CAMERON TRAYLOR / CONTRIBUTOR

Throughout the years, we’ve grown together through social media. However, it’s in human nature for people to abuse media-sharing technologies, to manipulate and corrode the public information we have access to. In the current hyper-advanced digital age we live in, it seems as if violence and conflict between women, and toward women, through the media has become society’s new pleasure.

The weaponization of social media has become a central topic in today’s classrooms, courts and other important places. As  systems like AI become ubiquitous and more powerful, it’s normal for us to wonder, “have we gone too far?” 

In terms of rap news and pop culture media coverage, Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion have collaborated together on “Hot Girl Summer” in 2019. Then Megan Thee Stallion released “WAP” in 2020 with Cardi B, who most would claim to be one of Nicki Minaj’s rivals. Nicki seemingly talked about Megan in her song 2023 song “Red Ruby Da Sleeze,” when Nicki mentions her hate and disapproval of horses. Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B later collaborated again on the song “Bongos” during September 2023. This new year, Megan released her popular single, “Hiss.” However, the rivalry between the hip-hop superstars hit a turning point Jan. 29, when Nicki Minaj released “Big Foot.” 

This track seemed to be a response to “Hiss.” However, the claim that it was a diss on Megan was denied by Bronx native Nicki Minaj. When “Hiss” dropped, it quickly became a trending topic of conversation throughout digital platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and X. 

In the song “Hiss,” Megan Thee Stallion raps about her current celebrity lifestyle and the challenges that  she experiences as a female rapper in today’s world. On a 10-second interlude in the song, the Houston rapper says, “Every time y’all celebrate fake news, ha! Using my names for likes and views.” Megan Thee Stallion goes on to reclaim her own power in the remainder of the song and reminds listeners of the difficulties of fame and success as a Black woman as she raps clearly and proudly, “These blogs get paid to lie.” 

The showcasing of these lyrics isn’t to pick a side between Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion, or to decide which one is right or wrong. It’s to demonstrate how there’s a current trend in society that we all participate in, where people are purposely attacking others through social media and perpetuating harmful narratives. 

USD Professor Mary Brinson, who has done extensive research on harmful portrayals of Muslims in media added, “These artists have the right to freedom of expression in any way they see fit. However in an industry where women historically are criticized and scrutinized (i.e. Taylor Swift), tearing each other apart contributes to and amplifies the problem. It seems that many of the current female artist have dedicated groupies that take to social media to defend them (i.e. Swifties, Beyonce’s Beyhive, Minaj’s Barbz) in response to media-hyped conflicts.” 

Stereotypes and the spread of misinformation in the media, is often driven by malice and ill will in order to try to continue false narratives and further biases, especially negative ones. Online spaces where people digitally interact are hubs for the spread of misinformation and it’s where made-up stories circulate without remorse for the victim, or those carrying out the spreading of fake news. 

USD Professor Jessica Magellan, whose background is in Sociology and Feminist Theory, added her input, “Feuds in the music industry, including rap are nothing new. The fact that these two artists happen to be women of color in an often misogynistic industry only makes them both more vulnerable to oppression, stereotypes, doxxing and cancel culture. This combined with the disturbing ‘cat fight’ trope and ‘angry black woman’ trope make public feuds like this even more concerning.” 

February is a month to honor Black history, and a month to celebrate love and compassion. It’s important that we take time as a collective to reflect on the importance of the words and images we use when representing people, especially those from marginalized communities. 

Let’s aim to create a world where every story is valued, but most importantly heard. We can create this world through active listening, empowering our communities, and understanding diverse perspectives. Uplifting the voices of the marginalized is a key factor in promoting a more diverse and inclusive world for everybody to inhabit.

The release of ‘Bigfoot’ was a turning point in the rivalry between the rap stars. Photo courtesy of @nickiminaj/Instagram