Nicki Minaj’s name is popping up in reaction to Latto’s latest Essence Magazine cover shoot after fans connected the new photos to their 2022 spat—while Latto’s cover story also digs into motherhood and postpartum life, including advice she credited to Sexyy R
Latto’s latest Essence Magazine cover shoot landed online on Tuesday, June 16—and it didn’t take long for the comment section to start moving in directions far beyond fashion.
In the photos from her digital cover shoot, Latto switches between multiple looks. One shows her in leggings and a wrap-tie shirt while sporting her natural curls. In another, she wears an Alaia wrap shirt and styled wavy hair.
But as fans reacted to the images, some slid into TSR’s comment section and brought up Nicki Minaj, seemingly referencing the duo’s 2022 spat, when Minaj told Latto she thought she was “35.” Instagram user @champagnexjade wrote, “She took Nicki advice and never looked back 😍.”
Others focused on how the look reminded them of different eras of beauty and rap royalty. Instagram user @thebougie_girl added, “Nicki gave her the best advice she ain’t had on heavy makeup or wigs since 😭😭.”
The comparisons didn’t stop there. Instagram user @inevergobacktogeorgia asked, “Are we really calling latto, big momma? Sorry but lil kim is big momma,” while @leslie_thomas_cook_ chimed in with, “It’s Giving Faith Evans Love Child .. Please Rap Over Soon As I Get Home .. Thanks 🧩😮💨💌.”
A few reactions were more playful and direct. Instagram user @foreverkennedyrose wrote, “Thought it was Faith for a sec,” and @venuslewinsky added, “Nicki Minaj is the Queen y’all go argue over top 4.”
Not everyone framed the post through a celebrity-history lens. @morgancristinav reacted to Latto’s glow, writing, “Got that mommy glow and I love it for her 🙌❤️ every mom understands that 🙏,” while @queencece_duh simply said, “Idk wtf she got on but she still fine 😍.”
Some comments turned toward style skepticism. Instagram user @brains.nd.beautie wrote, “Yall think everything is fashion and anything is fire because yall like the celebrity in the fit 😂😂😂,” and @brazilan_huff responded with pure shock: “Damnnnnnnnn 😮😍😍😍.”
One fan framed the moment as a nod to growth, with @pardiprints writing, “We really watched her grow up right in front of our eyes😍🔥.”
Inside the cover story, motherhood and postpartum weren’t treated like a passing headline. Latto discussed the day-to-day reality of becoming a mom. saying she’s “taking it day by day.” She explained. “Some days are better than others. but overall I’m doing well. She gave me more drive if anything. And I have so much help — her dad, her grandmas, we have a whole village. I wouldn’t say it’s postpartum depression, but postpartum itself is definitely a day by day thing.”.
When asked who helped her the most in preparing for motherhood, Latto credited Sexyy Red. Latto recalled, “She was saying my life is about to change in the best way possible. ‘It’s scary — the change is so big that it is scary — but you got this.’ She said keep your head up through postpartum because it wasn’t easy for her and she hoped it would be better for me. And she said, ‘Your baby is going to make you go way harder. Watch,’” the rapper said.
Latto Nicki Minaj Essence Magazine June 16 cover shoot motherhood postpartum Sexyy Red Instagram reactions Alaia wrap shirt
Wait so Nicki said Latto was “35”?? 😂 Why are they even fighting about ages like that
People really out here comparing her to lil kim and faith evans love child like that’s normal? I didn’t even know what the Essence cover was till I saw the comments. Latto looks good though, I’ll give her that.
I swear this is just a marketing thing. Nicki mention = free promo, that’s it. Also “big momma”?? I thought Latto was the one beefing with Cardi B not Nicki, so now I’m confused lol. Maybe they’re all just in the same circle.
The way folks talking like wigs and heavy makeup is some kind of postpartum law is wild. Like yeah motherhood glow, cool, but why are we dragging Nicki into it again… and TSR?? I can’t keep up who said what in 2022. Half the comments sound like screenshots from another thread anyway.