Nicki Minaj is calling out Jay-Z over what she believes is a serious financial injustice. On July 8, 2025, the rapper took to social media to declare that Jay-Z owes her up to $200 million from the sale of TIDAL, the streaming service they both had equity in. Her claim sparked intense reactions online, with many fans and industry insiders questioning what really went down behind closed doors.
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TIDAL was launched in 2015 as an artist-owned platform aiming to give musicians greater control and higher payouts. Jay-Z brought in artists like Beyoncé, Rihanna, J. Cole, and Nicki Minaj to own shares in the company.
In 2021, Jay-Z sold the majority of TIDAL to Jack Dorsey’s payment company, Block (formerly Square), in a deal valued at around $300 million. Reports at the time said several stakeholders received significant compensation. However, Nicki Minaj now claims that she was only offered $1 million, while others walked away with far more.
According to Nicki, that number doesn’t match the value she believes she brought to the platform as one of its most influential artists.
Why Nicki Minaj Is Demanding $200 Million
Nicki is not just asking for more money — she’s framing it as a “karmic debt” and says it’s been gaining interest ever since the TIDAL deal closed. She insists that she should’ve received a much larger payout and is now holding Jay-Z accountable.
In a recent statement, she revealed her plan to use the money to help fans pay student loans and fund college tuition through her charity. She claims this isn’t just about personal gain — it’s also about correcting a wrong and making a difference in people’s lives.
This angle has earned her support from her fanbase, the Barbz, who have been trending hashtags and calling on Jay-Z to respond.
Has Jay-Z Responded?
As of now, Jay-Z and his team have not made any public statements about Nicki’s claim. There’s also no confirmed legal action, but online users are already speculating that the situation could lead to a courtroom battle if things escalate further.
Some believe that Jay-Z will prefer to settle it privately, especially if Nicki decides to pursue this legally.
