HOUSTON, TX – Nicki Minaj’s recent diss track “Big Foot” directed at fellow rapper Megan Thee Stallion has sparked controversy and division in the music industry. The feud escalated after Megan’s release of “Hiss” on Jan. 26, with some of the lines in the song seemingly targeting unnamed figures in the music world. Although the song did not specifically single out anyone, Minaj took offense to at least one line in “Hiss.”
The line in question references “Megan’s Law,” a legislation from 1994 that requires convicted sex offenders to register with the federal government. This is particularly significant because Minaj’s husband, Kenneth Petty, falls under this law due to a 1994 conviction for attempted rape. Following this, Minaj’s brother, Jelani Maraj, was also convicted of predatory sexual assault in 2020.
In response, Minaj released “Big Foot,” in which she takes jabs at Megan, seemingly trying to shame her for embracing her sexuality and contradicts the fact that she, herself, has rapped extensively about sex in her own career. The diss track also references a 2020 incident in which Megan was shot in the feet by rapper Tory Lanez.
The online reaction to Minaj’s diss track has been overwhelmingly negative, with fans and observers questioning Minaj’s approach and legacy. This feud has also highlighted the continued presence of misogyny and sexism in the hip-hop industry, with many fans retiring their status as “Barbz,” the nickname for Minaj fans.
The public outcry over Minaj’s track has sparked conversations around anti-Black racism and sexism, victim-blaming, and slut-shaming in rap beefs and diss tracks. It has also shed light on the inherent misogyny still prevalent in the genre, as many artists continue to perpetuate derogatory and offensive language towards women.
This ongoing feud raises questions about the role of women in hip-hop and the broader cultural implications of their conflicts. While the feud has stirred up conversation, it remains to be seen what the lasting impact will be on both artists’ careers.