Even a discussion about childhood musical influences can spark controversy when Nicki Minaj and Cardi B are involved. The Bronx rapper is responding to criticism over leaving Minaj off her list of influential artists, making it clear that she won’t rewrite her musical history to satisfy anyone else’s expectations.
During an X Spaces conversation on Wednesday (Oct. 21), Cardi addressed the backlash surrounding her recent New York Times T Magazine profile. The interview highlighted Madonna, Lil’ Kim, Foxy Brown, and Trina as artists who influenced her during childhood. However, some listeners, particularly Nicki’s fans, questioned why the Young Money rapper was left off the list.
Cardi explained that the women she mentioned had already shaped her musical taste before Minaj rose to prominence. While she admitted to listening to another female rapper when she was around 17, she drew a distinction between that experience and the artists she looked up to throughout her younger years. She did not mention Nicki by name while explaining her position.
According to Complex, Cardi also questioned why people were so upset about her personal choices, especially since she has consistently acknowledged those same artists as influences in previous interviews.
Interestingly, Cardi acknowledged that her personal relationship with an artist doesn’t determine whether she’ll recognize their influence. She specifically brought up Foxy Brown, claiming the Brooklyn rapper “never fucking liked me.” Despite their differences, Cardi insisted that it wouldn’t change the fact that she grew up listening to Foxy’s music.
This distinction is particularly noteworthy given Cardi’s long-running feud with Nicki Minaj, which has involved public insults and social media clashes dating back to 2017. While some have viewed Nicki’s absence from the list as another dig at the rapper, Cardi explained that her choices were based on when certain artists became part of her life, rather than their achievements.
The discussion also touched on what Cardi believes sets successful female rappers apart. She praised Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, and the City Girls for establishing distinct identities instead of copying another artist’s style. Highlighting their different regional influences and personalities, she argued that individuality is key to sustaining a successful career.
Cardi also pushed back against the idea that successful female rappers must follow in the footsteps of a particular predecessor, warning that copying another artist’s mannerisms doesn’t guarantee similar success.
“There’s nobody I ever wanna be. I became famous being Cardi B,” she explained.
Her remarks come amid growing frustration with the ongoing feuds among female rappers. During the same X Spaces conversation, Cardi admitted she was getting bored with trading insults and was becoming less interested in responding to perceived disses. Whether she’ll maintain that stance the next time someone takes a shot at her remains to be seen, particularly as discussions about her childhood musical influences continue to bring her rivalry with Nicki back into the spotlight.
