Nicki Minaj’s ‘Super Freaky Girl’ Booted From Grammy Rap Category, Nicki Responds

Nicki Minaj has been on fire this year, with the release of several rap tracks, from “Bussin'” to her mega-hit, “Super Freaky Girl,” which samples Rick James’ “Super Freak.” But, as Grammy season approaches, it appears that the Barbie’s record-breaking song is not the rap hit she may think it is, as far as the Recording Academy is concerned.

Nicki’s “Super Freaky Girl” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has since spent eight weeks atop the Hot Rap Songs chart. Amid the song’s success, the Queen Barb submitted it to the rap categories for consideration, but according to the Hollywood Reporter, the song was rejected.

Sources say the rap category committee overturned the rap submission and said it should compete in the best pop solo performance instead. Nominees will be announced on November 15.

If nominated, this will be Nicki’s 11th nomination and counting. Although most of the rapper’s nominations have come from the rap categories, she did receive one pop nomination for best pop duo/group performance with “Bang Bang,” featuring Ariana Grande and Jessie J.

A similar situation happened to Lizzo back in 2020, when her breakout hit “Truth Hurts,” which topped the rap chart for 13 weeks, didn’t compete for rap. The song, instead, was nominated – and won- best pop solo performance.

Nicki took to Twitter to express her feelings on the situation. “I have no prob being moved out the RAP category as long as we r ALL being treated FAIRLY. If SFG has 2B moved out RAP then so does Big Energy! ANY1 who says diff is simply a Nicki hater or a troll. I’d actually LUV 2 c a more street record win- male OR female! IJS rightIsRight 🫡.”

If she wins in any category, this will be Nicki Minaj’s first grammy.

I have no prob being moved out the RAP category as long as we r ALL being treated FAIRLY. If SFG has 2B moved out RAP then so does Big Energy! ANY1 who says diff is simply a Nicki hater or a troll. I’d actually LUV 2 c a more street record win- male OR female! IJS rightIsRight 🫡

— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) October 13, 2022