Welcome to FTW Explains, where FTW Explains some stuff that’s going on in the world. Rap beefs are always of complicated origin, and the latest one to blow up the internet is between Remy Ma and Nicki Minaj, the first ladies of Terror Squad and Cash Money Records. So who’s said what and why? Let us help.

SO WHAT STARTED IT?

Remy Ma and Terror Squad leader Fat Joe put out an album last week, and you’ve always got to hype up an album properly. That’s a big part of it. Anyway, Remy has long been competitive with other women rappers. A decade ago, she warred with Lil Kim, though they’ve patched things up and are touring together.

When it comes to Nicki, this one also runs back a decade. But Remy more recently claims that Nicki stole a line from her and that she had her back while Remy was in prison but has since recoiled. It’s all typical beef stuff, but it’s been roiling for most of the last year quietly. Until now.

WHAT DO I NEED TO LISTEN TO?

Well, it goes without saying that these links contain explicit language not suitable for work.

Anyway, after weeks of subliminal, unnamed disses, Nicki decided to be a bit more transparent in “Make Love,” a collaboration with Gucci Mane that was released Thursday. In it, she includes lines directed at both Azalea Banks and Remy, with a pretty explicit “One platinum plaque, album flopped” line that fits Remy and few other possible targets. 

Less than 24 hours later, Remy dropped “Shether,” a fiery diss over Nas’ infamous “Ether” beat. This one is … uhh … pretty explicit. There are a lot of references to people Nicki may have had sex with and people who may have ghostwritten her songs.

Genius has given us partially annotated lyrics to both “Make Love” and “Shether.”

Minaj responded with a simple cannonball on Instagram.

I THOUGHT THIS WAS A SPORTS SITE!

Hey, Nicki performed with Ariana Grande at the 2015 NBA All-Star Game halftime show, and Remy came out with DJ Khaled and Fat Joe at this year’s All-Star Saturday showcase. That’s all the sports we got for ya.

SO WHO WON?

Well, no one is going to deny the effectiveness of dropping straight facts like Nicki did with that Instagram post. But you don’t win a rap beef on social media — even if you’re Drake. “Shether” might have been more effective if Minaj hadn’t spent her entire career standing strong while being accused of promiscuity. The ghostwriter stuff might hurt more, but she’ll have a chance to respond soon on the microphone.

This one doesn’t feel over at all.

Source: usatoday.com

Date Posted: Saturday, February 25th, 2017 , Total Page Views: 2591