Lil Wayne Claps Back at Kendrick Perkins for Nicki Minaj Comments Amid NBA Trade Talk

Lil Wayne has come to Nicki Minaj’s defense after former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins made controversial remarks about the rapper while discussing Jimmy Butler’s trade to the Golden State Warriors.

The blockbuster NBA trade, which saw the Miami Heat acquire Kyle Anderson, Andrew Wiggins, and Golden State’s protected 2025 first-round pick, was the hot topic on ESPN last week. However, Perkins stirred controversy when he compared Nicki Minaj unfavorably to Beyoncé and Taylor Swift during his analysis.

“I’m thinking that the Warriors are gonna go out there and get a Beyoncé or a Taylor Swift. They end up getting a Nicki Minaj,” Perkins said, sparking shock among his co-hosts. Despite warnings about Nicki’s fiercely loyal fanbase, the Barbz, Perkins stood his ground, saying: “I ain’t hard to find.”

Lil Wayne, who signed Minaj to his Young Money imprint over 15 years ago and has remained a close friend and collaborator, wasted no time addressing Perkins’ comments. The rap icon took to social media to call out the former Boston Celtics player, writing:

“The Warriors thought they was getting a Taylor Swift or a Beyoncé and ended up getting a #kendrickperkins Stop playin bish,” Wayne tweeted on February 8, 2025.

Perkins quickly faced backlash from the Barbz, prompting him to issue a public apology. He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Wish I would’ve known about the Barbz before my Nicki Minaj take… don’t charge it to my heart [crying face emoji]. My apologies, I don’t want no smoke!”

During a follow-up episode of NBA Today, Perkins extended his apology further, saying:
“Let me apologize to Nicki Minaj and the Barbz. They’ve been on my ass like pockets. I apologize, I’m a fan. Please forgive me. I don’t want no smoke.”

This isn’t the first time Nicki Minaj has received a public apology recently. Last December, reality star Erica Mena expressed regret for her past negative opinion of Minaj, admitting that she had been misled by their mutual ex, Safaree Samuels. Mena revealed that Safaree’s actions and words had shaped her view of Minaj unfairly, and she acknowledged that she owed the “Starships” rapper a heartfelt apology.

Despite the drama, Nicki Minaj remains a dominant force in music, with fans and peers alike rallying behind her. As for Perkins, he has learned a valuable lesson: don’t mess with the Barbz.