"No Frauds" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by Nicki Minaj, Drake and Lil Wayne | ||||
Released | March 10, 2017 | |||
Recorded | 2017 | |||
Genre | Hip hop | |||
Length | 4:32 | |||
Label | ||||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) | ||||
Nicki Minaj singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Drake singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Lil Wayne singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Music video | ||||
"No Frauds" on YouTube |
"No Frauds" is a diss track by rappers Nicki Minaj,Drake and Lil Wayne. It is a response to Remy Ma's 2017 song "Shether",a nearly seven-minute-long diss track aimed at Minaj. Produced by Murda Beatz and Cubeatz,it was released as a single on March 10,2017,by Young Money,Cash Money,and Republic alongside "Changed It" and "Regret in Your Tears". In the song,Minaj criticizes Ma for her prison sentence and her record sales,among other things.
"No Frauds" debuted and peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. Critics compared the song poorly to "Shether" and criticized Drake and Lil Wayne's appearances on the song. On April 19,the Benny Boom-directed music video for "No Frauds" was released,and showed the rappers in various locations throughout London. The video garnered backlash due to a scene featuring Minaj on the Westminster Bridge a month after the 2017 Westminster attack.
Throughout the mid-2000s,American rapper Remy Ma,a member of the hip hop group Terror Squad,frequently referred to herself in lyrics as the "queen of rap" and the "queen of NY". [1] In 2007,Nicki Minaj released her debut mixtape,Playtime is Over,featuring the song "Dirty Money",on which she raps,"Tell that bitch with the crown to run it like Chris Brown," over the beat from Ma and Fat Joe's song "Yeah Yeah Yeah" from Terror Squad's final album, True Story . Ma,believing the verse to be directed towards her,confronted Minaj during a release party about the lyric. [2] Ma was later sentenced to eight years in jail on charges of first-degree assault in May 2008 after shooting a friend of hers,who allegedly stole several hundred dollars from Ma. [3] During Ma's time in jail,Minaj rose to fame. In August 2014,upon her release from prison,Ma spoke kindly about Minaj in interviews,stating that she was supported by Minaj during her time in jail and that she wanted to record a song with her. [4] By late 2016,Ma had rapped several verses which fans perceived to be against Minaj,including in a cypher during the 2016 BET Hip Hop Awards,on her song "Money Showers" with Fat Joe,on a remix of the Phresher song "Wait a Minute", [5] and in a freestyle on Funkmaster Flex's show on the radio station Hot 97. [6]
In February 2017,Minaj was featured on the Jason Derulo song "Swalla",on which she rapped,"I gave these bitches two years,now your time's up/Bless her heart,she throwing shots,but every line sucks," perceived by fans to be a diss towards Ma,with "two years" presumably referencing the two years Ma had spent out of prison at the time of the song's release. [7] Two days later,she released the song "Make Love" with American rapper Gucci Mane,where she rapped,"Oooohhh,oh you the qu-e-e-the queen of this here?/One platinum plaque,album flopped,bitch,where?",referencing the fact that Ma had recently received her first RIAA platinum certification for her song Fat Joe collaboration "All the Way Up",as well as the sales of Ma's album with Fat Joe, Plata O Plomo . Minaj went on to rap,"You see,silly rabbit,to be the queen of rap/You gotta sell records,you gotta get plaques",a reference to Ma's declaration that she was the "queen of rap". [8]
One day after the release of "Make Love",Ma recorded and released the song "Shether",a nearly seven-minute-long diss track against Minaj which sampled the instrumental from Nas's song "Ether" in which she attacked Minaj for allegedly using a ghostwriter,her alleged plastic surgery,her fashion,her record deal,and the child sexual assault charges against Minaj's brother,and more. [9] Minaj responded on Instagram by posting a screenshot of an article showing the opening week sales of Plata O Plomo as well as a video of American singer Beyoncé calling Minaj a "rap queen". [2] Ma later released a second diss track directed at Minaj,"Another One". [10]
