Nicki Minaj AI Controversy Erupts: Fans Extremely Upset by ‘Press Play’ Single’s AI Imagery

In the latest Nicki Minaj AI controversy, fans known as ‘Barbz’ were praised last year for getting creative with AI-generated art to boost the rapper’s Pink Friday 2 album. However, the charm of AI art wore off for the general public, leading to social media users now playfully teasing Nicki Minaj herself. She shared what seems to be an AI-created artwork to heighten her upcoming single, ‘Press Play,’ on Instagram.

The AI-generated image showcased a hand holding a pink button with a play symbol on it, set against a pink background. Yet, there is a significant blunder that Nicki may have overlooked, triggering substantial debate and criticism. Find out more about the Nicki Minaj AI controversy and why fans are unhappy below.

Nicki Minaj AI Controversy

If you cruised the internet toward the end of last year, you might have caught wind of Gag City. Essentially, Barbz (Nicki’s fans) and the lively gay stan Twitter crew made the viral Gag City—an artificial intelligence wonderland with pink buildings, planes, and people, all under the rule of Nicki Minaj. The online universe went into overdrive, crafting AI images of Gag City to promote Nicki’s album for free.

Nicki cleverly used the idea of Gag City to announce the studio album’s release date, urging everyone to “prepare for landing.” Fans responded by making more AI images of people touching down in her pink utopia, making it nearly impossible to avoid Gag City’s charm.

As always, brands hopped on the hype train, conjuring their Gag City visuals using image generators. Even the Empire State Building got in on it. Yes, the official Twitter account of that iconic structure whipped up an AI image to boost Nicki Minaj’s latest album. Even Dunkin Donuts and Chilis jumped on the bandwagon.

Related: Golden Globes 2024 Controversy Explained: The Issue Behind the Scenes

Nicki Minaj relied heavily on this strategy, making it uncertain whether Pink Friday 2 would have succeeded similarly without her fans’ viral marketing campaign. Upon its launch, the album swiftly claimed the pinnacle of the Billboard 200 chart, marking her third album to secure the top spot—an accomplishment for which she released an AI video.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Barbie (@nickiminaj)

While the hype surrounding Gag City has decreased since the album’s release, Nicki continues using AI art. 

Nicki Minaj’s AI Picture With Six Fingers

One picture grabbed fans’ attention because the AI-made hand had six fingers. This made people question how much Nicki Minaj spent promoting Pink Friday 2.

Fans were disappointed with the rapper’s choice to share this artwork. Many pointed out the contradiction in Minaj, an artist known in the music industry for spontaneously creating rap verses and original songs, endorsing AI art—a style criticized by traditional artists as a form of theft.

Related: Trailer Drops for Amy Winehouse Controversial Biopic Back to Black

Others participated in the Nicki Minaj AI controversy debate by calling her “lazy” and accusing her of not using enough funds for marketing.

Del Walker, who works for Naughty Dog as a senior artist, also explained how this art form is bad for a brand’s image. He tweeted,

The Rap Star’s Response

When someone mentioned that the hand had six fingers, Nicki tweeted in response.

The Current Queen of Rap also accused those pointing out the flaws in her AI images of being a “paid mole.”

Related: Armie Hammer and Fiancee Marina Gris Break Up Following Secret Engagement

Haram Aslam
Haram Aslam
Haram Aslam is a medical student with a passion for binge-watching TV shows. From Gilmore Girls to The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, she will watch anything and everything with a little bit of romance, comedy and drama. Her love and passion for entertainment keeps her motivated to share her knowledge with others. Apart from Netflix-ing and chilling, she loves reading books and shopping.
Related

Check Social Security’s December Payment Schedule Here

Social security benefits are one of the important incomes...

Social Security Calculator: Check Your Monthly Benefits

The social security benefit is one of the most...

Social Security Login Changes: Here’s What You Should Do To Not Lose Your Account

For the American population, Social Security is an important...

Facts About Native Americans You Didn’t Learn in History Class

Native Americans have always played a major role in...