The ongoing tension between rap queens Nicki Minaj and Cardi B has been a topic of discussion for years, with fans and critics alike often comparing the two superstars. One of the most intense moments in their rivalry happened in September 2018 during New York Fashion Week, where the two had a physical altercation, infamously known as the “shoe fight.” But beyond the public clash, there was another challenge issued that has yet to be resolved: Nicki Minaj’s challenge to Cardi B for a rap battle, which, after almost three years, still remains unanswered.

Shortly after the chaotic confrontation at the Harper’s Bazaar party, Nicki Minaj addressed the tension on her radio show, “Queen Radio.” While speaking about their feud, Nicki made an intriguing offer to Cardi B, challenging her to a face-to-face rap battle to prove once and for all who was the superior lyricist.


Nicki laid out the terms of the challenge: Both of them would be placed in an empty room with nothing but a new beat, two pens, and sheets of paper. With the cameras rolling, they would each write their own rap lyrics from scratch, without any outside help or pre-written material. Nicki believed this would be the perfect test of raw talent, creativity, and lyricism—qualities that she felt were essential for a true rapper.


Nicki’s proposition came with confidence, as she has long been celebrated for her impressive lyrical skills, complex wordplay, and rapid-fire delivery. She wanted to settle their differences not with drama, but with a real rap showdown.

Despite the highly publicized challenge, Cardi B has never officially responded. As of today, nearly three years have passed since Nicki issued the call for a rap battle, and Cardi has remained silent on the matter. This lack of response has left fans of both artists wondering why the challenge was never accepted.

Some believe Cardi, who skyrocketed to fame with her infectious hits and unique style, may have felt that engaging in such a competition would only escalate the drama between the two. Others speculate that Cardi, known for her spontaneous and off-the-cuff style, might not have been interested in such a formal, structured battle.

Whatever the reason, Cardi’s silence has left Nicki’s challenge hanging in the air, adding yet another layer to their complex and often contentious relationship.

The challenge came in the wake of their infamous fight at New York Fashion Week in September 2018, which saw Cardi B throwing a shoe at Nicki Minaj during a heated altercation. The incident made headlines around the world and solidified the bad blood between the two.

While their feud had been simmering for some time, this public clash brought their rivalry to a boiling point. Cardi B, upset by comments she believed Nicki had made about her parenting skills, confronted her at the party, leading to a chaotic scene that ended with Cardi being escorted out.

Nicki Minaj has never shied away from showcasing her skills and asserting her dominance in the rap world. As a veteran with over a decade of chart-topping hits and accolades, Nicki has consistently set herself apart as a fierce lyricist. Her challenge to Cardi was not just about personal beef but about showing who could deliver under pressure.

Nicki has long prided herself on her ability to craft intricate, clever, and sometimes aggressive bars that have earned her a massive and loyal fanbase. Her challenge to Cardi was her way of saying that talent, not popularity or social media clout, should be the measure of success in the rap game.

The rap battle that never happened has kept fans on both sides buzzing for years. Some Nicki Minaj supporters claim that Cardi B is dodging the challenge, while others argue that a face-off would be unnecessary given Cardi’s massive commercial success and influence in pop culture.

Cardi’s fans, known as the Bardi Gang, argue that their favorite rapper has nothing to prove. Since exploding onto the scene with hits like “Bodak Yellow” and “I Like It,” Cardi has become a dominant force in the music industry, breaking records and earning awards along the way. For them, Cardi’s success speaks for itself.

However, the lingering challenge has led to ongoing debates, with many wondering if the rap battle would have helped settle the score once and for all.

Three years have passed since Nicki Minaj threw down the gauntlet, and the challenge remains unresolved. While the two rap icons continue to dominate the music scene in their own right, the unanswered call for a rap battle has become part of their legacy—a “what if” moment in the world of hip-hop.

For now, the challenge remains just another chapter in the complicated saga between Nicki Minaj and Cardi B. Whether or not the two will ever face off in the way Nicki envisioned remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the world of rap is keeping an eye on both queens, waiting for the next move.