Billboard’s attempt to bridge the gap between Nicki Minaj and Cardi B inadvertently reignited the rivalry that has loomed over the two most polarizing figures in female rap for years.
Billboard recently credited Nicki Minaj and Cardi B with ushering in a “female rap renaissance” on the Hot 100, dubbing it the “Nicki/Cardi Effect.” However, this claim has sparked heated debate among Nicki Minaj’s fanbase, with many fans vehemently rejecting the notion.
The Billboard Claim: The Nicki-Cardi Effect
In a recent article, Billboard acknowledged the ways in which Nicki Minaj and Cardi B have elevated female rap to unprecedented levels of commercial achievement. The publication commended their partnerships, noting their “strong collaborative spirit” and influence on paving the way for other female artists in the genre.
“Female rap is thriving thanks in large part to the abundance of such crossover collaborations,” Billboard wrote, acknowledging both stars for elevating the genre beyond the male-dominated norms of past eras.
However, even with Billboard’s effort to honor both artists, the article has sparked a passionate discussion among fans who believe the “Nicki-Cardi effect” diminishes Nicki’s unique impact on the genre.
The Barbz, Nicki Minaj’s fiercely loyal fanbase, quickly pushed back against the idea of shared credit.
One fan took a harsher stance, alleging that Cardi’s rise was orchestrated to overshadow Nicki. “Cardi B was literally ushered in by big corporate giants and machines to take down Nicki Minaj and destroy her legacy. So no, they can’t be mentioned in the same breath!”
Others pointed to Nicki’s undeniable influence in reviving female rap in the 2010s, citing the release of her groundbreaking debut album, Pink Friday. One fan tweeted, “I find this weird considering Nicki Minaj revived the female hip-hop scene. 2000s female rap was DEAD. Out comes Pink Friday in 2010, and now everyone wants to be a rapper—including Cardi B, who has said she’s looked up to Nicki. Billboard hates giving Nicki her flowers.”
However, Cardi B’s fans would not lie low, pushing back and demanding the “WAP” hitmaker’s seat at the table.
One passionately argued, “Cardi B receiving her flowers for her impact in female rap doesn’t take away from Nicki Minaj’s achievements, but her fans can’t grasp that idea or the fact that multiple women in the genre can be commercially successful simultaneously.”
The divide over Billboard’s assessment is emblematic of a larger issue in hip-hop: the tendency to pit female rappers against each other. While the platform aimed to celebrate the collaborative and inclusive nature of today’s female rap scene, fans argue that the framing dilutes Nicki Minaj’s pioneering role in making female rap commercially viable again.
It’s undeniable that Nicki Minaj paved the way for a new generation of female rappers, breaking records and smashing barriers with her chart-topping hits, jaw-dropping lyricism, and ability to dominate both hip-hop and pop charts. At the same, Cardi B has also carved out her own lane with major hits like “Bodak Yellow” and Grammy-winning success, bringing her relatable Bronx charisma to a global audience.
As the genre continues to flourish, the question remains: Does hip-hop need a singular queen, or can multiple women share the crown?
