
Nicki vs. SZA: When “Broken Barbies” Broke the Internet
On July 16, 2025, what appeared to be a feud between Nicki Minaj and SZA unfolded on X (formerly Twitter). The drama began when SZA’s manager casually posted “Broken Barbies” to promote an artist’s song. Nicki took it personally, feeling targeted, she aimed her wrath at Top Dawg Entertainment’s president (SZA’s label boss), accusing him of shade.
About an hour later, SZA tweeted:
“Mercury retrograde... don’t take the bait lol silly goose.”
Nicki didn’t let it pass—responding with a sharp barb: “sounding like a fkng dead dog”. SZA clarified later: the tweet “had nothing to do with Nicki” and was taken after she’d “just got off stage talkin’ bout retrograde”.
Words Escalate Quickly
Their exchange spiraled, with Minaj posting zingers like:
“Wait. Does Sza think she’s more successful than me? … If every song she’s ever done vanished right now the music business wouldn’t even miss you.”
SZA, not one to back down, responded:
“I don’t give a fuck bout none of that weird shit you popping.”
Despite the heat, SZA suggested a peace offering by adding:
“Lmao lemme go back to being calm shy and meek. Yall blessed night ! See you tomorrow for night 2 Paris !!”
What Sparked It All ?
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The trigger: SZA’s manager casually hyping an artist’s track titled "Broken Barbies." Nicki interpreted this as a jab at herself or her fans ("Barbz").
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Nicki’s side: She turned her attention to TDE’s leader, suggesting they were disrespecting her circle, including Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez.
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SZA’s side: Her post was unrelated to Minaj; she was referencing astrology and personal vibes, not a feud with Nicki.
Community Response
Month by month, Black Twitter and social feeds are debating: Is it petty, entertaining, or valid? Some argue Nicki misread the post, while others are backing Nicki’s boundary setting.
Nicki and SZA’s spat is a classic case of social media misinterpretation, one post leading to public snipes and fueled by celebrity drama. Fortunately, SZA’s tour continues unabated, and both artists remain monumental forces in music—just recently collaborating on hits like “Needle” from Pink Friday 2.
Credit Photo: Nicki Minaj and SZA's Intagram Account