On March 10,2017,Nicki Minaj released three singles:"Regret in Your Tears","Changed It" with Lil Wayne,and "No Frauds" with Drake and Lil Wayne,as part of her "#3PackFromParis" collection,recorded during her time at Paris Fashion Week. [11] All three singles were intended to appear on her fourth studio album, Queen ,but were ultimately kept as standalone singles. [12] [13] Following its release,Minaj posted to Instagram,writing that she was issuing a challenge to Ma,giving her "72 hours to drop a hit" and promising her half a million dollars if she was able to "book any show or interview" without mentioning Minaj,adding "Here @ Young Money,we don't do diss records,we drop HIT RECORDS &diss u ON them." [10] She also responded to critics who criticized the delayed timing of her response to Ma,writing,"The greats took 3 months to respond to diss records. Queens don't move on peasant time." [14]
"No Frauds" is a diss track aimed at Remy Ma. The song's title and chorus are a response to a lyric from Ma's second diss track against Minaj, "Another One", where she raps, "I swear to God, this chick a real fraud." [15] In the song, Minaj criticizes Ma for her time in jail and her record sales, while also accusing Ma of getting plastic surgery and not being able to get clearance from Jay-Z to include the remix of "All the Way Up" on Plata O Plomo. [10] [16] She also makes mention of her own relationship with comedian Ellen DeGeneres, rapping, "I am the generous queen, ask Ms. Ellen." [17] She goes on to criticize "Another One" while suggesting that Ma uses a ghostwriter, rapping, "Tried to drop 'Another One', you was itchin' to scrap / You exposed your ghostwriter, now you wish it was scrapped." [15] The song has a "tense" and "sneaky" beat. [18] Social media users compared the song's production to that of Drake's song "Summer Sixteen", also produced by Cubeatz. [19]
For Billboard, Sowmya Krishnamurthy wrote that "No Frauds" "completely misses the point of 'Shether'", adding, "The biggest impediment against 'No Frauds' – lyrics notwithstanding – was timing." Krishnamurthy also considered Drake and Wayne's appearance on the song "misaligned", writing that Minaj was "more than equipped at a solo response". [14] Tom Breihan of Stereogum remarked that the only artist on "No Frauds" who "still sounds as good as ever" is Nicki, calling her verse "a great rap diss verse" and "vicious and righteous and petty and regal", but went on to write, "Remy still won, and I don't think Nicki will ever be able to do anything to change that." [18] Writing for DJBooth, Brian "Z" Zisook called "Shether" "more cutting" and "more impressive" than "No Frauds", adding that Minaj "will be declared the winner by the public internet...as its ['No Frauds'] star power will basically guarantee more play than the quality of the song should merit". Zisook also criticized the appearance of Drake and Lil Wayne on the song, writing that "neither of them addressed the situation" and "the first lesson in Diss Records 101 says you don't bring backup to a rap battle". [20]
"No Frauds" sold 78,861 copies during the first week of its release, debuting and peaking at number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 during the week dated April 1, 2017. The song fell 70 spots to number 84 in its second week. [21] Minaj performed "No Frauds" at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards and the 2017 NBA Awards. [22] [23] She also performed the song at the Hot 107.9 Birthday Bash concert, where Ma was also performing. [24]
The music video for "No Frauds" was released on April 19, 2017, a month after the song's release, and directed by Benny Boom. The video was filmed in various locations throughout London, including in front of Big Ben and in a club, and features Minaj, Drake, and Lil Wayne posing in those locations. In the video, Minaj wears clothing from Alexander McQueen and Agent Provocateur, [25] Demode, and Osmose. [26] Ma's Love & Hip Hop: New York co-star and former friend, Rah Ali, also makes a cameo in the video. [27] The video was described as "flashy" and "luxurious" by Nolan Feeney of Entertainment Weekly . [28]
Out 's Justin Moran called the "No Frauds" video "surprisingly snoozy", writing, "Boom's treatment seems to rely heavily on Young Money's involvement, as Minaj ultimately gets outshined by the fire looks she wears throughout. Truthfully, her 'No Frauds' video should be credited as, 'Looks, featuring Nicki Minaj'." [29] In 2019, Kelsey Klemme of E! listed "No Frauds" as one of Minaj's best music videos. [30]
The music video received some backlash and criticism from fans and the media in the United Kingdom for featuring footage of Minaj on the Westminster Bridge, which had been the site of a terror attack weeks earlier. Previously, it was noted that clips of the bridge in the video would be cut. "When everybody involved in the project heard the news they were devastated and thought it would be in bad taste to feature it. The other London scenes will remain, but it's highly doubtful the bridge footage will make the cut", said an unnamed source from Minaj's camp via The Sun . Despite the statement, the scenes still ended up in the final cut of the video. [31] [32]
