When it comes to the world of hip-hop, feuds and rivalries are almost as iconic as the music itself. The tension, the subliminals, and the cryptic social media posts all contribute to the larger-than-life personas that artists cultivate. In 2025, what started as a glamorous, star-studded night at the Met Gala has quickly spiraled into the next chapter of hip-hop’s most talked-about feud—Nicki Minaj versus Megan Thee Stallion.
The two powerhouse rappers, who once seemed poised to dominate the female rap scene side by side, have seen their relationship deteriorate over the years. And now, it seems the simmering cold war between them has exploded into public view once again after an alleged incident at the Met Gala.
In this exposé, we break down everything that unfolded during the Met Gala night, how Megan allegedly shaded Nicki, the way the internet reacted, and, of course, how Nicki Minaj responded. But is there more beneath the surface? Did Meg really try to bully Nicki in front of the industry elite, or is this yet another chapter in the ongoing saga of female rap drama?
The Met Gala Showdown: What Went Down?
The Met Gala, known for its opulent fashion, high-profile attendees, and over-the-top themes, is usually a night where celebrities aim to outshine each other with their outfits—not their beefs. But this year, as the cameras flashed and celebrities mingled, whispers began circulating from inside sources that there was palpable tension between Megan Thee Stallion and Nicki Minaj.
According to multiple insiders, the two divas were seated at nearby tables during the after-party, and it didn’t take long before observers noticed the iciness between them. Megan reportedly made several indirect comments, shaded Nicki during her conversations with other celebrities, and even allegedly mimicked her during a private dance circle—mocking Nicki’s famous expressions and signature poses.
Some reports even claim Megan ignored Nicki during key moments of the evening, including when the crowd applauded Nicki’s arrival. Allegedly, Megan made an offhand comment about “outdated queens trying to reclaim the throne,” which many believe was a thinly veiled jab at Nicki Minaj.
The Social Media Explosion: Fans Pick Sides
It didn’t take long for clips and blurry videos from the party to leak online. Fans of both artists quickly analyzed every gesture, every word, and every side-eye, sparking heated debates on Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram.
Barbz (Nicki Minaj’s loyal fanbase) accused Megan of being jealous, disrespectful, and trying to create a scene to embarrass Nicki in front of the elite crowd. They argued that Megan, riding the high of her recent chart-topping singles and fashion endorsements, was now feeling herself a little too much and wanted to assert dominance over Nicki.
On the other side, Hotties (Megan’s fanbase) claimed that Nicki had been throwing subliminals at Megan for years and that Meg was simply standing her ground. They pointed out Nicki’s history of cryptic tweets and claimed Nicki had previously shaded Megan’s success and style.
But the real shock came when Nicki herself decided to break her silence.
Nicki Minaj Responds: “You Can’t Bully Me, Sweetheart”
Known for never backing down from a feud, Nicki Minaj took to her Instagram Live the day after the Met Gala to address the rumors head-on. While she didn’t mention Megan by name, the context was clear to anyone who had been following the events of the previous night.
“I’m too grown to be arguing with girls who think fashion shows are battlefields,” Nicki began, sipping on a glass of wine. “But let me make one thing clear—ain’t nobody bullying me, ain’t nobody playing in my face, and nobody ever will.”
Nicki continued by insinuating that some girls in the industry try to play “mean girl” games to impress the higher-ups, but that she would never engage in such behavior because her legacy speaks for itself.
“The same girls trying to throw shade now used to DM me, begging for features,” she added. “Y’all forget where y’all came from.”
Nicki’s fans erupted in support, flooding her Live with comments like “Drag her, Queen!” and “They forgot who paved the way!”
Megan’s Subtle Clapback
Megan Thee Stallion, always the queen of the subtle clapback, responded hours later on X (formerly Twitter) with a cryptic post:
“When you know your worth, you don’t compete. You just shine.”
