Nicki Minaj has been a leader in rap music and hip-hop culture for a decade. Cardi B is a rising star in rap music and a recent 2019 Grammy award winner. The media has played a big role in how both artist are perceived today. Could it just be another way to put female artist against each other? Will the rap community equally support both women?
Since the emergence of Cardi B., people have started to embrace more women into rap music. Girl groups like The City Girls are making a comeback into mainstream media. However, blogs and members of the rap community are set out on making women feel like their can only be one that is successful.
The beginning of Nicki’s career was heavily supported and her fan base is still strong. Her fans are the first people to respond when her career is attacked by anyone. Even after her taking a four year break before her latest album, Queen, Nicki’s fans have remained loyal.
BET has also been a supporter of the Young Money label and Nicki Minaj for over a decade. Recently, the social media pages for BET have become more like blogs. Reporting celebrity news similar to blogs like The Shade Room.
On the Sunday night of the Grammy’s, an unauthorized tweet was sent out from the BET main account. The tweet included a news headline written by BET staff that said. “Meanwhile, Nicki Minaj is being dragged by her lacefront”. The tweet was deleted soon after but Nicki’s fans were quick to make sure that she saw it. In response Nicki Minaj and the Young Money label has pulled out of the BET award show and BET Experience.
It is hard for women to break into and be successful in the entertainment industry. Whether the two women have drama or not, the media will find a way to influence the public’s opinion.