Production
Technical
Weekly charts
| Year-end charts
|
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Australia (ARIA) [54] | Platinum | 70,000‡ |
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil) [55] | Gold | 30,000‡ |
Canada (Music Canada) [56] | Gold | 40,000‡ |
United Kingdom (BPI) [57] | Silver | 200,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
Region | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
Various | March 10, 2017 | Digital download | ||
United States | March 14, 2017 | Rhythmic contemporary | [59] |
Kimberly Denise Jones, better known by her stage name Lil' Kim, is an American rapper. She was born and raised in New York City and lived much of her adolescent life on the streets after being expelled from home. In her teens, she would freestyle rap, influenced by fellow female hip-hop artists like MC Lyte and the Lady of Rage. In 1994, she was discovered by fellow rapper The Notorious B.I.G., who invited her to join his group Junior M.A.F.I.A.; their debut album, Conspiracy, generated two top 20 singles in the United States and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Reminisce Kioni Mackie, known professionally as Remy Ma, is an American rapper. Discovered by the late rapper Big Pun, she came to prominence for her work as a member of Fat Joe's group, Terror Squad. In 2006, she released her debut studio album There's Something About Remy: Based on a True Story, which became a modest success, peaking at number 33 on the Billboard 200 chart. Ma's most commercially successful songs include "Whuteva", "Ante Up (Remix)", "Lean Back", "Conceited", and "All the Way Up".
Young Money Entertainment is an American record label founded by rapper Lil Wayne in 2005. It was launched as an imprint of Cash Money Records — a joint venture colloquially branded as Young Money Cash Money Billionaires — and Republic Records until 2018, after which the label operated severally as an imprint of latter. Wayne's longtime affiliate, rapper Mack Maine was appointed the company's president in 2009.
Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, known professionally as Nicki Minaj, is a Trinidadian rapper, singer, and songwriter. Regarded as the "Queen of Rap" and one of the most influential rappers of all time, she is credited as a driving force in the mainstream resurgence of female rap in the early 2010s. Known for her dynamic rap flow, witty lyrics, musical versatility, and alter egos, Minaj first gained recognition after releasing three mixtapes between 2007 and 2009.
"Roman's Revenge" is a song by Trinidadian-born rapper Nicki Minaj featuring American rapper Eminem, performing as their respective alter egos Roman Zolanski and Slim Shady. Taken from her debut studio album Pink Friday (2010), written alongside producer Swizz Beatz. It was released exclusively on October 30, 2010 through the United States iTunes Store, as a promotional release preceding the album's release.
Sucka Free is the second mixtape by Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj. It was released on April 12, 2008 by Dirty Money Records. Sucka Free features guest appearances from fellow rappers Lil Wayne, Gucci Mane, Jadakiss, Lil' Kim and Ransom. Production derives from Daven "Prestige" Vanderpool, Diddy, James Todd Smith, among others. None of the tracks have original instrumentals, using other productions of popular hip hop records.
"High School" is a song by rapper Nicki Minaj, featuring American rapper Lil Wayne. It was released on April 16, 2013 by Young Money, Cash Money and Republic as the third and final single from the reissue of Minaj's second studio album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded – The Re-Up (2012).
"Only" is a song by Trinidadian-born rapper Nicki Minaj featuring Canadian rapper Drake, American rapper Lil Wayne, and American singer Chris Brown, from her third studio album, The Pinkprint (2014). It was released on October 28, 2014 by Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records, and Republic Records as the third single from the album. The rappers wrote the song with producers Dr. Luke, Cirkut, and JMIKE, with production assistance from HBM and Rock City. "Only" is a hip-hop song that contains an "icy" production that sits "ominously" underneath dirty lyrical metaphors.
