Why Do Fans Want Nicki Minaj & Cardi B To Beef?

Nicki Minaj, Cardi B have found themselves embroiled in a clash of queens, but why?

There’s a quote in HBO’s Game Of Thrones, in which one of the series’ most OG characters drops knowledge on a young fool with a powerful piece of advice: “any man who says ‘I am the king’ is no true king.” And while Thrones is a work of fiction, one of the show’s central themes is the exploration of power. In that regard, it shares a common thread with the rap game; competition is ingrained within hip-hop’s lifeblood. For the most part, that competition is fuelled by respect and good sportsmanship, serving as a tool to keep lyricists sharp.

1. Yet sometimes, a rapper might succumb to their own ambitious desires, and find themselves obsessed with chasing a proverbial crown. In those cases, it becomes harder to see the competitors as “friendly,” and thus, everything begins to feel like a personal slight. Those who are familiar with Nicki Minaj are well aware that the iconic rapper has fought long and hard to be crowned “Queen.” The talented Pink Friday artist wears the label with pride, using it as a guillotine of sorts, a swift and decisive argument-ender. “I’m the generous queen,” raps Nicki, on “No Frauds,” reminding us that there can only be one. But by reiterating her own royal position, there are some who might argue that she is, in fact, undermining it.