Nicki Minaj Addresses 6ix9ine Collaboration Backlash

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Nicki Minaj reacts to the backlash over her upcoming collaboration with Tekashi 6ix9ine.

Over the past two years, Nicki Minaj's career has been filled with rather questionable moves. Her ongoing feud with Cardi B remains a hot topic but what was even more peculiar was her decision to align herself with Tekashi 6ix9ine. "FEFE" became a massive hit for both artists and a definitive track of summer 2018, months before 6ix9ine would face racketeering and firearm charges.

Even then, Nicki Minaj's rep was at risk by associating herself with someone who's on probation for child molestation charges. Maybe it was the best move to seem like she wasn't contradicting herself since her brother was convicted of child rape charges months before "FEFE" hit airwaves. 

Associating with a snitch, in hip-hop specifically, is a risky move, but again, Nicki's loyalty to 6ix9ine clearly runs deeper. She's now the first artist to openly collaborate with 6ix9ine following his testimony against members of Tr3y Way. The two are getting ready to release their song, "TROLLZ" this week. Proceeds from the song and merch will be donated Bail Project Inc. which many have found ironic since 6ix9ine literally put several Black men behind bars.

Nicki faced criticism, of course, with the Barbz coming to her defense. However, Nicki made it clear that she doesn't care what anyone else thinks because she has a mind of her own.

"You don't have to defend me. I'm not afraid of internet trolls, blogs, artists. I don't jump on band wagons. Many will never know what it feels like to have a mind of their own," she said. Honestly, it makes sense. Who would be afraid of blogs or internet trolls when you got the feds by your side?

About The Author
Aron A. is a features editor for HotNewHipHop. Beginning his tenure at HotNewHipHop in July 2017, he has comprehensively documented the biggest stories in the culture over the past few years. Throughout his time, Aron’s helped introduce a number of buzzing up-and-coming artists to our audience, identifying regional trends and highlighting hip-hop from across the globe. As a Canadian-based music journalist, he has also made a concerted effort to put spotlights on artists hailing from North of the border as part of Rise & Grind, the weekly interview series that he created and launched in 2021. Aron also broke a number of stories through his extensive interviews with beloved figures in the culture. These include industry vets (Quality Control co-founder Kevin "Coach K" Lee, Wayno Clark), definitive producers (DJ Paul, Hit-Boy, Zaytoven), cultural disruptors (Soulja Boy), lyrical heavyweights (Pusha T, Styles P, Danny Brown), cultural pioneers (Dapper Dan, Big Daddy Kane), and the next generation of stars (Lil Durk, Latto, Fivio Foreign, Denzel Curry). Aron also penned cover stories with the likes of Rick Ross, Central Cee, Moneybagg Yo, Vince Staples, and Bobby Shmurda.
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