Lil' Mama compares her Nicki Minaj "feud" to Tupac and Biggie

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

During the spring of 2007, Lil' Mama released her "Lip Gloss" single and appeared to be the future of the rap game. At the time, hip hop was looking for new people to pass the torch. New York hip hop was among the most-vulnerable during this time. The new artists from the city were Lil' Mama and Mims.

Unlike Mims, Lil' Mama did not top Billboard with her single, but she did gain a high-profile co-sign. Lil' Kim endorsed Lil' Mama as one of the best new femcees. Not only did Lil' Kim give Lil' Mama her blessing, she also appeared in the "Lip Gloss" video. During the summer of 2008, Lil' Mama released her debut album.

Following the release of her debut album, Lil' Mama was basically forgotten. Nicki Minaj had been on the mixtape scene, while Lil' Mama was making her major-label debut. With just a mixtape, Nicki was able to sell one million units, which caught the attention of Lil Wayne. The two had already collaborated, but now Lil Wayne wanted to sign her, which he did in 2009.

When Nicki Minaj signed with Young Money, her music immediately hit mainstream radio and Lil' Mama was completely forgotten. However, during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, she returned to the headlines when she crashed Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' performance of "Empire State of Mind." After crashing the performance, Lil' Mama was the most-hated name, aside from Kanye West. Lil' Mama explained she could not help going on stage, as she was from New York.

Much like her mentor, Lil' Kim, Lil' Mama is no fan of Nicki Minaj. Ever since the release of Nicki Minaj's first mainstream single, Lil' Mama has had nothing but negative things to say about her. Lil' Mama has stated, several times, Nicki Minaj is copying her style. Recently, Lil' Mama released some new music, reminiscent of the old school hip hop, "Strawberry." A few weeks ago, Lil' Mama released a video for her new song and she said she has more songs and more videos coming.

Despite releasing so much new music, Lil' Mama said she does not have a new album coming out. Instead, she is reintroducing herself, as an artist. However, the new music she is working on could be turned into a mixtape. Even though she has been away from the game and appears to be unfavorable in the media, Lil' Mama said she feels as if she is more into the game than she has ever been before. Lil' Mama realizes she does have to fight for everything, but said it makes her appreciate it more.

Speaking on her issues with Nicki Minaj, Lil' Mama said there was never any animosity between the two femcees. Nicki Minaj came to her show and Lil' Mama said the greeting was beautiful. Lil' Mama said the issues between her and Nicki Minaj were just like the ones between Tupac and Biggie, friends who were turned against each other, and eventually killed, over statements taken out of context in the media.