"Truffle Butter" is a song by rapper Nicki Minaj featuring Drake and Lil Wayne. It is included as an exclusive bonus track on the iTunes edition of Minaj's third studio album The Pinkprint (2014). Produced by Young Money Entertainment with help by Cash Money Records and Republic Records, the song was released as the fifth single from the album on January 23, 2015. "Truffle Butter" is hip hop song and contains a sample of Maya Jane Coles' song "What They Say" (2010). In March 2015, it was sent to urban contemporary and contemporary hit radio.
Shane Lee Lindstrom, known professionally as Murda Beatz, is a Canadian record producer from Ontario. Working predominantly in hip hop and trap music, he has produced hit songs and albums for various musical acts since 2011. His credits include the singles "Butterfly Effect" by Travis Scott, "Back on Road" by Gucci Mane, "Nice for What" by Drake, and "Motorsport" by Migos. He is best known for his guest appearance alongside Nicki Minaj on 6ix9ine's 2018 single "Fefe", which peaked at number three on both the Canadian Hot 100 and US Billboard Hot 100.
"Shether" is a diss track by American rapper Remy Ma. The song is aimed at rapper Nicki Minaj. It was released on February 25, 2017, by Empire Distribution. The song's title and beat is from the diss track "Ether" by Nas.
"Changed It" is a song by Trinidadian-born rapper Nicki Minaj and American rapper Lil Wayne. Produced by Motiv, Detail, and Sidney Swift, the song was released as a single on March 10, 2017 by Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records and Republic Records, along with "No Frauds" and "Regret in Your Tears".
"Regret in Your Tears" is a song by rapper Nicki Minaj. Produced by Boi-1da, Frank Dukes and Allen Ritter, the song was released as a single on March 10, 2017, along with "Changed It" and "No Frauds". It details Minaj's break-up with ex-boyfriend Meek Mill and features her singing throughout the track.
"Wake Me Up" is a song by the American rapper Remy Ma featuring Lil' Kim. It was released on November 8, 2017, through Columbia Records.
"Chun-Li" is a song by rapper Nicki Minaj from her fourth studio album, Queen (2018). It was released on April 12, 2018, by Young Money Entertainment and Cash Money Records as the lead single from the album. It was solely written by Minaj and produced by Jeremy Reid. According to Minaj, Reid's name was added to the writing credits for adlibs and production. Commercially, the song peaked at number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100, reached the top 20 in Canada, and the top 30 in the United Kingdom. The song won the award for Best Hip-Hop Video at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards.
Queen is the fourth studio album by Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj. It was released on August 10, 2018 by Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records and Republic Records. Recording sessions with a handful of producers for the album began in late 2016 and concluded in August 2018. The album includes guest appearances by rappers Eminem, Foxy Brown, Future, Swae Lee, and Lil Wayne; along with singers Ariana Grande, Labrinth, and the Weeknd.
"Barbie Dreams" is a song recorded by rapper Nicki Minaj for her fourth studio album Queen (2018). It was released on August 14, 2018, to radio stations through Young Money Entertainment and Cash Money Records as the third single from the album. The song was written by Minaj, Rashad "Ringo" Smith, Alexander Roland, the duo Mel & Mus, Christopher Smith, James Brown, and Fred Wesley; while its production was done by Ringo, and Mel & Mus.
"Good Form" is a song by Trinidadian-born rapper and singer Nicki Minaj. The original mix debuted on the US Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 singles chart at number nine following the release of her fourth studio album, Queen, on August 10, 2018. A remix to the song featuring American rapper Lil Wayne was released on November 29, 2018, as the fourth single from the album, where it peaked at number 60 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was written by Minaj and was produced by Mike Will Made It and Pluss.
"Make Love" is a hip hop song by rappers Gucci Mane and Nicki Minaj. It was released as a single on February 23, 2017, by Young Money Entertainment and Atlantic Records as the first single from Mane's eleventh studio album Mr. Davis.
"Do We Have a Problem?" is a song by Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj and American rapper Lil Baby. It was released on February 4, 2022. The music video runs nine minutes long and is inspired by the 2010 movie Salt. In the United States, the song debuted and peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, and topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Internationally, it reached number three in South Africa, and 14 in Canada. It was included on Minaj's first greatest hits album, Queen Radio: Volume 1 (2022).