Graphic by Cameron Adams
Emani Araya
Staff Writer
On Jan. 26, Houston-based rapper Megan Thee Stallion released “HISS,” a single that is still sparking speculation and discussion across the internet.
While Megan does not explicitly name anyone in the song, a particular line raised eyebrows, hinting at a connection to rapper Nicki Minaj’s husband, Kenneth Petty, a registered sex offender.
The line in question was, “These h*** don’t be mad at Megan, these h*** mad at Megan’s Law,” a reference the law which requires sex offenders to register so people in the neighborhoods/states they reside in so residents are award their presence.
Despite the ambiguity, Minaj took to social media on an almost three-day rant against the Meg that is still going on, stating the verse was aimed at her husband.
In response to “Hiss”, Minaj expressed her discontent with Meg through various social media platforms, including Twitter and Instagram Live. However, it’s worth noting that during this online exchange, Minaj made many statements that were later found to be inaccurate. In one statement, she claimed Meg had been discussing her son, Papabear, but it was Minaj herself who introduced her son into the conversation.
Additionally, Minaj falsely asserted that Meg tried to force her to drink alcohol and suggested she get an abortion while pregnant. This claim was debunked by a now-deleted tweet from Minaj herself, stating, “I wasn’t preggers [pregnant] yet tho [though] babe,” proving she was not pregnant at the time.
After the release of Meg’s song, Minaj released a response diss track on Jan. 29, entitled “Big Foot,” restating her earlier remarks and introducing additional controversy.
The track received mixed reviews, with some criticizing specific offensive lyrics, including the line, “Cause she was lyin’ on your dead mama…”.
The song also alleged Meg’s involvement with multiple artists and made disparaging claims about her personal life.
Minaj set a 24-hour ultimatum for Meg to apologize, threatening further releases if not met.
Despite the ultimatum passing, Megan Thee Stallion has refrained from directly addressing Minaj or the diss track. Instead, she has focused on a press tour, promoting her upcoming tour and album.
In interviews, Megan alluded to the situation without explicitly naming individuals, emphasizing that “a hit dog gone holla.” The ongoing narrative continues to captivate fans and observers alike, underscoring the complex dynamics of contemporary rap feuds.
After the release of both songs, Minaj reposted multiple posts regarding her song’s position on various music charts. These posts proclaimed that her song “Big Foot” was charting at #1, but this quickly dissipated as Meg’s song rose and stayed at the top of the charts, securing the #1 spot on multiple platforms including the coveted Billboard Hot #100.
Many of Minaj’s own fans were disappointed with the rappers diss response while Meg fans used social media to express that the song was “trash”.
Rap feuds, commonly referred to as rap beef, have been an integral part of hip-hop culture since its inception.
Notable examples include Biggie vs. Tupac, Ice Cube vs. NWA, and Meek Mill vs. Drake. These beefs arguably producing some of the genre’s most memorable songs.
Originating in the 1980s with Roxanne Shante’s “Roxanne Wars”, rap feuds have evolved and occasionally involve prominent female figures claiming the title of “The Queen of Rap” such as Queen Latifah, Foxy Brown, Lil Kim, Trina, Nicki Minaj, and Remy Ma.
Minaj, who has been a prominent figure in the world of hip-hop, has consistently found herself at the center of various female rap feuds over the years.
From her clashes with Lil Kim, Remy Ma, Cardi B, Latto, and now Megan Thee Stallion, Minaj has become a common denominator in these intricate dynamics. Each confrontation has contributed to the ongoing narrative of female empowerment and rivalry within the genre.
Even after this intense exchange, the drama persists, with Megan Thee Stallion choosing not to directly address the controversy with Minaj, leaving the narrative open-ended and the public intrigued by the unfolding drama and ready for more.
