Nicki Minaj and SZA Engage in Social Media Feud: A Timeline of Events

In a striking display of social media rivalry, hip-hop artists Nicki Minaj and SZA exchanged sharp barbs on X (formerly Twitter) on July 15, 2025. The feud ignited when Minaj directed comments towards Terrence 'Punch' Henderson, the president of Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), stating, "Yall remember that man from TDE who kept bullying me on Twitter for no reason? We have the receipts. lol." She added a sardonic nickname for him, 'Minus 30 million,' referencing a lawsuit involving Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez and her daughter, Demoree Hadley, who alleged unlawful institutionalization (Billboard, 2025).

SZA, currently on the European leg of her Grand National Tour with Kendrick Lamar, responded to Minaj's provocations with her own post, referencing the astrological phenomenon of Mercury retrograde, and suggesting that fans should not take the feud seriously. Minaj retaliated with a tweet that included the phrase, "Sounding like a fkng dead dog," aimed directly at SZA (Billboard, 2025).

This exchange highlights ongoing tensions in the music industry, particularly in the competitive realm of hip-hop. Dr. Michael Carter, a cultural studies professor at Columbia University, noted, "This feud not only showcases the personal disputes that can arise in the entertainment industry but also reflects larger themes of rivalry and public persona in rap culture" (Carter, 2025).

SZA further defended herself, asserting she was not originally engaging in the dispute and expressed frustration with being drawn into the fray by Minaj's comments. She stated, "I don’t give a f–k bout none of that weird shit you popping" (Billboard, 2025). Minaj's retorts included additional jabs at SZA's appearance, inciting further reactions from fans on social media platforms.

The ongoing rivalry has sparked discussions among music industry insiders. According to Dr. Emily Richards, an expert in media relations at Stanford University, "Feuds like these can significantly impact an artist's brand and public perception. They often create a narrative that can either bolster or harm an artist's career, depending on how it's managed" (Richards, 2025).

As both artists gear up for their respective performances, the implications of this feud stretch beyond mere social media banter. For SZA, her recent tour has been financially successful, grossing $95.5 million in 2023 alone, making it one of the highest-grossing R&B tours of the year (Billboard, 2023). This success may insulate her from the fallout of such public disputes.

In contrast, Minaj's history of public feuds, including ongoing tensions with other industry figures, has often invited mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. As noted by industry analyst Jason Lee, "Minaj's ability to engage in controversy has historically kept her in the spotlight, but it remains to be seen how this interaction will affect her public image in the long run" (Lee, 2025).

Given the competitive nature of the music industry, this feud may serve as a case study in brand management and public relations. With both artists at pivotal points in their careers, the outcome of their social media exchanges could have lasting implications for their legacies and future endeavors.

As the feud continues to unfold, fans and industry watchers alike are keenly observing how both artists navigate this challenging landscape, especially as they prepare for significant performances in the coming days. The narrative of their rivalry encapsulates the complexities of fame, competition, and the ever-evolving dynamics of the music industry.