Billie Eilish calls Nicki Minaj the ‘GOAT female rapper’ – Internet goes wild over controversial statement

The controversy erupted when Billie Eilish was asked about the artists who have inspired her the most throughout her career. Without hesitation, she responded by praising Nicki Minaj, calling her the “GOAT female rapper” and crediting her with reshaping the industry.

Clips from the interview quickly spread across Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, with millions of users chiming in on the discussion. Fans of Nicki Minaj immediately celebrated the statement as an acknowledgment of her contributions to hip-hop, while others pushed back by questioning why artists like Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, Lil’ Kim, Queen Latifah, and MC Lyte were left out of the conversation

Supporters Say Nicki Minaj’s GOAT Status Is Undeniable

Many fans agree with Billie’s statement, pointing to Nicki Minaj’s unparalleled success in the industry. Since her rise to fame in the late 2000s, Minaj has achieved feats that no other female rapper has. She has amassed over 100 Billboard Hot 100 entries, making her one of the most commercially successful rappers of all time. Her album sales, chart-topping singles, and ability to reinvent herself over the years have solidified her place in hip-hop history

Beyond commercial success, fans argue that Nicki Minaj has reshaped the perception of female rap, proving that women in hip-hop can dominate in the same way as their male counterparts. Her influence on new artists is undeniable, with many of today’s biggest female rappers, including Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, Latto, and Ice Spice, openly crediting her as a major inspiration. Supporters also point to her ability to blend raw lyricism with mainstream appeal, allowing her to maintain respect in both underground and mainstream hip-hop circles

Nicki Minaj’s impact extends beyond music. Her bold persona, colorful alter egos, and fearless approach to the industry have set trends that are still relevant today. Fans argue that her longevity in the game and ability to stay relevant despite evolving industry trends prove that she is the true GOAT of female rap

Critics Say Other Icons Deserve the GOAT Title

While Billie Eilish’s statement has been met with support from Nicki’s fanbase, it has also drawn criticism from those who believe that other legendary female rappers deserve equal recognition. Many hip-hop historians argue that Missy Elliott should be considered the GOAT for her pioneering work in rap and production. With countless hit records, groundbreaking music videos, and innovative sounds, Missy Elliott redefined hip-hop and continues to influence the genre today

Lauryn Hill is another name frequently brought up in the debate. Her album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time, winning multiple Grammy Awards and achieving diamond certification. Some argue that Nicki Minaj, despite her success, has not created an album that matches the critical and cultural impact of Hill’s work

Lil’ Kim, often credited as a major influence on Nicki Minaj’s style and delivery, is also mentioned in the discussion. She broke barriers for women in hip-hop in the 1990s, introducing a bold, unapologetic persona that many argue paved the way for Nicki Minaj’s rise. Queen Latifah and MC Lyte, two of the earliest female rap pioneers, are also recognized for laying the foundation for women in hip-hop

Critics argue that while Nicki Minaj has achieved incredible success, the GOAT title should consider overall impact on the culture, innovation, and influence on future generations, not just record sales and chart performance. They believe that reducing the discussion to one name ignores the contributions of other trailblazing women in rap

Nicki Minaj Reacts—And Fans Go Crazy

As Billie’s statement gained momentum, Nicki Minaj herself took notice. She responded on Twitter with a playful yet confident message that only fueled more speculation. Without directly addressing Billie’s claim, she wrote, “Billie, I like you. You have good taste.” Fans took this as a sign that Nicki fully embraces the GOAT label and appreciates the recognition from an artist outside the rap genre

Many also speculate that a collaboration between Billie Eilish and Nicki Minaj could be on the horizon. Given Billie’s admiration for Nicki, fans believe a joint track could be in the works, blending Billie’s dark, moody pop style with Nicki’s signature rap delivery. If this happens, it could be one of the biggest pop-rap crossovers in recent memory

Where Does Nicki Minaj Stand in Hip-Hop’s GOAT Conversation?

The term “GOAT” is subjective, and different fans and critics use different criteria when making their case. However, Nicki Minaj undeniably checks multiple boxes when it comes to legendary status in hip-hop

She has dominated the charts for over a decade, holding records that many rappers—male or female—can only dream of. She has influenced an entire generation of artists who now dominate the music industry. Her lyrical ability, versatility, and ability to evolve have allowed her to stay relevant in a fast-changing music landscape. She has created a lasting cultural impact, with her personas, fashion choices, and phrases becoming embedded in pop culture

However, the discussion will likely never reach a consensus. Hip-hop purists will argue that Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, Queen Latifah, and others deserve just as much recognition. Others believe that Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion could challenge Nicki’s reign in the coming years, depending on their careers’ longevity and influence

A Debate That Will Never End

Whether you agree with Billie Eilish’s statement or not, one thing is certain—she has reignited one of hip-hop’s biggest discussions, and it’s unlikely to end anytime soon. The debate over the GOAT of female rap will continue as new artists emerge, legacies evolve, and hip-hop itself changes over time. Nicki Minaj’s impact on the culture is undeniable, but so is the influence of the legends who came before her

With Billie Eilish’s bold claim making headlines, the conversation around female rap’s greatest artist is more alive than ever. Whether this will lead to more recognition for hip-hop’s pioneers or spark even greater appreciation for Nicki Minaj remains to be seen. One thing is for sure—the world will continue watching and debating as history unfolds