ICYMI, the 2015 VMA nominations were announced this morning, and Nicki Minaj – who’s up for three – took to Twitter to question why MTV didn’t award her more.
A couple of ’em appeared to be calling out a non-specific ‘type’ of artist, claiming that MTV favoured them over her. Plenty of folks – us included – jumped to the conclusion that she was referring to Taylor Swift, who cleaned up with nine VMA nominations, and has previously won Best Female Video twice: 2009 (the “Imma let you finish” year) and 2010.
If I was a different “kind” of artist, Anaconda would be nominated for best choreo and vid of the year as well. ??????
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) July 21, 2015
When the “other” girls drop a video that breaks records and impacts culture they get that nomination. ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) July 21, 2015
This is pure speculation here, but it looks like someone mentioned to Taylor – who’s currently busy AF on her ‘1989‘ tour – that headlines of the ‘NICKI THROWS SHADE AT T-SWIFT‘ variety were coming in thick and fast, and Taylor tried to diffuse the situation.
This, unfortunately, sparked a Twitter spat disagreement which got fanned into a full on bushfire by angry tweeters coming in to swing for both sides.
@NICKIMINAJ I’ve done nothing but love & support you. It’s unlike you to pit women against each other. Maybe one of the men took your slot..
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) July 21, 2015
Huh? U must not be reading my tweets. Didn’t say a word about u. I love u just as much. But u should speak on this. @taylorswift13
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) July 21, 2015
@taylorswift13 I’m still confused as to why u just tweeted me when I made it abundantly clear… pic.twitter.com/A5kJyi6fQC
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) July 21, 2015
@NICKIMINAJ If I win, please come up with me!! You’re invited to any stage I’m ever on.
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) July 21, 2015
At this point, most of the media went ham on their keyboards to get ‘Nicki Minaj vs Taylor Swift FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT‘ headlines out. It’s an easy mistake to make – in the digital media landscape of get it out first, breaking news tends to be written first, fact checked later.
Nicki Minaj herself was quick to point out that those headlines had missed the point entirely – and then proceeded to tweet and retweet her views on racism in the music industry, some of which brought Taylor Swift along as collateral damage.
I’m not always confident. Just tired. Black women influence pop culture so much but are rarely rewarded for it. https://t.co/2xOvJzBXJX
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) July 21, 2015
Nothing I said had to do with Taylor. So what jabs? White media and their tactics. So sad. That’s what they want. https://t.co/AfcwoyDvpg
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) July 21, 2015
I’m so glad u guys get to see how this stuff works. Taylor took her music off spotify and was applauded. We launched Tidal & were dragged.
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) July 21, 2015
Taylor Swift has gone silent on Twitter, presumably until the shitstorm settles.
It is entirely possible that her original tweet, which started this whole mess, was directed at Miley Cyrus winning Video of the Year last year for ‘Wrecking Ball‘. Both it and ‘Anaconda‘ attracted buckets of controversy, featured their star in a semi-to-totally naked form, and demonstrated ridiculous influence on pop culture in general. The latter won, the former wasn’t even nominated.
It could also be a bubbling over of rage at the supposed white focus of music awards in general, which – to be fair – isn’t exactly demonstrated in recent VMA nominations / winners.
Beyoncé has been nominated for five this year, seven last year (winning three), and won three of ’em back in 2009, not to mention bringing down the house with a show stopping 16-minute medley in 2014. Other nominations / winners this year and in the past have heavily featured artists like Rihanna, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino, Tyler, The Creator, and Usher.
Actually, the biggest controversy from last year’s VMAs was that Lorde won Best Rock Video for ‘Royals‘. Goddam fantastic song, but rock???? Still reeling, tbh.
In an awkward move, Kim Kardashian accidentally entered the fray. She posted a shot of her Vogue Spain shoot to Instagram with the original caption: “Imma let you finish but”, because – you know. Her butt.
The entire Kim Kardashian social following was quick to link up the caption with the then supposed Nicki Minaj vs Taylor Swift feud. She realised her mistake, updated the caption, and probably no harm done save for a few lols.
Wait wait I’m in Paris it’s the middle of the night & I’m posting my Vogue Spain pics not having a clue what’s going on in the music world
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) July 21, 2015
I’m not trying to shade anyone! That’s not my style! I just thought that caption was perfect for that pic! Changing the caption now! #ironic
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) July 21, 2015
Don’t worry, person interested enough to read through till the end of this piece – we’ll keep watching the story as it develops.
Lead picture: Frazer Harrison via Getty Images
