Nicki Minaj recently rejected Kanye West‘s request to clear their 2018 collaboration New Body for his upcoming album, Vultures.
Nicki Minaj reveals why she refused to clear ‘New Body’
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The track, originally recorded for Kanye’s then-planned Yandhi album, remained unreleased. On Friday, minutes after Vultures was expected on streaming, Kanye publicly reached out to Nicki via a post on X (formerly Twitter), seeking her permission to include the track in his new project with Ty Dolla $ign.
In response to Kanye’s request, Nicki Minaj, during an Instagram Live session, announced her decision not to clear the song.
She cited the release of her new album and questioned the relevance of releasing an older song. Nicki stated,
“That train has left the station, okay? No disrespect in any way. I just put out a brand-new album. Why would I put out a song that’s been out for three years? Come on, guys.”
In previous interviews, Nicki Minaj spoke about New Body. In 2019, she mentioned to The Shade Room being asked to re-record her verse for Kanye West’s gospel album Jesus Is King, but they did not see eye to eye on it.
In a 2022 interview with Hot 106, she referred to New Body as a beloved song that was never officially released.
She recalled being asked to change her verse multiple times to align with Kanye’s creative direction at that time.
Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign unveiled an updated version of New Body at a listening event for Vultures in Miami.
Despite this, the album, initially set for release on Friday, 15 December 2023, did not debut on streaming services as anticipated. The specific reasons for this delay were not disclosed.