While she didn’t mention Nicki by name, fans immediately interpreted it as a response to Nicki’s Live. The post received mixed reactions, with some praising Megan for taking the high road while others accused her of passive-aggressiveness.
But was it really just about petty shade? Some insiders suggest the beef runs deeper than what was seen at the Met Gala.
The History of Their Feud: From Friends to Frenemies
To understand the intensity of the Met Gala incident, we need to rewind to the origins of Nicki and Megan’s rocky relationship.
Back in 2019, the two rappers seemed friendly, even hopping on Instagram Lives together and collaborating on “Hot Girl Summer.” But soon after, cracks began to show. Industry gossip hinted at jealousy, egos clashing, and competition over brand deals and awards.
Things became even more complicated when Megan appeared to cozy up with Cardi B, Nicki’s longtime rival, sparking speculations that Meg had picked a side in the infamous Cardi vs. Nicki feud.
Nicki, known for being protective of her legacy, began making subliminal remarks in her songs and interviews that fans speculated were directed at Megan. Meanwhile, Megan’s success continued to skyrocket, landing her major endorsements, magazine covers, and collaborations with Beyoncé and Cardi.
The cold war became apparent to fans, even though both artists refrained from addressing it directly—until now.
Did Meg Try to Bully Nicki? Industry Reactions and Expert Opinions
While fans argue over whether Megan was bullying Nicki or merely standing her ground, industry insiders are offering their takes.
Music journalist Jada Simmons told The Source, “This isn’t just about one night at the Met Gala. This is about power, relevance, and image. Nicki represents the old guard of female rap—established, respected, but also seen by some as territorial. Megan represents the new wave—fresh, bold, and unapologetic. What happened at the Met Gala was the culmination of years of passive tension finally boiling over.”
Others in the industry suggest that the word “bullying” might be too strong. PR strategist Daniel Romero said, “What Megan did—if the reports are true—isn’t necessarily bullying. It’s posturing. In these elite spaces, artists often engage in subtle games of shade and dominance. But when someone as seasoned as Nicki is involved, any perceived slight feels amplified.”
Some speculate that the real puppet masters behind these tensions are the industry executives and media outlets who thrive on the narrative of female rap beef, exploiting these situations for clicks, views, and sales.
Fans React: The Internet Can’t Decide Who’s the Villain
The debate over who was in the wrong continues to rage online.
“I love Meg, but she’s getting too cocky. Nicki didn’t deserve that kind of disrespect at the Met Gala of all places,” one fan wrote on TikTok.
Meanwhile, another user argued, “Nicki has been passive-aggressively shading Meg for years. If Meg finally responded with a little energy, I’m here for it. Queens don’t have to bow down to outdated royalty.”
Memes, TikToks, and think pieces have flooded the internet, dissecting the night from every possible angle. Some fans even theorize that the incident might boost both artists’ streams and headlines—feeding into the age-old rule that controversy sells.
Where Does This Leave Nicki and Megan?
At this point, reconciliation seems unlikely. Nicki Minaj is not known for forgiving public slights, and Megan appears determined to assert her place in the rap hierarchy, unapologetically.
In the days following the Met Gala, both artists returned to promoting their music, but the tension lingers in the air like an unsaid curse. Industry experts believe that this feud could spill into the music, with diss tracks, subliminals, and shady interviews looming on the horizon.
But fans are also wondering—where are the female rap OGs? Where are the mentors and legends who should be pulling these women together instead of watching them tear each other down?
Final Thoughts: More Than Just Drama?
At the end of the day, what happened at the Met Gala wasn’t just about shade or side-eyes—it was a reflection of the broader pressures in the music industry. The need to stay relevant. The fear of being dethroned. The insecurities that even the biggest stars feel when the spotlight starts to shift.
Did Megan try to bully Nicki? Or was it a case of two alpha females defending their turf in an industry that rarely allows more than one queen at the top?
Maybe both can be true. Or maybe, it’s all part of the game.
One thing’s for certain—this feud is far from over. And the next move is anyone’s guess.