Nicki Minaj Blasts Lizzo Over Weight Loss and 'Flop' Album
The world of hip-hop is no stranger to beefs, but the latest clash between Nicki Minaj and Lizzo has taken a personal and politically charged turn. Just hours after the 2026 Grammys, Minaj unleashed a scathing post on X (formerly Twitter), targeting Lizzo's recent weight loss, her music career, and an ongoing legal battle. This isn't just shade—it's a full-on spotlight on the tensions brewing between two powerhouse women in the industry.
The Post-Grammys Tirade
On February 1, 2026, as the Grammys wrapped up in Los Angeles, Nicki Minaj was nowhere to be seen on the red carpet. Host Trevor Noah addressed her absence with a cheeky jab: "Nicki Minaj is not here. She’s still at the White House with Donald Trump, discussing very important issues." The quip, poking fun at Minaj's recent alignment with MAGA politics, clearly struck a nerve.
Minaj fired back swiftly on X, escalating the night into chaos. But her response didn't stop at Noah. She turned her attention to Lizzo, writing: “Fat Lizzo lost 300 lbs just to sell 300 albums. So now she has loose skin AND a flop album, AND a weird charge. Sheesh.” The post, which has since garnered millions of views, mixes body-shaming rhetoric with career digs, reigniting debates about artist authenticity and industry pressures.
Unpacking the 'Flop Album' Claim
Minaj's reference to a "flop album" is murky, as Lizzo's last full studio album, Special, dropped in 2022 and debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. In 2025, Lizzo pivoted to a mixtape titled My Face Hurts from Smiling, which received mixed reviews but still charted modestly. Industry analysts suggest Minaj might be exaggerating sales figures to undermine Lizzo's pivot toward more experimental sounds. Lizzo has been vocal about her creative evolution, emphasizing joy and self-expression over commercial hits.
Critics argue this jab overlooks the broader context: streaming eras make traditional album sales less indicative of success. Lizzo's mixtape amassed over 50 million streams in its first week, per Spotify data, proving her fanbase remains loyal despite Minaj's dismissal.
The 'Weird Charge' and Ongoing Lawsuit
Minaj's mention of a "weird charge" likely alludes to the high-profile lawsuit filed against Lizzo by three former dancers in 2023. The suit accused her of creating a toxic work environment, including fat-shaming and sexual harassment during her tour. While the fat-shaming portion was dismissed in December 2025, the harassment allegations persist in civil court. Importantly, no criminal charges have been filed—it's a civil matter centered on workplace conduct.
Lizzo has denied the claims vehemently, calling them a "false narrative" in a 2024 statement. The case has polarized fans: some see it as an attack on her body-positivity empire, while others demand accountability. As the trial drags into 2026, it's become a flashpoint in discussions about power dynamics in entertainment. Minaj's comment risks amplifying unproven accusations, potentially influencing public perception ahead of key rulings.
Lizzo's Weight Loss Journey
Lizzo's physical transformation has been a hot topic since 2024. The singer, long an icon of self-love, shared on social media that her weight loss stemmed from health-focused changes like veganism and therapy, not industry pressure. She's emphasized that her body positivity message evolves with her: "It's about feeling good in your skin, whatever size."
Minaj's cruel framing—implying it was a desperate sales ploy—echoes past criticisms both artists have faced. Yet, Lizzo's response has been measured; she hasn't directly addressed the post, instead posting empowering content from her recent tour stops in the UK.
Political Undercurrents Fueling the Feud
This isn't isolated drama. The beef traces back to December 2025, when Minaj appeared at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest alongside conservative figures. Lizzo reacted on her podcast, expressing little surprise at Minaj's MAGA turn. "You’re about to see an influx of people who see that it is more profitable and more beneficial to join that side," Lizzo warned, predicting a wave of celebrity endorsements for Trump in his first post-2024 term.
Lizzo's comments highlighted the financial incentives behind political flips, a sentiment echoed by fans disillusioned with Hollywood's left-leaning norms. Minaj, who has leaned into Trump support via merchandise like her "Nicki Was Right About Everything" hat, responded indirectly through X threads shading "fake activists." Noah's Grammy joke only poured fuel on the fire, linking Minaj's politics to her Grammys snub (she's nominated but absent).
Impact on Hip-Hop's Political Landscape
As Trump settles into his presidency, celebrity alignments are shifting. Minaj's pivot has alienated some longtime fans but boosted her visibility in conservative circles. Lizzo, a vocal progressive, positions herself as a truth-teller, urging followers not to be shocked by opportunism. This feud underscores hip-hop's growing intersection with politics— from Kendrick Lamar's subtle jabs to Cardi B's outspoken critiques.
Analysts predict more such clashes as artists navigate endorsement deals and cultural relevance. For Lizzo, it could galvanize her base around resilience; for Minaj, it reinforces her unfiltered persona.
What This Means for Their Careers
Both women have weathered storms before. Lizzo's rise from viral flute covers to Grammy wins exemplifies reinvention, while Minaj's Barbz army ensures her dominance. This spat might boost streams—feuds often do—but it risks deepening divides in a genre craving unity.
As the UK tour season ramps up (Lizzo headlines Glastonbury rumors swirl), expect ripple effects. Will Lizzo clap back in lyrics? Could Minaj drop a diss track? For now, the internet is ablaze, dissecting every angle from feminism to fiscal motives.
In an era of cancel culture and comebacks, this Lizzo-Minaj face-off reminds us: in hip-hop, the mic is mightier than the sword, and the drama never sleeps.
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