Nicki Minaj and Cardi B recently teamed up on Migos’ “MotorSport” and whether you’re fan of any of these artists, the idea that two highly successful female rappers can come together on the same track is impressive and rare. Within the hip hop industry, there have been speculations that Nicki Minaj and Cardi B have quietly garnered beef for one another. Nicki Minaj has monopolized the female rapper role for several years and we have entertained the fact that other female rappers can compete with her. Early this year, Remy Ma unsuccessfully tried to attack Nicki Minaj with the diss track, “ShETHER.” Quite frankly, Remy has been and continues to be irrelevant while ruining a Nas classic with scattered lyrics and cheap shots as an attempt to gain a few new Twitter followers. To say the least, the “diss” left a bad taste in my mouth. Meanwhile, Cardi B was cultivating a successful personal brand image without attacking her female counterparts, but instead publicly claiming to look up to them.
Cardi and Nicki joining forces on “Motorsport” was just the breath of fresh air needed in the rap industry polluted by female competitiveness and disempowerment. While Cardi B may not possess the seniority of Nicki Minaj, she is the first female rapper to give Nicki’s throne a run for its money. Instead of releasing petty diss tracks, they have embraced one another as colleagues on this Migos collaboration. Despite the release of the song, the public continues to assume beef between the two women. Both parties have disregarded any negativity and continue to coexist in the hip hop community.
However, this is not to say there shouldn’t be rapper beef. The hip hop industry thrives on competition. While male rappers squabble regularly without necessarily securing the title of greatest rapper, female rapper beef always seems to end with one achieving an unprecedented royalty. Cardi B and Nicki Minaj show awareness of their roles and influence in the business. Both women are entertaining, independent, and outrageous in their respective ways. These two powerhouses merging together on a track is refreshing. Do both verses claim to steal your man? Sure. Do both women rap about money, fashion, and sexuality? Of course, but the assumption created by this work is that women can empower one another and become successful without competing against each other in a male dominated field. The combination of assertive and fierce energy between Nick Minaj and Cardi B interlaced with the mainstream sound of Migos is the perfect example of positivity and teamwork needed from modern artists.