Who Is Nicki Minaj Referring to in No Frauds?
When Nicki Minaj released her hit single “No Frauds” in 2017, fans were eager to decipher the meaning behind her lyrics. The song, which features Drake and Lil Wayne, is widely believed to be a response to fellow rapper Remy Ma’s diss track “Shether”. In “No Frauds”, Nicki Minaj defends herself against Remy Ma’s accusations and asserts her dominance in the rap game.
The Rivalry
The feud between Nicki Minaj and Remy Ma dates back several years. It began with subtle jabs and subliminal disses in their respective songs. However, tensions escalated when Remy Ma released “Shether”, a scathing seven-minute track that directly Targeted Nicki Minaj.
In “No Frauds”, Nicki Minaj finally broke her silence and responded to Remy Ma’s attacks. She refused to engage in a battle of words on social media or through interviews, choosing instead to address the situation through her music.
The Lyrics
Nicki Minaj’s lyrics in “No Frauds” leave no room for interpretation. She makes it clear that she is not interested in engaging with someone she considers beneath her:
“You can’t be Pablo if your work ain’t sellin'”
This line is a direct reference to Remy Ma’s claim of being the female equivalent of legendary rapper Jay-Z, who often refers to himself as Pablo Escobar (a notorious Colombian drug lord). By stating that Remy Ma can’t be Pablo if her work isn’t successful, Nicki Minaj implies that Remy Ma’s career is not on par with Jay-Z’s.
Throughout the song, Nicki Minaj emphasizes her success, wealth, and influence in the music industry. She makes it clear that she is not bothered by Remy Ma’s attempts to tarnish her reputation:
“I gave these bitches two years, now your time’s up”
This line suggests that Nicki Minaj has been patiently observing Remy Ma’s career for the past two years and is now ready to dismiss her as irrelevant.
The Music Video
The music video for “No Frauds” further reinforces Nicki Minaj’s message. It features scenes of her lavish lifestyle, surrounded by luxury cars and glamorous outfits. The video also includes shots of Nicki Minaj rapping alongside Drake and Lil Wayne, symbolizing their united front against Remy Ma.
Conclusion
In “No Frauds”, Nicki Minaj firmly establishes herself as a powerful force in the rap industry. She refuses to engage in petty feuds or respond to baseless accusations. Instead, she chooses to channel her energy into creating chart-topping hits and maintaining her status as one of the most successful female rappers of all time.