Fresh off of starting Young Money reunion rumors via Instagram, Nicki Minaj took to social media today to criticize designer Giuseppe Zanotti, who has designed a sneaker in her honor, for “racism & disrespect.” Zanotti’s high-top “Nicki” sneakers, which currently run between $500 and $700 in 23 different versions, were directly inspired by the rapper and singer, but the Italian designer has apparently denied requests by Nicki to work on a capsule line together. “His PR says they won’t take our call,” Minaj tweeted.
Minaj’s comments were intended as more than passing criticism. She encouraged her Barbz to get the #GiuseppeWhatsGood and #RunMeMyCHECK hashtags trending to draw attention to the situation and force Zanotti to “read [his] comments then hit up your accountant my nig.” She also seems eager to box Giuseppe if he doesn’t pay up or atone.
Minaj has appeared publicly wearing Zanotti’s sneakers–most notably, as she pointed out, on the cover of Cosmopolitan–and affectionately dubbed them “[her] sneaker” on her 2012 song “Pound the Alarm.”
Check out Nicki’s posts below.
This is wonderful. #GiuseppeZanotti seems to think it’s ok to name his sneakers after me but his PR says they won’t take our call. Lol.
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
I met #GiuseppeZanotti years ago. At which time, he told me I inspired him to design a sneaker in my honor. Wore them on the cover of Cosmo
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
Recently when he gave other artists capsule collections, my agency reached out and was told they’re not taking our call.
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
Just go on google, you’ll see all the different pairs he’s named after me. Lil black girl can inspire u but ain’t worth a collection my nig?
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
#RunMeMyCHECK #GiuseppeWhatsGood I got time today. barbz trend this cuz he gon learn today. The racism & disrespect won’t b tolerated.
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
Take the poll. Should Giuseppe
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
Don’t care about the money. It’s just the disrespect. You’re not taking MY call? Lol. Give some money to charity in my name or smthn.
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
U know what I gotta go. My phone ringing. Tell Floyd, Fif & Mike Tyson to book me for the next fight. Me and Giuseppe. after cb & Draco
— NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) February 3, 2017
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