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Ray J recently stated that his remarks at a Lil' Kim show in the early 2010s might have sparked the long-standing rivalry between Nicki Minaj and Lil' Kim, which has been a hot issue in hip-hop for years.
On March 5, 2025, in a VladTV interview, Ray J admitted to inadvertently starting the Nicki Minaj and Lil' Kim feud, expressing regret for his role in the tension. He explained:
"I said some sh*t.. it wasn't cool"
The beef is said to have started in 2007 when fans and industry observers pointed out that Minaj was drawing similarities with Lil' Kim. This prompted rumors that Minaj was copying from Lil' Kim. Throughout the years, both rappers went back and forth with diss tracks and public comments. Ray J's recent words have caused debate about how the feud started and if he had a part in it.
Ray J later apologized for any unintended impact that he might have had. He now wishes reconciliation between Minaj and Lil' Kim. His remarks have incited controversy on whether his role was important or if the rivalry was unavoidable owing to industry competition and fan assumptions.
What did Ray J say about his role?
Ray J alleged that his actions at a Lil' Kim performance could have led to the feud. He said he had said something out of turn that could have been taken the wrong way. But he didn't give any particular information as to what he said.
He then explained that he never directly spoke about Nicki Minaj. He opined that the media and fans might have associated his statements with the beef. He reiterated that he never intended to cause friction between the two artists.
Ray J now wishes that his previous words would not continue to fuel the feud. He has urged Minaj and Lil' Kim to put their differences aside and concentrate on their music careers. His recent remarks indicate he wishes to clear the air and prevent further controversy.
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How did the feud between Nicki Minaj and Lil' Kim begin?
The beef between Lil' Kim and Minaj started when comparisons were made between the two rappers that spanned between their long-running careers, especially from the late 2000s through the early 2010s.
Comparisons between Lil' Kim fans and the two rappers, which made it seem like Minaj was mimicking Lil' Kim from style down to music, seemed to have boiled down to an impression that she was purposefully copying Lil' Kim.
However, Minaj fervently denied that she was going about it this way on purpose. Things took a turn for the worse and both rappers dissed each other with tracks. "Black Friday," championed by Lil' Kim, is a direct response to "Roman's Revenge" by Minaj in a fiery argument.
They even put out statements directly slandering each other, igniting the beef in press statements. But the feud lived on for years with fans of each artist divided, and although both have enjoyed their careers, it remains one of hip-hop's most notorious beefs. The latest remarks from Ray J have once again shed light on how this whole fiasco started and how much of an influence external forces might have had.
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Can Nicki Minaj and Lil' Kim reconcile?
Ray J mentioned that he hoped the two artists would reconcile, arguing that their contributions to hip-hop should be celebrated, not lost because they disagreed.
Some in the industry felt similarly, believing a reconciliation between the two rappers and their fans could only benefit the hip-hop community. Some continue to believe, after years of feuding, it could happen.
Just like some other beefs in hip-hop have been resolved well enough for rappers to come together for songs or gestures in public, fans have also expressed their desire to witness Minaj and Lil' Kim dropping their beef.
That said, Minaj and Lil' Kim have not publicly reacted to Ray J's comments on how he is implicated in their beef, and it is unclear whether or not they would like to reconcile. If both rappers do decide to hack it out, it would be one big chapter in the history of hip-hop.
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Ray J's assertion regarding his involvement in the Minaj-Lil' Kim rivalry has brought debate, but it remains doubtful whether his input was a deciding factor. The feud began when comparisons were made within the industry, and both artists played their part in its escalation.
Although Ray J now longs for reconciliation, the choice rests with Minaj and Lil' Kim. Whether they decide to end their feud or not, their contributions to hip-hop still influence the industry.
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