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Nicki Minaj Deactivates Social Media Account, Sparking Speculation Ahead of New Album

Written by on 10/21/2025

Photo: Getty Images North America

Nicki Minaj has left her 230 million Instagram followers stunned after deactivating her account over the weekend, triggering a wave of confusion and debate across social media. Fans — known as the Barbz — flooded X (formerly Twitter) with screenshots showing the “User not found” error, questioning the sudden disappearance of one of music’s most-followed artists.

The move arrives amid ongoing buzz surrounding Minaj’s next studio album, which was originally expected to drop on March 27, 2026. Many fans now believe the deactivation could be a calculated step in her album rollout, a digital clean slate before her next era.

Less than a week prior, Minaj took to X Spaces to shut down retirement rumors and promise her “best album yet.” During the candid late-night chat on October 15, she compared her career to a speeding train she alone controls.

“I am the conductor of this train,” Minaj said. “When I want it to slow down, I slow it down. When I need it to speed up, I speed it up… But right before everyone thinks they’re about to go ‘Poof!,’ I press the brakes. Why? Because I can.”

She went on to declare that her upcoming project ranks “top two” in her discography and described herself as being in “the best musical place” of her career.

The timing of her Instagram departure also coincides with her wedding anniversary to husband Kenneth Petty, leading to further speculation that the decision may be personal — or promotional. Some fans are convinced it’s tied to an upcoming single or visual release.

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Despite her Instagram blackout, Minaj remains active on X, where she’s been posting anniversary tributes and teasing what’s next.

Whether it’s a marketing move or a moment of privacy, one thing’s certain: when Nicki Minaj hits reset, the world notices.