an extra layer of excitement to the female rap scene. Whether or not Nicki responds to Kim directly remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure—Lil’ Kim isn’t going anywhere, and she’s making sure people remember her name.
