Bronx native Remy Ma has made a powerful return to the hip-hop scene with the release of her new EP, Alimony, on Friday, September 25. The project’s standout track, "Rem the Pen," has swiftly captured industry attention, not only for Remy Ma’s characteristic lyrical dexterity but also for its explicit rekindling of her long-standing rivalry with fellow rap icon, Nicki Minaj. In "Rem the Pen," Remy Ma meticulously dissects the contemporary landscape for women in rap, while pointedly addressing her complex and often contentious relationship with Minaj, delivering lines that are both a salute to her peers and a direct challenge to her former adversary.
The Lyrical Dissection of "Rem the Pen"
"Rem the Pen" serves as a masterclass in Remy Ma’s lyrical prowess, often lauded for its gritty authenticity and intricate wordplay. On the track, she extends overt respect and "love" to a cohort of influential female rappers who have shaped and continue to define the genre. Artists such as Cardi B, Lil’ Kim, Rah Digga, Missy Elliott, and Monie Love are explicitly named, underscoring a sense of camaraderie and shared lineage within the female rap community. This collective acknowledgement, however, serves as a prelude to a more confrontational segment, where Remy Ma directly confronts her "icy relationship" with Nicki Minaj.
The lyrics that have particularly resonated and sparked discussion include the unambiguous declaration: "Me and Nicki will probably never speak again/ Even that bitch told y’all I got a pen/ You not blackballed bitch, you just not Rem/ You can’t pop s**t and hang with my friends." These lines are not merely a reiteration of past animosity; they are a definitive statement of an enduring rift, a claim of lyrical superiority, and a challenge to Minaj’s perceived industry standing. The reference to Minaj acknowledging Remy’s "pen" (a slang term for lyrical skill) harks back to previous interactions or veiled compliments, now twisted into a testament of Remy’s enduring talent. The accusation of being "not Rem" suggests an irreplaceable and unique quality that Minaj supposedly lacks, while the final line implies a social ostracization or a clear boundary drawn in their respective circles.
A Chronology of a High-Profile Feud
The rivalry between Remy Ma and Nicki Minaj is one of hip-hop’s most enduring and, at times, explosive narratives, tracing its origins back nearly two decades. The initial sparks of animosity ignited in 2007, when Remy Ma, then a prominent figure in the Terror Squad, perceived subliminal disses aimed at her on Nicki Minaj’s Playtime Is Over mixtape. This period marked the nascent stages of Minaj’s career, and the perceived slight from a more established artist like Remy Ma set an early tone for their future interactions.
Following Remy Ma’s release from prison in 2014, after serving a six-year sentence, there was a period where tensions appeared to subside. Both artists publicly acknowledged each other’s contributions to the genre. Remy Ma notably saluted Minaj when she won Best Hip-Hop Artist at the 2016 BET Awards, a gesture widely interpreted as a sign of mutual respect and a potential thawing of their frosty relationship. Minaj, in turn, voiced aspirations of a future collaboration with Remy Ma, suggesting a desire to move past their historical friction and harness their collective star power. This era hinted at a possible era of collaboration and unity, a rare commodity in the often-competitive world of rap.
However, this fragile truce proved to be short-lived. By 2017, the animosity reignited with a ferocity that surprised many. Remy Ma publicly expressed her belief that Minaj was subtly dissing her through guest appearances on other artists’ tracks. Specifically, she cited Minaj’s verses on Jason Derulo’s "Swalla" and Gucci Mane’s "Make Love" as containing veiled criticisms and indirect shots. These perceived slights, particularly after a period of reconciliation, served as the catalyst for Remy Ma’s most explosive response to date.
The Impact of "Shether"
The culmination of the renewed tensions in 2017 manifested in Remy Ma’s release of the highly aggressive diss track, "Shether." Dropped in February 2017, "Shether" was a direct and unsparing lyrical assault on Nicki Minaj. The track famously repurposed the instrumental from Nas’s iconic 2001 Jay-Z diss track, "Ether," imbuing it with a historical weight and signaling Remy Ma’s intent to deliver a career-defining blow. "Shether" was widely discussed for its raw aggression, personal attacks, and detailed accusations, making it one of the most significant diss tracks in recent hip-hop history. It generated immense debate within the hip-hop community, with many analyzing its impact on both artists’ careers and the broader landscape of female rap. While Minaj eventually responded with tracks like "No Frauds" featuring Drake and Lil Wayne, the cultural impact and initial shockwave of "Shether" were undeniable.
