Creative Differences: Nicki Minaj Declines Kanye West’s Request to Clear “New Body”
In the ever-evolving world of hip-hop collaborations, a recent development involving two of the genre’s biggest names, Nicki Minaj and Kanye West, has caught the attention of the music industry and fans alike. Kanye West’s aspiration to include the track “New Body” in his upcoming album “Vultures,” a collaboration with Ty Dolla $ign, hit a roadblock when Nicki Minaj declined his request to clear the song.
Background of “New Body”
“New Body” was initially recorded in 2018 for Kanye West’s then-planned album “Yandhi.” Despite the album’s non-release, the song gained significant attention and acclaim, particularly for Nicki Minaj’s verse and the track’s hypnotic beat. The song’s leak further heightened its popularity, making it one of the most beloved Yandhi-era leaks. Later, West decided to repurpose “New Body” for his joint album “Vultures” with Ty Dolla $ign, even playing it at a Miami listening event.
The Request and Rejection
Kanye West reached out to Nicki Minaj, requesting permission to use the track for “Vultures.” He took to social media, sharing a screenshot of a text message sent to Minaj, which read: “Hi it’s ye, may I call you about clearing new body on the new album.” However, Minaj, in an Instagram Live session, turned down the request. She reasoned that the song, being over three years old, did not align with her current artistic direction, especially following the release of her new album. Minaj commented, “That train has left the station,” emphasizing her decision to move forward with newer projects.
Kanye West’s Response
Kanye West responded to Minaj’s refusal during a listening party in Las Vegas. He reflected on his support for Minaj’s career, including his insistence on her rewriting her verse for the song “Monster” three times to align with his creative and spiritual vision at the time. West expressed his continued determination to release “New Body,” highlighting the ongoing debate and creative differences between the two artists.
Artistic Perspectives and Fan Reactions
This situation underscores the complex dynamics of artistic collaborations in the music industry. While some fans have expressed disappointment over the song’s potential exclusion from “Vultures,” others have respected Minaj’s artistic choice to focus on current and future projects. The incident also highlights the importance of mutual agreement and vision in collaborations, especially when dealing with previously recorded and unreleased material.
The creative impasse between Nicki Minaj and Kanye West over “New Body” reveals the challenges and negotiations that often occur behind the scenes in the music industry. It’s a testament to the evolving nature of artistic expression and the respect for individual creative paths that artists must navigate in their careers.
