RAP BEEF TIMELINE · 2014–2025
Nicki Minaj vs. SZA
TDE, “Mercury retrograde,” and a 2025 X flare-up
A past songwriting credit and unfulfilled feature requests become ammunition when Nicki Minaj’s argument with TDE’s Punch overlaps with SZA’s astrology post. The direct exchange stays online—posts, screenshots, and Stationhead rants—before SZA says publicly that there was never personal history between them.
THE RECORD
The moments
Music industry · disputed account
A songwriting connection—and later feature requests—sit in the background
SZA is credited as a co-writer on Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé’s “Feeling Myself.” In the later dispute, SZA says Nicki’s team had also requested two features, though no collaboration ultimately arrives because of album scheduling.
▶ Listen to “Feeling Myself”Social media · disputed account
Punch’s TDE dispute and a “Mercury retrograde” post overlap
Nicki’s multi-post argument with TDE co-president Punch sets the immediate backdrop. Soon after a performance, SZA posts, “Mercury retrograde .. don't take the bait lol silly goose.” Tags from other users pull Nicki into the post, which she reads as a subliminal.
“Mercury retrograde .. don't take the bait lol silly goose.”SZA, X
▶ Read the initial X exchangeSocial media · disputed account
Feature-request screenshots turn the argument personal
Nicki posts attacks on SZA’s appearance and career. SZA replies that the post was unrelated, then shares screenshots she says show two prior feature requests and points back to her “Feeling Myself” songwriting credit.
“Nicki. You absolutely know my music and what I contribute cause you've asked for features twice to no response.”SZA, X
▶ Read the feature-request and songwriting contextSocial media · disputed account
Stationhead rants meet SZA’s perspective check
Nicki continues discussing SZA on Stationhead, including the “MZA” nickname and streaming accusations. SZA answers by emphasizing her tour, family, and peace of mind rather than escalating into music.
“My parents are healthy and I'm the most successful I ever been. GET SOME F—ING PERSPECTIVE.”SZA, X
▶ Read the Stationhead phaseInterview
SZA says there was never a personal back-story
In a later GQ interview, SZA describes the conflict as strange and says she had no connection or prior history with Nicki. That public framing leaves the feud dormant, not reconciled: no shared truce, but no ongoing campaign either.
“I don't know her. We have no connection to each other… There's no back-story when it comes to the heated back-and-forth.”SZA, GQ interview
▶ Read SZA’s later reflection
THE RECEIPTS
Sources and listening
Complex — Nicki Minaj and SZA trade shots on X ↗RapTV — Nicki Minaj and SZA beef explained ↗WBLS — SZA addresses the social-media beef with Nicki Minaj ↗Nicki Minaj feat. Beyoncé — “Feeling Myself” ↗ARTIST LENSES