Nicki Minaj Slammed for Supporting Ben Shapiro

Rapper Nicki Minaj has congratulated conservative commentator Ben Shapiro for his rap song reaching the number-one spot on the U.S. iTunes chart—and people aren’t happy.

Newsweek contacted representatives for Minaj and Shapiro for comment via email Monday.

Over the years Shapiro—a former editor-in-chief of the Daily Wire—has criticized identity politics, supported an abortion ban and has criticized the Black Lives Matter movement. So, it should come as no surprise that his track titled “Facts” is an anti-woke song in collaboration with Canadian rapper and songwriter Tom MacDonald.

During the song, Shapiro takes shots at multiple artists, including Minaj, when he says: “Nicki take some notes, I just did this for fun / All my people download this, let’s get a Billboard number-one.”

American commentator Ben Shapiro is seen on set during a taping of “Candace” on March 17, 2021, in Nashville, Tennessee and Nicki Minaj performs onstage during iHeartRadio Power 96.1’s Jingle Ball 2023 at State Farm… American commentator Ben Shapiro is seen on set during a taping of “Candace” on March 17, 2021, in Nashville, Tennessee and Nicki Minaj performs onstage during iHeartRadio Power 96.1’s Jingle Ball 2023 at State Farm Arena on December 14, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia. Minaj has congratulated Shapiro on his new song. More Jason Kempin/Derek White/Getty Images/Getty Images for iHeartRadio

Shapiro and Minaj have feuded before, as in June 2023 the pair had a heated exchange on X (formerly Twitter) when the conservative commentator negatively reacted to the lyrics of Minaj’s song “Pound Town 2.” However, this feud seems to be old news, as Minaj has taken to X to congratulate him on his song’s success.

“Ben Shapiro? Ben Shapiro is #1 on iTunes? This better be a good edit. BARBZ if y’all don’t quit playin!!!!” she wrote on X on Saturday, with Barbz being the collective name for her fans.

“I just listened to it @benshapiro not bad. Congrats on #1. But it def sounds like Roman’s Revenge when the beat first came in…idk,” she continued in another tweet, referencing one of her songs.

She added: “Ben Shapiro put out a diss record. He said his comment sections are filled with woke Karens. The song is #1 on US iTunes. what is rlly happening & whos is that other man rapping???? Is this real life??!! He said ‘Nicki take some notes’ nah AYO nah.”

People have been left unimpressed by the rapper and have criticized her comments toward Shapiro as tone-deaf, with some of these critics being Minaj’s fans.

Many said Shapiro is known for criticizing the people who make up much of Minaj’s fan base. Others pointed out that Shapiro has previously been critical of the rap genre.

“I love Nicki but this is straight up embarrassing. Ben Shapiro has been the biggest advocate against rap music for YEARS and he drops the most awful verse ever and as a JOKE to the genre. Straight up embarrassing for all three parties,” one X user wrote.

“Ben says that rap isn’t real music. His song mocks Black women and pathologizes Black men. He disrespects the LGBTQ community. He clowns your rap peers. He’s not trying to make hip hop music. He’s making a mockery of us. I appreciate you being gracious. But he doesn’t deserve your valuable stamp or respect, my sister,” said another.

“congratulating that man … the same man who wants the human rights of 90% of your fan base REVOKED … put the phone DOWN,” a third person wrote.

Not everyone online has been critical of Minaj and the new song by Shapiro, and some would even like the two to work together.

Read More About Nicki Minaj

“Can we get a @benshapiro X @NICKIMINAJ collab?” one person on X asked.

“I am absolutely blown away by the incredible work done on this edit! Ben Shapiro’s voice is clear and powerful, and the music choice perfectly complements his words. I can see why it’s #1 on iTunes—this is truly top-notch quality. As a BARBZ, I am beyond impressed and highly recommend everyone to give it a listen. Keep up the amazing work!” said another.

A third person added: “Tom [Macdonald] is great. You should consider making a song with him. He’s a very talented artist and the top indie artist. Would make for an interesting collab. Heads will roll…”

Minaj is currently involved in a feud with rapper Megan Thee Stallion over lyrics in the latter’s song “Hiss.” These lyrics were: “These h*** don’t be mad at Megan / these h*** mad at Megan’s Law,” referring to the U.S. law that mandates law enforcement to provide the public with information regarding registered sex offenders.

Minaj and her fans thought the song mocked her husband Kenneth Petty, who is a registered sex offender and was convicted of attempted rape charges.

Minaj responded by releasing a Megan Thee Stallion diss track called “Big Foot” on Sunday night.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

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