Nicki Minaj Takes Aim at Cardi B’s Record Label Amid Major Changes at Warner Music Group

Nicki Minaj has found herself at the center of attention once again as she reacted to the recent major shakeups at Warner Music Group, which notably impacts her longtime rival Cardi B’s record label, Atlantic Records.

As part of a significant restructuring within Warner Music Group, several high-profile executives, including Atlantic Records head Julie Greenwald and 300 Entertainment CEO Kevin Liles, are leaving their positions. Elliott Grainge will be stepping in as CEO of the conglomerate.

The “Pink Friday 2” rapper, who is signed to Republic and Young Money under Universal Music Group, took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to express her amusement over the executive departures.

On September 19, 2024, Nicki Minaj posted:

“Dear fired executives & A&Rs: Don’t be mad, UPS is hiring. Also, feel free to submit your resumes for a job @ #HeavyOnIt.”
This statement referenced Minaj’s own imprint, Heavy On It, which she launched last year.

She followed up with another post taking a jab at her rivals, saying:
“They’ve been wanting empty arenas so bad. Obsessed with me while all your friends are getting fired is nasty work.”
Minaj’s comments, combined with a gif that labeled the fired executives as “losers,” appeared to show her relishing the downsizing of the label associated with her rival, Cardi B.

According to reports, between 150 and 175 employees across Warner Music Group’s labels, including Atlantic, have been affected by the layoffs. WMG CEO Robert Kyncl issued a memo acknowledging the contributions of the departing executives, thanking them for their years of dedication to the company and the artists they’ve worked with.

While Nicki Minaj has had a long-standing feud with Cardi B, her disdain for Atlantic Records also stems from previous claims by British rapper Lady Leshurr, who revealed in 2021 that Atlantic had offered her a large sum of money to diss Minaj. Lady Leshurr turned down the offer, citing her reluctance to tear down another female artist.

Nicki Minaj’s latest jabs at Atlantic Records and its outgoing executives have reignited her rivalry with Cardi B’s camp. As the Warner Music Group continues its restructuring under new leadership, the impact of these changes on the music industry, especially for high-profile artists like Cardi B, remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Nicki Minaj is far from done with her sharp commentary on the shifting dynamics of the industry.