Nicki Minaj is upset. Following the release of her fifth studio album, Queen, Minaj took to Twitter to express frustration over sales, lack of promotion, and the general mismanagement she felt came with her album’s release. 

According to Nicki, Queen, not Travis Scott’s ASTROWORLD, is the real No. 1 album in the country this week.

Despite airing her grievances with Spotify’s handling of Queen, it seems the situation was not nearly as dire as Minaj portrayed. In a statement made to Hits Daily Double, a representative for Spotify denied the under-promotion of Queen:

“Spotify supported Nicki Minaj with a Times Square billboard, a host of the largest playlists, New Music Friday and the new music release shelf. Her song ‘Bed’ actually saw an increase based on the promotions put behind the campaign. The company continues to be big fans of Nicki.”

Perhaps true, perhaps not, according to Nicki Minaj, all truth on the matter will be revealed Tuesday on her Apple Music radio show, Queen Radio.

Yet, we do not need to exist in a binary. Yes, elements of Nicki Minaj’s release were mismanaged and her press cycle has been abhorrent on all levels. Yes, Nicki Minaj attacked journalist Wanna Thompson and went on a media tour that involved shaming sex workers and general hypocrisy.

Both sides of the Minaj story are true, but all things considered, debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard chart, being a cultural icon for a decade, and having rabid fans is not a bad place to be. 

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