Nicki Minaj should be having the time of her life right now. She recently released her fourth studio album, Queen, earlier this week to rave reviews online but despite everything, the record wasn’t enough to overtake Travis Scott. The album debut at #2 on the Billboard charts just behind Scott’s Astroworld. Number two isn’t that bad but according to Minaj, it might as well be at the bottom of the chart.
Minaj didn’t stay quiet about her Billboard chart status. The rapper took to social media Sunday night in a series of tweets accusing Travis of “artificially inflating his numbers through ticket bundles and the streaming service of treating her unfairly,” according to Pitchfork. Minaj didn’t have a hard time letting her feelings known and she blamed everyone for landing at number two including Spotify, Scott’s merchandise, Kylie Jenner’s promotional tactics and more.
According to Consequences of Sound, Minaj blamed Scott’s “season pass” bundles for his upcoming Astroworld tour, which included a copy of his album that did her in. In a tweet, she said, “Travis sold over 50K of these. With no requirement of redeeming the album! With no dates for a tour, etc,” Minaj tweeted. “I spoke to him. He knows he doesn’t have the #1 album this week.”
According to Minaj, Spotify failed to promote her album due to her relationship with Apple Music. “Spotify put Drake’s face on every playlist but told me they’d have to teach me a lesson for playing my music 10 mins early on #QueenRadio,” she wrote. “Even tho they’ve been giving away my music for free for years & I am one of the top Spotify artists of all time.”
A representative for Spotify released a statement in regards to Nicki’s comments. It reads: “Spotify supported Nicki Minaj with a Times Square billboard, a host of the largest playlists, New Music Friday and the new music release shelf,” the rep said. “Her song ‘Bed’ actually saw an increase based on the promotions put behind the campaign. The company continues to be big fans of Nicki.”
Travis sold over 50K of these. With no requirement of redeeming the album! With no dates for a tour, etc. I spoke to him. He knows he doesn’t have the #1 album this week. I love my fans for the #1 album in AMERICA! I’ll explain on #QueenRadio 4 albums in, #1 in 86 countries pic.twitter.com/CiYEuczgm3
— QUEEN (@NICKIMINAJ) August 19, 2018
I looked at the numbers the Carters, Kanye, Nas, etc recently did. Travis sold 200K in his first week of clothes alone. I spoke to him last night & he said he’s been selling clothes b4 the music. Billboard says they’ll change the rules cuz of this, so it should be changed now!
— QUEEN (@NICKIMINAJ) August 19, 2018
I put my blood sweat & tears in writing a dope album only for Travis Scott to have Kylie Jenner post a tour pass telling ppl to come see her & Stormi. lol. Im actually laughing. #Queen broke the record of being number 1 in 86 countries. Thank Jesus & thank you to my fans.
— QUEEN (@NICKIMINAJ) August 19, 2018
Spotify put drake’s face on every playlist but told me they’d have to teach me a lesson for playing my music 10 mins early on #QueenRadio. Even tho they’ve been giving away my music for free for years & I am one of the top Spotify artists of all time.
— QUEEN (@NICKIMINAJ) August 19, 2018
Spotify had to teach me a lesson but rewarded the man who has had an Apple radio show the longest; inadvertently helping the Apple platform the most. Oh I can’t wait for #QueenRadio on Tuesday. They took away my promotion they had promised for the 1st cpl days b/c of this. #Queen
— QUEEN (@NICKIMINAJ) August 19, 2018