Young Money loyalty runs deep in 2024, with Drake quietly throwing his support behind Nicki Minaj during her heated feud with JAY-Z. The conflict erupted after it was announced that Kendrick Lamar would headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2025, sparking outrage from Minaj, who felt that her mentor Lil Wayne, a New Orleans native, deserved the spotlight.
On September 9, Minaj took to Twitter for a multi-tweet tirade, expressing her frustration with the decision and calling out JAY-Z directly. She accused the rap mogul of prioritizing financial gain over cultural impact and lauded Lil Wayne’s contributions to hip-hop. “You don’t know the half of what Lil Wayne has done for me and others,” Minaj wrote, defending Wayne’s influence on the game. She added, “Inspired your faves to wanna be a great MC. He never was in this for the money,” a clear jab at JAY-Z, who has long branded himself as a savvy businessman in the industry.
While Drake didn’t make any official statements, his actions spoke volumes. DJ Akademiks, a popular hip-hop commentator, shared Minaj’s tweets on Instagram, and Drake made sure to show his approval by liking the post. This small but significant gesture didn’t go unnoticed by fans, suggesting Drake shares Minaj’s feelings about the Super Bowl snub. Drake is known for engaging with Akademiks’ content, but his public endorsement of Minaj’s stance sent a clear message of solidarity within the Young Money family.
Drake also took to Instagram to post a throwback photo of the Young Money crew from 2009, shortly after the Super Bowl headliner was revealed. The photo, featuring Lil Wayne and other Young Money artists, didn’t include a caption, but its timing was unmistakable. Fans interpreted it as a subtle show of support for Minaj and a nod to Wayne’s legacy.
Drake likes a post on Instagram of Nicki Minaj showing support for Lil Wayne and his impact on Drake and Nicki 👀 pic.twitter.com/7x3GaLieUQ
— Drake Charts ⁶𓅓 (@DrakeChart) September 9, 2024
Drake’s relationship with Nicki Minaj has seen its ups and downs over the years, with rumors of tension between the two swirling as recently as 2015. However, their bond seems stronger than ever in 2024. Earlier this year, Drake made a surprise appearance at Minaj’s concert in Toronto, where the two performed together. During the show, Minaj showered Drake with praise, calling him an “icon” and a “legend,” solidifying their reconciliation and shared respect.
The rapper’s subtle actions indicate that even as he distances himself from public feuds and disses, his allegiance to Young Money remains unshakable. With Minaj at the center of a public spat with JAY-Z, Drake’s quiet support shows that Young Money continues to stand united, even in an industry rife with rivalries.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I’m Shivam Kumar. I’m pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day….