S. Samuel
Grammy-winning singer Lauryn Hill has stepped forward to defend Young Money star Nicki Minaj in light of her unexpected decision to pull out of a billed Hot 97 Summer Jam concert Sunday (June 3) night.
Speaking via a letter, Hill also cleared up speculation suggesting she got tagged as a last-minute replacement for Minaj.
“No disrespect to Nicki, but I need to clear up an inaccuracy. I was not scheduled to be a special guest on her set at Summer Jam, I was invited by Nas to perform with him. I don’t have details on exactly what transpired between the station and the artists, but I do support artists standing by their beliefs, and walking with integrity,” she wrote June 4th. “We have to find a better way to commercially exploit music, while giving artists their proper respect. This cannot be done while taking their contributions for granted, or trying to control the scope of their growth and power through threats and fear tactics. We can do better than this, there is a better way, or else ‘we’ (the proverbial we) find ourselves in danger of being hypocrites!!!” (Statement)
Despite Hill’s stance, a no-show by Minaj sparked flames with Hot 97 radio personality Funkmaster Flex.
Nicki Minaj’s no-show at Summer Jam tonight was far from lost on Hot 97’s Funkmaster Flex. In between shouting out Jersey a lot, the DJ alluded to rappers being “afraid” to take the stage. MetLife Stadium remained packed from the floor to the top risers as Flex continued to launch digs at Minaj, saying it’s her fault she “lost the streets.” “You think you didn’t sell any records this time??” he taunted. “Tune in to me tomorrow at 7 o’clock,” Flex continued. “I’m gonna ruin a career.” Then he got back to his high-energy set: “Add me on Twitter right now @FunkmasterFlex!” (Star-Ledger)
Last night, the platinum-selling rapper pointed out remarks made by Hot 97’s Peter Rosenberg forced her to fall back on performing.
“Not blak but on blak radio dissin blak women > RT @JAE_MILLZ Radio personality with NO personality… f*ck n*gga!!! & u ain’t even black…,” she tweeted.
“I go above and beyond for my fans. But won’t ever go against wayne’s word. What he says, goes.”
“I’d like to thank the staff @ philly & boston summer jams for treating their guests w/respect! Had a blast.” (Nicki Minaj’s Twitter)
Minaj still managed to party it up Sunday night by linking with rappers Cam’ron and Foxy Brown in New York City.
Nicki Minaj did not get to touch down on the Summer Jam stage, but that didn’t stop her from having a good time. The Harajuku Barbie kicked it with fellow femcee Foxy Brown, as well as her collaborators Cam’ron and Beenie Man in NYC on Sunday. She had hinted of a historic performance involving these artists plus Lauryn Hill, Nas, 2 Chainz, Lil Wayne, Birdman, Tyga, Jae Millz, and Gudda Gudda. (Rap-Up)
Check out Peter Rosenberg’s Summer Jam remarks below:
