A History of Lil Kim & Nicki Minaj's Beef

The Queen Bee's "Black Friday" track finally kicked the feud into high gear this weekend. See how they got here.

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Call of DutyNicki MinajLil’ Kim

Call of DutyNicki MinajLil’ Kim

Nicki Emulates Kim (July 2008)

What happened? Nicki caught our attention and turned many heads when she dropped her Sucka Free mixtape in ’08. It wasn’t just the music that made waves, however—it was also the highly sexual cover that was an obvious homage ode to Lil’ Kim’s infamous promotional posters from her 1996 debut album, Hard Core. Whether it was her intention or not, the image made Nicki seem like she wanted to be the new Lil’ Kim, which led to comparisons between the two female rappers. With all that has gone on between these two since, we can’t help but think this image is the root of their problems.

Complex says: Ever notice how neither Lil’ Kim or Nicki don't look anything like they did on these covers nowadays?

Nicki Shows Kim Love (April 2009)

What happened? In an interview with BET promoting her Beam Me Up Scotty mixtape, Nicki was asked about comparisons to Lil’ Kim. Nicki claimed that there wouldn’t be any parallels between the two once someone heard her mixtape and that she wasn’t the new Lil’ Kim. She also said, “Shout out to Lil’ Kim. I think she’s dope. I love her. I met with her and we had a little talk, and I told her, ‘Listen, I have nothing against you, if anything I ever said or did that came off crazy, I just want to let you know it wasn’t meant to be that way.’”

Complex says: A humble newcomer pays respect to a seasoned veteran. We have a feeling these two are gonna be the best of friends!

Lil’ Kim & Nicki Minaj Collaborate (November 2009)


What happened?
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Lil’ Kim Disses Nicki On Stage (June 2010)

What happened? Fans at The Fillmore in New York City watched on as Kim (with a little help from Ray J) delivered body-blows to Nicki’s armor, declaring, "We just want her to pay homage so we can all rock together. It’s all about respect....If you don't respect me, then fuck you."

Complex says: Quick question, how and what exactly does Nicki have to do to show Kim enough respect? Honestly, we’re kinda curious. Was Nicki shouting out Kim and saying she loves her in a BET interview not enough?

Drake Replies To Kim With Nicki On Stage (June 2010)

What happened?

MTV's DJ Envy
Complex says:Riiiiiiight.

Kim Says Nicki Has Been Taking Subliminals (June 2010)

What happened? In a three-part interview with This Is 50, Kim claimed Nicki had been taking subliminal shots not only at her, but at other female rappers for the last year. She proceeded to cite what she felt were various subliminal shots taken at her by Nicki. She even refutes Nicki's claim that Nicki showed her love at a Lil’ Wayne concert, stating that, "She's sitting here talking about she showed me love, but I showed her love." Kim also admitted to initially liking Nicki and expressed a willingness to work with her.

Complex says: Kim’s “She talking about she showed me love, but I showed her love” comment has got us confused as hell. Are these two in competition to show more love?

Nicki Unleashes "Roman's Revenge" (October 2010)


What happened?
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Nicki Denies Dissing Kim (November 2010)


What happened?
Complex says:

Lil’ Kim Disses Nicki In Nicki’s Home Borough Of Queens (November 2010)

What happened? With "Roman's Revenge" fresh on everybody’s minds, Kim decided to take the beef directly to Nicki's old stomping grounds: Queens. Kim gets on stage and sends the message that, "I'd kill that bitch with my old shit...this shit come and go."

Complex says: Actually, the only way Kim could kill Nicki is with her old shit—she hasn’t dropped an album in five years.

Nicki Disses Lil’ Kim in Hot97 Interview (November 2010)


What happened?
Complex says:

Lil’ Kim Drops "Black Friday" (November 2010)


What happened?Pink Friday
Complex says:

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