Latto Says “Stans” Fuel Women Rap Beefs: “We Be Falling For These Traps”

Latto recently spoke with XXL and voiced her thoughts on rap beef amongst women. Although the Atlanta star has had her own share of “feuds” with other artists, she blamed “stans” for turning rappers against each other.

“I think it really don’t be a problem until we let fans, Stans, whatever you want to call them, like the outsiders once they get in the mix,” she said. “I think that’s what stirs the pot. Because it’s like, we will all be fans of each other and commenting and following each other, whatever, but then once they get to comparing, they will turn us against each other, which is very weak-minded of us as female rappers.”

She continued, “I will take that accountability. I don’t think truly, at heart, it’s us. Once people are infiltrating your mind and got you thinking this, and now you feel this type of way without even addressing the person, now you addressing fans. I think we be falling for these traps that they put on female rappers.”

Despite having apparent differences this year with Coi Leray, Ice Spice and Sexyy Red over fashion choices, Latto and Nicki Minaj had a huge blow out in October of last year. The two women exchanged words over X (formerly Twitter) stemming from their opinions on how the Grammy’s consider rap nominations.

Upon news of the 2022 nominees, Minaj pushed back at the Recording Academy for not considering her smash hit “Super Freaky Girl” for any rap categories. The single was rumored to be considered for the pop category instead. However, Latto’s pop-esque hit “Big Energy” was eligible for the coveted rap slot.

Minaj took it upon herself to call out the unfairness of the situation on Instagram Live and X with an ultimatum. She wrote on X at the time, “If [Super Freaky Girl] has 2B moved out RAP then so does Big Energy! ANY1 who says diff is simply a Nicki hater or a troll.”

The Queen rapper followed up with a re-quoted tweet of a fan posting a screenshot of Latto saying that her song “Big Energy” is a pop song. Nicki commented with a simple, “Yikes.” The Twitter streets began connecting the two rappers’ posts to each other once Latto seemingly responded to Minaj’s tweet with, “Damn I can’t win for losing… all these awards/noms I can’t even celebrate.”

As the conversation continued, Minaj called the biracial rapper a “Karen” and “scratch off,” featuring a screenshot of a private message from Latto. “This Karen has probably mentioned my name in over 100 interviews,” the 40-year-old wrote at the time. “Says she waited in line for Pink Friday w|her Barbie chain on, bangs, pink hair… but today, scratch off decides to be silent; rather than speak up for the Black woman she called her biggest inspiration.”

Latto replied with, “1st of all I texted u cause I didn’t wanna do the internet sht w sum1 I looked up to. Just like the 1st time I DMed u asking about ur ongoing subtweets. I wanted to speak up cuz like I said I do agree but the way u going about it seems malicious esp. after how we left off.”

She continued, “I’ve ignored countless subtweets since March and instead addressed u in the dm. You’re asking why I didn’t speak up in ur defense… it’s the same answer I gave u when u asked why I didn’t congratulate you. Ur literally older than my mom tryna be a bully @NICKIMINAJ.”

Speaking to shots thrown around about age, Minaj responded, “All this time I thought you was at least 35.” Accusing Latto of age-shaming her, the “Red Ruby Da Sleeze” MC added, “You sold 20K right? Age shaming when you look like YOU the one pushing 40. Age shaming but was BEGGING for a feature. Imagine what dem genes gon do in 10 years. Oh so you in your 20’s. Oh ok then. At least it match your album sales. Mad u flopped. That’s why u rlly mad.”

Later in their explosive exchange, Latto brought up Minaj’s marriage to Kenneth Petty, who was convicted of attempted first-degree rape, and her brother Jelani Maraj, who is serving 25 years to life in prison for predatory sexual assault against a child.

“Super freaky grandma is married AND related to f**king rapists,” Latto said. “You ain’t gone bully me BI**H! My idol turned rival now u hating!” She also made it clear that she’s willing to “die on this hill by myself” without anyone backing up her claims against Minaj.

Minaj nonchalantly responded to Latto’s jabs, typing, “Didn’t care about rape when she was begging for features. Didn’t care about Kodak’s past. Didn’t care about the accusations made about Dr. Luke who produced ‘Big Energy.’ News Flash scratch off. I’ve never raped anyone. I’ve inspired millions. You’re one of them BOZO.”

The two have not exchanged public words since.

Hopefully Latto’s interview with XXL is a step in the right direction for reconciliation between her and Nicki Minaj.

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