Nicki Minaj said she’s being ‘sabotaged’ by the Grammys and dragged ‘Big Energy’ rapper Latto into the drama

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Nicki Minaj called out the Grammys for labeling her new music “pop” — and her protest sparked a heated exchange with the rising rap star Latto.

The Hollywood Reporter revealed on Thursday that Minaj’s No. 1 hit “Super Freaky Girl,” if nominated, will compete in pop categories at the 2023 Grammy Awards, despite Minaj’s team submitting the song for consideration in rap categories.

Between the end of the eligibility period (September 30, 2022) and the nominations announcement (November 15, 2022), the Recording Academy’s various committees are tasked with listening to submissions and sorting them into the appropriate genres.

These decisions have been controversial before; last year, Brandi Carlile’s “Right on Time” was nominated for best pop solo performance, even though she was “proud” to previously compete in the Americana field.

For her part, Minaj said the decision to reclassify “Super Freaky Girl” was evidence of personalized “sabotage.”

“They stay moving the goalposts when it comes to me,” she said in a video on Instagram, referring to the Recording Academy. “Why is the goalpost only ever moved when it’s Nicki?”

“What do you think is gonna happen when they start voting on these pop categories and they have to decide between Nicki Minaj and Harry Styles, or Nicki Minaj and Adele?” she continued, adding: “Put her in there, so she has more competition and less of a chance to win.”

On Twitter, Minaj also called out the Grammys for what she perceived as hypocrisy, arguing that Latto’s viral hit “Big Energy” should also be reclassified as pop.

“I have no prob being moved out the RAP category as long as we r ALL being treated FAIRLY,” she wrote. “ANY1 who says diff is simply a Nicki hater or a troll.”

Shortly after, Minaj shared a screenshot of a message she apparently received from Latto, which said she agrees with Minaj’s argument but doesn’t “think u need to bring my name/song up to prove your point.”

Minaj did not name Latto in the tweet, instead referring to her as “This Karen” and “scratch off.” She also expressed displeasure that Latto didn’t show public support for Minaj’s claim after she cited Minaj as an inspiration.

Latto replied with her own series of tweets, implying there’s existing tension between the two rappers and calling Minaj’s comments “malicious.”

“Ur literally older than my mom trying to be a bully,” Latto added. (Minaj is 39; Latto is 23.)

Minaj replied by slamming Latto for “age shaming” while simultaneously mocking Latto’s appearance, saying she appears to be “pushing 40.”

Minaj also accused Latto of using “ghostwriters” — taking credit for lyrics that were written for you, a particularly shameful charge for a rapper — and getting spray tans to appear more Black. (Latto’s father is Black and she identifies as biracial.)

After a long series of back-and-forth tweets, in which the women described each other as being passive-aggressive and “meticulous with shade,” Latto accused Minaj of associating with sexual predators.

“Super freaky grandma is married AND related to fucking rapists,” she wrote, describing Minaj as “my idol turned rival.”

Minaj is married to Kenneth Petty, who was recently sentenced to three years probation and a year of home detention due to his failure to register as a sex offender in California.

Court documents previously obtained by TMZ show that 41-year-old Petty was convicted of first-degree attempted rape when he was 16 years old.

New York state’s sex-offender registry reports that Petty committed the crime in 1994. His conviction details reveal that he used a “knife/cutting instrument” against his victim, Jennifer Hough, who was also 16.

Last year, Hough sued Minaj and Petty in New York, alleging that the couple attempted to pay her $500,000 to recant the allegations and intimidated her on various occasions.

Minaj’s brother, Jelani Maraj, is currently serving 25 years to life in prison for raping an 11-year-old girl.

Minaj said Latto “didn’t care about rape” when she asked to collaborate with Minaj on a song, adding, “I’ve never raped anyone. I’ve inspired millions.”

She also noted that Latto’s “Big Energy” was coproduced by Dr. Luke, whom Kesha accused of sexual, physical, verbal, and emotional abuse.

The majority of Minaj’s tweets have been deleted, although Latto’s are still live at the time of writing. 

Representatives for Minaj and Latto did not immediately respond to Insider’s requests for comment.