Meek Mill ‘Shocked’ by Nicki Minaj & Kenneth Petty’s Enduring Romance: A Temporary Phase or Lasting Love?

The intricate world of celebrity relationships often provides ample fodder for public discussion, and the current dynamic between music icon Nicki Minaj and her partner Kenneth Petty is no exception. Adding a layer of personal insight to the ongoing conversation is none other than Minaj’s ex-boyfriend, rapper Meek Mill. Sources close to the “Going Bad” hitmaker reveal that Mill, 31, is reportedly “shocked” by the sustained nature of Nicki’s romance with Petty, 40. This surprise stems not only from their initial coupling but also from their continued public appearances and deepening commitment, a trajectory that has left many, including Mill, raising eyebrows.

According to an exclusive source speaking with HollywoodLife, “Meek is shocked that Nicki is still with Kenneth. He was surprised when they first hooked up and he is more shocked now that they have stayed together as long as they have been.” The pair, who share a history dating back to their high school days, went Instagram official in December 2018. Their relationship quickly escalated, with Petty joining Minaj on the European leg of her highly anticipated Nicki WRLD Tour in March. This public display of affection and commitment underscores a bond that seems to defy the skepticism of many, especially those like Meek Mill who once shared a significant chapter of their lives with the Grammy-nominated artist.

Despite his own breakup with Nicki officially being confirmed in January 2017, it’s evident that the multi-platinum rapper still holds a place for his former flame in his thoughts. “Meek thinks about Nicki all the time, even misses her sometimes,” our source elaborates, offering a glimpse into the lingering emotions of a past relationship. However, the source clarifies a significant boundary: “He will never reach out to her as long as Kenneth stands in the way.” This suggests a strong conviction on Meek’s part regarding Petty’s suitability for Nicki, a conviction deeply rooted in concerns about Petty’s past and perceived character.

A primary point of contention for Meek Mill revolves around Kenneth Petty’s highly publicized legal history. Petty is a registered sex offender and has been convicted for first-degree manslaughter and attempted rape, having served prison time for these offenses. Such a background stands in stark contrast to the glitzy, high-profile world Nicki Minaj inhabits, a disparity that Meek believes is fundamentally incompatible with her status and deserving nature. “Meek is shocked that Nicki is still with Kenneth because he thinks she deserves better than guys from her neighborhood like Kenneth,” the source explains. This sentiment reflects a belief that Nicki, a global superstar, should align herself with partners whose reputations complement her own decorated career, rather than detract from it.

In Meek’s view, Nicki’s current relationship represents a deviation from her usual discernment, labeling it as a “phase.” “Meek feels Nicki is going through a phase with this guy from her past,” our source elaborates. This perception is perhaps fueled by Nicki’s own nostalgic gestures, such as sharing throwback photos of herself and Kenneth as children on Instagram on March 17. For Mill and others observing the relationship, these moments of reflection on a shared past seem to momentarily overshadow the significant differences in their present lives. Meek, it appears, is holding onto the hope that this wave of nostalgia will eventually subside, allowing Nicki to “come to her senses” regarding the seriousness and implications of her choices.

Further solidifying his perspective, Meek believes that Nicki’s caliber demands a partner of similar standing and achievement. “Meek is waiting for her to come to her senses and snap out of it. Meek feels Nicki should be with someone more successful, powerful and on her same level, like him,” the source continues. Nicki Minaj, a 10-time Grammy nominee and one of the most successful female rappers of all time, boasts an impressive list of former romantic interests that includes celebrated figures like fellow rappers Nas and Safaree Samuels. This history of high-profile relationships underscores Meek’s argument that Nicki has always had the luxury of choosing partners who mirror her own professional success and influence.

The contrast between Nicki’s opulent lifestyle and Kenneth Petty’s rumored financial situation also appears to be a factor in Meek’s judgment. While not explicitly stated, the implication that Petty might not be on the same financial footing as Minaj adds another layer to Meek’s concerns. “Meek also thinks that Nicki ought to be spoiled by her man, not worried about how he is going to pay his bills,” our source reveals. This highlights a conventional expectation within the celebrity sphere: that partners should, at the very least, be financially stable enough not to be a burden, let alone potentially benefit from their famous partner’s wealth. Summing up his strong feelings, the source concludes: “Meek has a lot of respect for Nicki but feels that her relationship is ridiculous.”

Despite the current strong bond between Nicki and Kenneth, Meek remains convinced that this relationship is ultimately destined for failure, likening it to his own hit song title, “Going Bad.” “Meek does not expect Nicki to stay with Kenneth and once he is out of the way, when the timing is right, Meek would love to hit her up again,” our source reveals. This statement underscores a lingering hope for reconciliation, suggesting that Meek views Kenneth Petty as a temporary obstacle rather than a permanent fixture in Nicki’s life. He believes that the connection they once shared runs deeper than any current romance.

This long-game strategy highlights a persistent belief that their story isn’t fully written. “Despite their rocky past, Meek doesn’t feel like things are over between him and Nicki. He is watching from a distance, waiting for her to wake up and break up with this guy that Meek feels will never earn the right to be Nicki’s husband,” the source explains. This perspective offers a candid look into the mind of an ex-partner who is not only invested in his former love’s well-being but also secretly holds out hope for a future reunion. For now, however, Meek is reportedly focusing on his own life and career, occasionally engaging with other single celebrities online, as evidenced by his complimentary comment on Kourtney Kardashian’s “PHAT” butt underneath a sexy photo of the Keeping Up with the Kardashians star on February 25.

To fully understand the weight of Meek Mill’s opinions, it’s essential to revisit the history between him and Nicki Minaj. Their relationship wasn’t merely a fleeting romance but evolved from a long-standing friendship. After months of speculation, Meek publicly confirmed their dating status at a concert in March 2015, much to the delight of fans. The couple quickly became a fixture in the hip-hop world, with Nicki herself declaring her love for Meek in a June 2015 tweet, stating she was “in love with meek.” Their romance, however, eventually hit a rough patch, with reports emerging in December 2016 that the two had unfollowed each other on Instagram, a telling sign in the social media age. Nicki officially confirmed their breakup the following month in a straightforward tweet: “To confirm, yes I am single.”

The past shared between Meek Mill and Nicki Minaj adds significant depth to his current assessment of her relationship with Kenneth Petty. His views are not merely those of an outsider but rather an ex-partner who knows Nicki intimately, both personally and professionally. While Nicki seems committed to her relationship, Meek and many others continue to watch with bated breath, wondering if this chapter in her life is indeed a “phase” as Meek believes, or if her enduring bond with Kenneth Petty will ultimately prove to be a more profound and lasting connection.