Greetings, everyone, and welcome! Today, although I may be a tad behind on the latest buzz, I’m eager to delve into the saga involving Nicki Minaj and her hairstylist. There’s quite the stir surrounding one of Nicki’s stylists, known as Arrogant Tay, who found himself incensed when Nicki enlisted the services of his rival, Jonathan, to tend to her hair. This tale is steeped in pettiness, and while many of you may already be familiar with it, allow me to provide a brief overview for those who aren’t up to speed.
Arrogant Tay is a highly skilled hairstylist and wig artisan, boasting a clientele that includes Instagram influencers like Ari, Jada, and the rapper Dream Doll. However, it was his work with Nicki Minaj that truly propelled him into the limelight. Tay was the creative genius behind Nicki’s captivating hairstyles in her “Barbie Dreams” video, solidifying his reputation as an exceptional stylist.
Enter Jonathan Wright, another prominent hairstylist renowned for his work with celebrities such as Keyshia Cole, SZA, and even the controversial Takashi 6ix9ine. Jonathan gained considerable recognition for his contributions to Megan Thee Stallion’s hair repertoire, showcasing his undeniable talent. Despite once sharing an amicable rapport, tensions between Arrogant Tay and Jonathan escalated, particularly after Jonathan began styling YouTuber Jeffree Star’s hair. While I hold Jonathan in high regard, I couldn’t help but question his decision to collaborate with Jeffree, given the latter’s history of racially insensitive behavior. However, Jonathan justified his choice by citing the substantial payment he received—twenty thousand dollars, to be exact. This prompted Arrogant Tay to caution against the allure of money that comes at the expense of integrity, emphasizing that not all compensation is worth accepting.
Moreover, Arrogant Tay subtly hinted at Jonathan’s emulation of one of his hairstyles for Dream Doll, a move that likely contributed to Tay’s growing resentment towards Jonathan. However, what truly stoked Tay’s ire was Jonathan’s subsequent partnership with Nicki Minaj.
Nicki Minaj is one of Arrogant Tay’s top clients, so it was a blow when he learned that a competitor had managed to lure her away. Adding salt to the wound, the competitor attempted to recreate a signature hairstyle Tay had crafted for Nicki in her ‘Runnin’ music video. The hairstyle was intended for a promotional video for her new song ‘Move Ya Hips’ with A$AP Ferg and MadeinTYO.
While it’s likely Jonathan was just following Nicki’s instructions, Tay couldn’t shake the feeling that his work was being imitated. Venting his frustration on Instagram, Tay threw shade at Jonathan and reposted comments insinuating that his work was irreplaceable. He also expressed feelings of betrayal, hinting at a lack of loyalty from both Jonathan and Nicki.
Tay’s rant delved into the murky waters of the entertainment industry, highlighting the fickleness of relationships and the prevalence of betrayal. He lamented how he had sacrificed personal commitments to support those who ultimately showed no appreciation or loyalty in return.
Fed up with the game, Tay vowed to approach future collaborations strictly as business, eschewing any attempts to forge personal connections. Despite the setback, he remained resolute in his determination to succeed, declaring his intent to stay on top and keep winning, regardless of the betrayals he faced.
So it seems he took great offense to Nicki choosing one of his rival hair stylists. Jonathan responded to Arrogant Tay, as captured in a screenshot by The Neighborhood Talk on Instagram. He emphasized, “I demonstrate how to manage a business, how to continually pursue excellence, rather than idly sitting and pretending life is perfect. The hustle never stops, and it only improves.” Furthermore, he urged, “Instead of venting, start praying. What you need isn’t sympathy, but strength.”
Nicki later explained on air why she opted for Jonathan over Arrogant. She initially endorsed a tweet on Twitter stating, “Tay wasn’t available due to a wisdom tooth extraction, so Jonathan stepped in. Tay remains Nicki’s hair stylist. Why stir up drama?” Nicki Minaj even took to Instagram live to address the entire ordeal.
Nicki’s decision to address the situation seemed unnecessary, especially considering her pregnancy. It’s akin to Beyoncé airing out a feud between her hair stylists on Instagram Live, which would be absurd. Nevertheless, Nicki went live to explain why she chose Jonathan over Arrogant Tay for her hair. She recounted how she had repeatedly communicated her plans to Tay, only for him to cancel just 48 hours before the shoot. Left with no choice, Nicki scrambled to find a solution, eventually enlisting someone else to handle her hair in time for the song release. She emphasized the importance of the video as promotional material for her new song, highlighting the necessity of professionalism in the industry.
Arrogant Tay took to Instagram to share his perspective on the situation. He explained that he couldn’t make it to the event due to a prior commitment: getting his wisdom teeth removed. He had scheduled the appointment two weeks in advance because he’d been needing the procedure for months. Despite attempting to reschedule, the earliest available date was in mid-August.
Regarding the wig request, Tay mentioned that Nicki Minaj prefers wigs from a specific company that he had trouble communicating with. He expressed concern about potentially bringing a wig she wouldn’t like, as he hadn’t received specific instructions from her team. Despite his long-standing relationship with Nicki and his familiarity with her preferences, he felt blindsided by the situation.
Tay emphasized his loyalty and support for Nicki over the years but expressed frustration at being shaded for circumstances beyond his control. He also highlighted difficulties in communication with the preferred wig company, which left him unable to fulfill Nicki’s requests. Ultimately, he prioritized his health by attending to his dental issue, reiterating that it wasn’t about entitlement but rather about not wanting to be undermined in situations where others harbor negativity toward him.
“So, that’s Tay’s perspective on the situation. Following his outburst, he decided to unfollow Nicki Minaj and Jonathan on Instagram. Some fans noticed he started following Cardi B, but as far as I know, Tay had already been following Cardi B, so I don’t believe he did it to spite Nicki. However, I still found his decision to unfollow Nicki petty.
In my opinion, Arrogant Tay seems overly emotional for his line of work. He needs to grasp that business is business, and he can’t expect Nicki Minaj to wait around for him if he’s not available. If he truly wanted to style Nicki’s hair, he should have been better prepared in advance. While I understand there were obstacles hindering his preparation, ultimately, it was his responsibility to ensure everything was in order. After all, Nicki was paying him for his services.
Even though Arrogant Tay dislikes Jonathan, that doesn’t justify his resentment towards Nicki for choosing to work with Jonathan. Nicki needed a hairstylist, and Jonathan was familiar to her and available. Jonathan, being serious about his business, understandably accepted the opportunity. So, I don’t blame Jonathan in this scenario. It appears Arrogant Tay is letting his emotions cloud his judgment.
Despite his talent, Arrogant Tay needs to recognize that business transactions aren’t personal vendettas. It’s essential to maintain a professional mindset and not take everything to heart. But I’d love to hear your thoughts on this story. Please like, comment, and subscribe, and feel free to share this video if you found it interesting. Thank you for watching, and until next time. Bye!”