Karol G Says Eminem & Nicki Minaj Are the Only True GOATs—And Hip-Hop Fans Are LOSING IT in the Comments

In a cultural crossover that no one saw coming but now everyone is talking about, Karol G—the Colombian reggaeton superstar known for her unapologetic lyrics and genre-bending sound—has set the internet ablaze with a bold, unfiltered statement about the world of hip-hop. During an Instagram Live session that initially seemed like a casual Q&A with fans, Karol dropped what is now being called “one of the most polarizing declarations in recent music discourse.” Her exact words? “Eminem and Nicki Minaj are the only real GOATs. Period. No debate.”

Within seconds, clips of the moment spread like wildfire. Music blogs, fan pages, and Twitter threads exploded. Some fans cheered, some were stunned, and others—particularly die-hard supporters of other rap legends—felt outright offended. But regardless of which side of the debate you stand on, there’s no denying it: Karol G’s comment has reignited one of the most heated discussions in hip-hop history.

Karol G and Her Bold Claim About the Rap GOATs

For context, Karol G is no stranger to speaking her mind. Since rising to international fame, she’s often championed Latin artists, female empowerment, and collaborations across genres. But this moment was different. Speaking in her mix of Spanish and English to over 150,000 live viewers, Karol took a moment away from tour talk and beauty tips to answer a fan’s question about her favorite rappers.

“I know a lot of people love different rappers, but to me,” she said with absolute confidence, “Eminem and Nicki Minaj are the only real GOATs. What they did? What they still do? That’s legendary.”

The comment came unexpectedly, and while it might have been just an honest personal opinion, it touched a nerve in a community where ranking rap legends can feel like choosing sides in a holy war. And it’s not just the names she included—it’s the names she left out. There was no mention of Jay-Z, Tupac, Biggie, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, or even her Latin collaborator Bad Bunny. Just Eminem and Nicki Minaj. That’s it.

The Internet’s Reaction Was Immediate—and Chaotic

Screenshots of the moment began trending within minutes. The phrase “Karol G GOAT statement” was a top trend on X (formerly Twitter), while fan pages on TikTok dissected her words frame by frame. Comments flooded in from every corner of the globe. Some fans praised her for “speaking truth without fear”, while others called the moment “delusional stan culture gone too far.”

One particularly viral comment read: “So Karol G thinks Nicki Minaj is a bigger GOAT than Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott or even Queen Latifah? Someone take her phone away.” Others countered that take with fiery rebuttals like: “Nicki BEEN the GOAT. Y’all just weren’t paying attention when she dominated every chart in the 2010s.”

As for Eminem, reactions were just as polarized. Critics of her opinion asked why she placed him above more socially conscious rappers like Kendrick Lamar or innovators like Kanye West, while others brought up his influence, lyrical genius, and undeniable longevity. “He’s a white boy from Detroit who outsold everyone and out-rapped half the industry,” one user posted. “You might not like it, but Karol’s not wrong.”

Why Eminem and Nicki Minaj? Karol’s Logic Isn’t Random

For those familiar with Karol G’s career and influences, her comment doesn’t come out of nowhere. In interviews dating back to her early days, Karol has often cited Nicki Minaj as one of her biggest inspirations, particularly for her ability to dominate a male-driven industry while staying unapologetically feminine and theatrical. Her love for Eminem is more surprising but not without precedent. In multiple interviews, Karol has mentioned how his music helped her learn English growing up in Medellín.

But more than just personal fandom, Karol’s opinion reflects a larger cultural lens. In many Latin communities, Eminem and Nicki are seen not just as talented artists, but as larger-than-life icons whose careers symbolize resilience, reinvention, and rebellion against norms. For someone like Karol—who has also fought her way into a genre historically dominated by men—these two rappers represent more than just skill. They represent survival and triumph.

Nicki Minaj: The Only Queen in the Room?

To call Nicki Minaj the only female GOAT in hip-hop is to ignore decades of contributions by pioneering women. Yet, Karol’s claim isn’t about historical justice—it’s about impact. Nicki Minaj, with her unmatched chart records, explosive alter-egos, and genre-blurring influence, arguably changed the game for female rappers in ways that no one before her had.

From her iconic verse on “Monster” to her consistent domination of both pop and rap charts, Nicki Minaj redefined what it meant to be a female rapper in the 21st century. She was loud. She was glamorous. And most of all, she was in control.

For Karol G, who similarly exists in a music industry where female success often comes with a price, Nicki is more than an artist—she’s a blueprint. And while critics may accuse Karol of overlooking other legendary women in rap, supporters argue that she simply recognizes who moved culture most dramatically in her generation.

Eminem’s Reign: Still Undisputed in Latin Circles?

While Eminem’s legacy has come under more scrutiny in recent years—especially in discussions around race, cultural appropriation, and the evolution of lyrical content—his global impact remains undeniable. In Latin America especially, Eminem remains a towering figure. His albums were bestsellers even in countries where English isn’t the dominant language. His raw emotion, speed, and complex rhyme schemes captivated a generation.

And let’s be clear: Karol G’s generation didn’t just grow up listening to Eminem—they grew up memorizing him. His songs were passed around on USB sticks, played on burnt CDs, and shared across YouTube before streaming platforms even existed.

Her assertion that Eminem is one of the only “real” GOATs comes at a time when younger fans may be more familiar with newer rappers like Lil Baby, Playboi Carti, or Ice Spice. But Karol’s take pushes back against that trend. She’s saying: remember who built this foundation. And in her eyes, Eminem didn’t just build it—he shattered it and built a new one from the rubble.

Hip-Hop Fans React: A Cultural Divide?

One of the most fascinating outcomes of Karol’s comment is how it highlights the generational and cultural divides in how we define greatness in hip-hop. For older American fans, the absence of names like Tupac, Biggie, or even Nas feels like a crime. For younger global fans, GOAT status isn’t about lyrical depth or street credibility—it’s about visibility, longevity, and impact.

Some commenters pointed this out explicitly. “You gotta understand that for people outside the U.S., Eminem and Nicki were the only rappers we saw on MTV and YouTube for years. That’s who defined rap for us,” one TikTok user explained in a now-viral clip with over 500k likes.

Karol’s statement, then, isn’t just a hot take—it’s a mirror reflecting how hip-hop culture has been absorbed and refracted through different lenses around the world.

Nicki Responds? Fans Think She Might Have

As the internet continued to spiral into chaos, fans began speculating whether Nicki Minaj herself had responded. On the same day Karol’s comment went viral, Nicki tweeted a simple pink heart emoji followed by a unicorn and a crown. Cryptic? Absolutely. But for the Barbz, it was more than enough to interpret as a wink toward Karol G’s endorsement.

Meanwhile, Eminem remained silent—as he always does. But that hasn’t stopped fans from imagining what an Eminem x Karol G collaboration would sound like. Some even went as far as to create AI mashups of their vocals, generating millions of views within days.

What This Moment Says About Today’s Music Landscape

At the end of the day, Karol G didn’t just start a rap debate—she unintentionally sparked a conversation about what greatness even means in 2025. Is it record sales? Cultural relevance? Skill? Survival? Reinvention? The answer, clearly, depends on who you ask.

Her bold claim—that only Eminem and Nicki Minaj deserve the GOAT title—may not be universally accepted. But it is authentically hers. And in a music world increasingly dominated by algorithms, branding, and safe PR answers, that kind of honesty is rare.

Love it or hate it, Karol G said what she said. And the world can’t stop talking about it.