Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj Take Shots at Rivals in Killer Collab "Swish Swish"

After an ominous, distorted vocal chant, Katy Perry's new song "Swish Swish" opens with finger snaps and a schmoozy piano line. You'd be fooled into thinking she's about to launch into some kind of cute pop anthem, but then the lyrics make themselves clear: "A tiger / Don't lose no sleep / Don't need opinions / From a shellfish or a sheep / Don't you come for me / No, not today." From there, the song unsheathes its fangs—and becomes a revenge-seeking banger.
You can kind of tell what you're going to get from "Swish Swish" just based on the single's cover: a set of receipts for KARMA COFFEE & TEA. Perry's verses demurely alludes to someone who's "calculated," who keeps talking about Perry: "Funny my name keeps comin' outcho mouth." Other verses make even more pointed references: "You're 'bout as cute as / An old coupon expired / And karma's not a liar / She keeps receipts."
Minaj's deployment on this track is no accident. The generous queen went through her own high profile feud earlier this year, and starts her verse by claiming "silly rap beefs just get me more checks."
The rest of Minaj's verse is filled with similar lyrical jabs, and she doesn't rest even at the end: "I only fuck wit Queens / So I'm makin' hits with Katy." WHEW.
"Swish Swish" drops days before the Billboard Music Awards, where Minaj will open the show. Players Perry and Minaj have officially entered the summer jam arena.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Dedicated to women of power, purpose, and style, Marie Claire is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women's lives. Reaching millions of women every month, Marie Claire is an internationally recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages.
-
King Charles Plans to Surprise Queen Camilla With Special Gift
The monarch shared his not-so-secret plans with a celebrity at the Royal Variety Performance.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince William "Appalled" at Way Kate Middleton Was Treated
"The princess is being encouraged to ignore critics."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
King Charles Forced to Quit Hobby After "Too Many Injuries"
"I can't do much now," he explained.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Leighton Meester's Music Climbs iTunes Chart After She Loses Home She Shared With Adam Brody in California Wildfires
The 'Gossip Girl' star is following in Heidi Montag's footsteps.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Heidi Montag's 2010 Album 'Superficial' Is Having a Celeb-Fueled Revival in 2025
Everyone from Emily Ratajkowski to Paris Hilton has helped the underrated record top the iTunes chart.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling Introduce the "Newest Member" of Their Family
"I'm crazy about her and excited to share life."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Jennifer Garner Is Reportedly Ready to Cut Ties With Jennifer Lopez, Unless Their Kids Are Involved
"Her friends feel she shouldn't have allowed herself to get so involved."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Rihanna Hints She's Retiring From Music and Moving on to More "Authentic" Projects
"I always say music was the thing that got the attention, but God had other plans for me."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Hailey Bieber Shares Her First Photo of Baby Son Jack Blues Since Giving Birth—See the Sweet Shot
So freaking cute.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Actors Who Are Nothing Like Their Most Iconic Characters
Talk about awards-worthy, transformative performances.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
Megan Thee Stallion Pays Homage to Britney Spears at the 2024 VMAs With a Snake—That She Demanded Be Taken Off Her
The rap superstar hosted this year's award show and called back one of the pop icon's most memorable performances.
By Sadie Bell Published