Latto Names Lil’ Kim As The Greatest Female Rapper Of All Time

Lil’ Kim is the greatest female rapper of all time, according to Latto. On Tuesday (Aug. 13), the “Big Energy” hitmaker stopped by Complex for an episode of “GOAT Talk” with her sister, Brooklyn Nikole.

In addition to discussing their red flags in a relationship, Atlanta music staples and more, the pair debated the best women in the Hip Hop genre. As to be expected, Nikole named her sibling:  “I’m really going to have to say you. I’m not even being biased. I listen to you the most.”

“I am the GOAT, though. I’m my GOAT, and that’s all that matters,” Latto responded. She subsequently named her pick, “But the GOAT is Lil’ Kim, for sure. [She’s a] fashion icon, timeless music, timeless looks. [She’s] going to forever be a staple in not only rap but female rap.”

“She’s a queen, for real. Like, off-camera, I love that b**ch. I love her, and she’s big mama, too,” she added, referencing the MC’s “Big Momma Thang.”

In July, Billboard asked Latto whether her “Big Mama” had any connection to the aforementioned ’90s record. “I swear to God, no! [My producers] reminded me of that, and I was like, ‘Oh, s**t. I hope [she] don’t take that as offensive like I’m tryna run off with her swag,’” the musician replied. “But I spell mine [differently]. And Kim [loves] me down.”

The “Magic Stick” rapper also served as inspiration for Sugar Honey Iced Tea, Latto’s most recent album. She explained, “I feel like what I’m doing has not been done before, so let’s start there. [Aesthetically], I’ve been pulling from Mariah Carey, Beyoncé and Lil’ Kim. [Musically], I’ve been pulling from Kelis, but obviously with a Southern Hip Hop twist.”

Sugar Honey Iced Tea arrived with features from Young Nudy, Coco Jones, Megan Thee Stallion, Ciara and more. It also housed previous hits like “Put It On Da Floor Again” with Cardi B and “Sunday Service.”

Explained: What was American rapper Latto’s feud with Nicki Minaj

In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of the music industry, clashes between artists often capture headlines and spark widespread discussions. One such feud that garnered significant attention was the rift between rising American rapper Latto and the reigning queen of hip-hop, Nicki Minaj. We bring you the details of the whole feud.

American rapper Latto

The feud between Nicki Minaj and Latto dates back to 2022 when Nicki Minaj expressed frustration upon learning that her highly successful single Super Freaky Girl (2022) is not being considered for hip-hop categories at the upcoming Grammys.

Instead, it was up for the Best Pop Solo Performance category. Subsequently, Nicki brought Latto into the situation without apparent cause, leading to a feud.

Nicki directed her dissatisfaction over the Grammy nomination towards Latto, suggesting that if Super Freaky Girl (2022) is not being recognised in that category, then other pop-adjacent rap tracks like Latto’s Big Energy (2022), shouldn’t be acknowledged either.

She emphasized that both tracks were produced by Dr. Luke, and thus, fairness should be maintained. Nicki claimed that anyone disagreeing with this perspective was either a “Nicki hater or a troll.”

Latto initially refrained from responding publicly to Nicki but later disclosed that she had tried to engage in a private conversation. This move unexpectedly triggered a fierce exchange between the two artists, with shots being exchanged on social media.

It appears that the discord might have arised from tweets that Latto posted a week prior, which some interpreted as directed towards Nicki.

On October 6, 2022, Latto posted and subsequently deleted a tweet stating, ‘Big Energy’ is the highest selling solo song of the year and longest charting solo song by a female rapper ever btw.”

This tweet was believed by some to be aimed at Nicki’s accomplishments. Although unconfirmed, the tweet remained up for a few weeks without a direct response from Nicki.

Learning of Nicki’s comments, Latto expressed her disappointment on social media, feeling unfairly singled out for something she felt she had not done.

Nicki  Minaj even took to Twitter to call Latto an “entitled Karen,” suggesting Latto failed to support her as a black woman. Latto countered by referencing past perceived slights from Nicki and even shared instances where Nicki allegedly insulted her earlier.

Nicki and Latto traded pointed remarks on social media, with Nicki sharing private messages and Latto highlighting her admiration for Nicki in spite of the feud. Latto also mentioned Nicki’s husband Kenny Petty being a registered sex offender.