Nicki Minaj was dethroned as the winner of the Best Female Hip-Hop Artist for the BET Awards after seven years. Now, we know why the network selected Remy Ma over her alleged arch nemesis.

"Nicki Minaj was not in the dark about the decision," an insider told Urban Belle Magazine earlier this week. "Out of respect, BET reached out to her ahead of time because they didn't want their relationship to be strained."

Interestingly enough, Nicki did not go to the awards show this year. Her absence sparked speculation that she was salty she wouldn't be receiving the coveted award and Remy Ma would. However, the source added that wasn't necessarily the case.

"I won't say she didn't attend because she knew she wasn't winning because there were scheduling conflicts," the source said.

Since Remy took a shot at Nicki during her acceptance speech at the BET Awards, Nicki decided to perform her latest diss track against Remy at the NBA Awards the night after.

"It would not have been a good PR move for her to be there. That moment would have been turned into a meme that would live on the Internet forever," the source added.

The insider also revealed that the network didn't intend to stir up any drama when it came to giving Remy the honor.

"Both artists are worthy of accolades. And Nicki's career has been amazing. It's just that Remy really shook the industry up with SheTHER. She made everyone get back to what Hip-Hop is all about. And it's about impact. What Remy did can't be glossed over. The network wanted to take the focus off the charts and album sales. Choosing Remy brings things back to the foundation of Hip-Hop."

SheTHER was Remy's major diss track toward Nicki, which she "exposed" many of Nicki's secrets.

Nicki fired back with No Frauds featuring Drake and Lil Wayne.

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