Nicki Minaj, Nessa Allege Jay-Z, Roc Nation Smear Campaigns

Nicki Minaj has launched a series of public accusations against Jay-Z, Roc Nation, and CEO Desiree Perez, alleging that they have engaged in smear campaigns and suppressed her career, including financial disputes over her equity in TIDAL and personal attacks. Radio host and activist Nessa Diab, partner to Colin Kaepernick, has publicly supported Minaj’s claims, drawing parallels between the tactics used against Minaj and those allegedly used to undermine Kaepernick's protest against racial injustice. Diab highlighted Jay-Z's 2019 $25 million partnership deal between Roc Nation and the NFL, suggesting it was aimed at diverting attention from the controversy surrounding Kaepernick’s kneeling protest and his subsequent blackballing from the league. She criticized Roc Nation and Perez for co-opting and diluting protest movements for business interests, pointing out Perez's controversial legal history and her pardon by President Trump. Both Minaj and Diab accuse Jay-Z and Roc Nation of using behind-the-scenes manipulation, including alleged bullying, bot usage, and smear tactics, to control narratives within the music and sports industries. These allegations have sparked widespread discussion about the intersection of entertainment, activism, and business power plays.