Last month, rapper Nicki Minaj promised choreographer Donte Colley she’d handle an issue regarding crediting him for his viral TikTok dance to “FTCU.”
But, according to Vibe, Nicki Minaj offered cash and a meet-and-greet, which Colley flat-out refused.
The choreographer revealed that he instead wanted credit, an online shoutout from Nicki Minaj, and to join her on tour.
“I was reached out to by a member of her team and I wasn’t after payment for this. I was just looking for the opportunity to potentially collaborate and to receive credit, and neither one of those options seemed possible and have been rejected.”
Nicki Minaj’s team responded on X.
“Please STOP spreading false narratives. We offered to pay him as a choreographer even though it was less than 10 seconds of choreo that we altered. ALSO offered him tix to his hometown w/ a meet a greet. He declined all this [and] demanded a shoutout and to get to dance on stage w/ her.”
Colley Denied Nicki Minaj Offering Him A Payout
“I did not decline any concert tickets. I didn’t deny the opportunity for a meet and greet. I didn’t demand; I asked for the opportunity to perform on stage, and that wasn’t a possibility so we moved on. I was offered an amount that was under $100, and I was told that $2,000 is for a song and that I would be prorated an amount for an eight count.”
Colley was insistent he’s worth way more than $100.
“I would never consider selling my work for that amount. I really appreciate Nicki for tweeting that she wanted to make things right. However, the person that she put in charge has not made this a positive experience. And all I’ve asked for is for her to repost the original video and to tag me, just like the other videos. And if that’s not possible, just to remove the choreo.”
“I come online, her choreos in the show, and there’s no video. The only reason why I posted today was because I was being tagged in concert footage with people saying that I was paid, hired, etc. That was not true. I have to stick up for myself because no one’s gonna stick up for me.”
Colley received support online, and he thanked them.
“I want to thank you so much for your words of encouragement. Y’all saw something, knew it wasn’t right, and brought it to my attention and we should be uplifting and supporting each other and continuing to do so. So I encourage other artists to seek credit for their work. Keep being you. What other people think of you is none of your business. And just keep it pushing, babe.”
In February, Nicki Minaj offered to have Casper reach out to Colley.
“So glad barbz brought it2 my attention in time [making me proud as always]. I’ll have Casper reach out to this VERY TALENTED & seemingly VERY sweet guy ASAP to figure out the best way to make him feel seen, appreciated & paid #PinkFriday2 #GagCityTOUR.”
People trying to deny Donte Colley’s impact on FTCU is wild. Nobody was geeking about that part until he made the choreo. That part of the song automatically makes you think of the dance he made. Why sit there and lie and act like he didn’t impact the popularity of the song ????
— Kee (@lifewithkeerose) March 4, 2024
And
What y’all are not going to do is get online and act like Donte Colley is nobody and should be happy to get a tweet and in his words, “UNDER $100” for the use of his creativity.
He can’t survive on that. https://t.co/YWg7L8rEcd
— Joy Ofodu Voiceover (@JoyOfodu) March 6, 2024
And
People saying that donte colley should’ve taken the meet and greet are the same people that would choose the dinner with Jay Z.
— lying ass libra (@jiggywiththesht) March 6, 2024
And
The crazed fans that’s bullying Donte Colley and whoever tf pink lady put in charge of making sure he felt seen, compensated and appreciated .. all wrong and I feel so bad for him
— Spontaneous . (@HimHeMe) March 4, 2024
And
Im ridin for Donte Colley. As an artist, less than $100 is crazy work. Again that mf who slapped a banana on a canvas got millions…fuck out my face. $2000 for a song also seems low????
— Chance (@astold_bychance) March 5, 2024
And
yall saying donte colley shouldn’t be compensated for his choreography just bc it was trending and “everyone was doing it” is crazy. that does NOT justify it being stolen by another choreographer????
— jay ???? (@punkassjay__) March 5, 2024
