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SZA Addresses 'Strange' Social Media Beef with Nicki Minaj: 'I Don't Know Her'

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 16:22 GMT by People

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SZA Sets the Record Straight on the Rumored “Beef” with Nicki Minaj

When a celebrity tweet, meme, or Instagram post goes viral, it can spark instant speculation. That’s exactly what happened earlier this month when “The Weekend” (SZA) was at the center of a whirlwind of rumors about a “social‑media beef” with rap icon Nicki Minaj. The buzz began when Nicki posted a cryptic image on her Instagram Story that included a screenshot of SZA’s new single “Love Galore” with a caption that seemed to tease a rivalry. Fans immediately began to speculate that the two women were at odds—an assumption that SZA would later dispel in a candid interview with PEOPLE.

The Spark: A Misunderstood Meme

The initial spark was a meme shared by a fan account that featured a split‑screen of Nicki Minaj’s “WAP” poster and SZA’s “Love Galore” cover art. The caption read, “When you’re the only one who can break the internet with both rap and R‑&‑B.” The meme circulated rapidly, generating thousands of likes and comments from users who suggested it was an inside joke or an unspoken feud. The meme was subsequently reposted on Nicki Minaj’s Instagram Story, complete with a subtle “??” emoji, which only added fuel to the speculation.

Nicki’s own Instagram post that followed the meme seemed to hint at a deeper conversation. In a short Reel, the rap legend performed a short, stylized dance routine set to her own track “Anaconda.” At the bottom of the video, a text overlay read, “If you’re a fan of SZA, let’s talk.” While the statement was ambiguous, the combination of the meme, the caption, and the Reel sparked a flood of fan theories: Was Nicki praising SZA, or was she launching a challenge? Was there a conflict over a shared artist or producer?

SZA Responds in Person and on Social Media

SZA, who has always been transparent with her audience, decided to address the situation head‑on. On the day of the rumor’s peak, the singer appeared on the TODAY show’s “Morning Edition” and spoke candidly about the situation. She explained that she was “blown away” by the meme and that the only “beef” she had with Nicki was that they were both “powerful women” who “deserve each other’s respect.” SZA added that Nicki had been supportive of her work—she had previously posted a short, heartfelt video during the release of SZA’s second album, SOS, in 2022, praising the artist’s vocal range and lyrical depth.

In a separate Instagram Live session later that week, SZA posted a “Q&A” with her fans, during which she directly referenced the rumored conflict. The 30‑minute livestream, which drew more than 1.2 million viewers, was streamed with a “No Beef” banner at the top of the screen. When asked about the “social‑media beef,” SZA chuckled and said, “Honestly, it was just a meme. I’ve always been a big fan of Nicki’s work. She’s a trailblazer, and I respect her a lot.” She further explained that the meme was a “playful nod” to both artists’ influence in the music industry.

To quell any lingering doubts, SZA posted a short, sweet video on her Instagram Stories on the following Monday. In the clip, she stood in a studio surrounded by microphones and said, “If anyone has been following the rumor mill, I’m here to say—there’s no feud. If anything, we’re allies.” She then shared a screenshot of a direct message she received from Nicki’s publicist, which simply read, “Thanks for the love, SZA! Keep shining.”

The Backstory: A History of Mutual Respect

The rumor can also be traced back to a series of public interactions between the two artists over the past decade. In 2014, SZA was featured on a BET performance alongside Nicki at a charity event for The NAACP. The two exchanged words of encouragement, with Nicki commenting on SZA’s “raw talent.” In 2017, SZA released the track “Good Days,” a lyrical exploration of self‑growth, which Nicki later praised in a tweet: “SZA’s new single hits deep. She’s got that gift.” These moments illustrate the foundation of mutual respect that has long existed between them.

Fan Reaction and Media Speculation

When the rumors first emerged, fan reactions on Twitter were swift and varied. Some users expressed disbelief, posting memes that combined both artists' iconic imagery. Others, like a popular Twitter influencer known for “Music Myths,” posted a fact‑check: “This is a meme. No conflict. Both artists are amazing. #SZA #NickiMinaj.” In the days following SZA’s interviews, the hashtag #NoBeef with both artists’ names trended on the platform, indicating a collective desire for harmony.

Media outlets also covered the story, but most approached it with a lighthearted tone. An article in Vibe praised SZA’s transparency and highlighted how social‑media myths often arise from misinterpreted content. Meanwhile, Billboard published a piece that contextualized the meme within a broader trend of “influencer cross‑overs” that have become commonplace in the music industry.

Conclusion: A Lesson in Digital Miscommunication

Ultimately, the “SZA‑Nicki Minaj beef” was a case of internet miscommunication amplified by an ambiguous meme. The social‑media platform that thrives on rapid sharing and meme culture often magnifies small gestures into full‑blown controversies. SZA’s calm and straightforward response exemplified how artists can use the very platforms that generate such rumors to clarify and connect. In an industry where image and reputation can be fragile, the two women’s ability to navigate the situation with humor and grace sets a positive example for fans and fellow artists alike.

By addressing the rumor head‑on and reinforcing their mutual respect, SZA and Nicki Minaj not only defused a potential conflict but also highlighted the importance of open communication in a digital age. Fans who once worried about a possible feud now see that, at least for now, the two star musicians remain allies—an encouraging reminder that collaboration and support often outweigh rivalry in the creative world.