Remy Ma’s Trajectory and Alimony
Remy Ma, born Reminisce Smith, has carved out a significant career path characterized by resilience and lyrical integrity. Her early career saw her rise to prominence as a member of Fat Joe’s Terror Squad, contributing memorable verses to hits like "Lean Back," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 2004. Her solo debut album, There’s Something About Remy: Based on a True Story, released in 2006, garnered critical acclaim and showcased her individual artistry. Following her incarceration, her return to music in 2014 was met with anticipation, and she quickly re-established her presence, notably joining the cast of the reality television series Love & Hip Hop: New York, which amplified her public profile.
Leading up to Alimony, Remy Ma has maintained a consistent output, dropping several singles throughout the current year and contributing impactful features on tracks with artists such as Millyz, French Montana, and Max B. These collaborations and solo releases have kept her name in rotation and her pen sharp, demonstrating her continued commitment to her craft and her evolving artistic vision.
Alimony itself, beyond "Rem the Pen," is presented by Remy Ma as a project deeply rooted in female dialogue and shared experience. In a statement to Complex, Remy Ma articulated her artistic intention for the EP: "I wanted this project to feel like a conversation between women. We’ve all had those moments where you call your girls, look at yourself in the mirror, and say, ‘Girl, what are we doing?’ Sometimes you laugh, sometimes you learn, but you keep moving. Music has always been a place where I can express myself, and right now I’m really enjoying creating again. I want women to hear this, have fun with it, and see a little bit of themselves in it." This statement frames Alimony not just as a collection of songs, but as an intimate reflection of the female experience, suggesting that "Rem the Pen" fits into a broader narrative of empowerment, self-reflection, and candid discussion, even when it involves addressing past grievances.
Nicki Minaj’s Current Stance and Industry Dynamics
As of the release of Alimony and the subsequent discussions around "Rem the Pen," Nicki Minaj has not issued a public response. Billboard has reached out to Minaj’s representatives for comment, but no statement has been provided. This strategic silence is not uncommon in high-profile rivalries, as artists often weigh the benefits and drawbacks of engaging in public back-and-forths, particularly when focused on their own projects.
Minaj has been actively working on new music, as she revealed during her September 18 appearance on Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle, where she discussed her upcoming project. While she has yet to release a new song in 2026, her last album, Pink Friday 2, released in 2023, was a commercial success, debuting atop the prestigious Billboard 200 chart. Pink Friday 2 marked Minaj’s third album to achieve this feat, solidifying her status as one of the most commercially successful female rappers of all time. Her consistent chart performance and dedicated fanbase, often referred to as "Barbz," illustrate her enduring influence and commercial power within the music industry. The decision to respond to "Rem the Pen," or to remain silent, will undoubtedly be a calculated move within the context of her ongoing album rollout and overall career strategy.
Broader Implications for Female Hip-Hop
The renewed feud between Remy Ma and Nicki Minaj, sparked by "Rem the Pen," carries significant implications for the landscape of female hip-hop. Historically, rivalries have been a foundational element of hip-hop culture, often driving lyrical innovation and competitive excellence. For women in rap, these feuds can be particularly scrutinized, sometimes framed as divisive rather than competitive. However, the commercial success and critical attention garnered by artists like Remy Ma and Nicki Minaj demonstrate the genre’s expansion and the increasing power of female voices.
The conversation that Alimony aims to foster, as described by Remy Ma, juxtaposes with the direct confrontation of "Rem the Pen." This duality highlights the multifaceted nature of women’s experiences in hip-hop – from supportive sisterhood to intense rivalry. The track not only serves as a personal statement from Remy Ma but also invites a broader examination of competition, camaraderie, and respect within the female rap community.
The impact of "Rem the Pen" on streaming numbers for Alimony and its potential to generate further engagement for Remy Ma’s project will be closely watched. Diss tracks, when executed effectively, often provide a significant boost in listenership and public discourse, drawing new attention to an artist’s catalog. Whether this track will provoke a direct musical response from Nicki Minaj remains a pivotal question, but its immediate effect has been to re-center one of hip-hop’s most compelling rivalries in the public consciousness, reminding listeners of the lyrical depth and undeniable personalities that continue to shape the genre. As the industry awaits further developments, "Rem the Pen" stands as a potent reminder of Remy Ma’s enduring skill and her willingness to speak her truth, even if it means revisiting old battles.
