SZA Says She Has No Stake in Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar Feud, Calls Nicki Minaj Beef ‘Strange’

In a new cover interview with GQ published on November 6, 2025, SZA explained why she chose not to take sides in two prominent conflicts circulating in the music world this past year: the public clash between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, and the online spat involving Nicki Minaj.

Asked about the Drake–Kendrick fallout, SZA said she deliberately avoided inserting herself. As she told GQ, the dispute felt like “something between two grown men,” and she saw no reason to step into a disagreement between long-standing industry figures. She reiterated that she has close ties to both camps — she’s signed to Top Dawg Entertainment and has a long rapport with Drake — and described the situation as an unfortunate development she didn’t want to amplify.

Although SZA kept clear of choosing sides personally, her career found her linked to both artists in high-profile settings. She joined Kendrick on the stage for his 2025 Super Bowl Halftime performance, during which he referenced the feud, and she also performed her duet with Drake, “Rich Baby Daddy,” nightly on her Grand National Tour. When asked why she kept the song in the set, she said simply that she celebrated material she genuinely enjoyed.

Matters became more uncomfortable when Nicki Minaj began posting disparaging comments about several industry figures on X, including repeated jabs about SZA’s appearance. SZA briefly responded during the exchange but ultimately withdrew from the public back-and-forth. In the GQ profile she characterized her relationship with Minaj as non-existent — “I don’t know her” — and said there was no personal history or ongoing connection that would justify correcting the narrative Minaj was advancing.

Reflecting on both episodes, SZA framed her stance as a protection of her peace and priorities: maintaining creative focus and avoiding becoming entangled in conflicts that didn’t directly involve her.

See SZA’s full GQ cover feature for the complete interview and photos.

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