Nicki Minaj & Ariana Grande Are Work Buddies

Sometimes, you become unexpected BFFs with your co-workers. Other times, you forge a great work relationship, but it doesn't really leave the office. And, to be honest, there really isn't anything wrong with either scenario. I'm of the mind that relationships most definitely shouldn't be forced, no matter how convenient they may be. Which, brings me to my main point: Are Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande friends? After all, the two have been "co-workers" of sorts for some time now.

In 2014, Grande was featured on Minaj's song, "Get On Your Knees" from the rapper's The Pinkprint album. And I'm sure you recall their iconic work on "Bang Bang" together back in 2014. With "Side to Side" as their newest joint gig in 2016, one would think the two performers have to have some kind of amicable relationship to keep the momentum going all this time. But does that translate to friendship outside of the recording studio and concert arenas? Well, let's take a closer look at the evidence, shall we?

As J-14 reported back in February 2015, Grande and Minaj must have some good feels between them, because Grande "[slammed] haters on Nicki Minaj's Instagram video." The site reported that Grande apparently took naysayers to task for body shaming her in comparison to Minaj. (Bustle has reached out to Grande's rep to verify that she did indeed write the comment, but has not yet received a response.) In the comment she reportedly wrote,

When did it become socially acceptable to comment on what you think is 'wrong' with other people's bodies?? We were having fun! ...I'm shaking my pretty, cute, petite ass next to Nicki's pretty, big booty. Both are f*cking awesome. How about we respect people's body boundaries and encourage each other to feel like a babe no matter how they are?

Boom. Roasted.

In addition, this August yours truly went behind the scenes of the 2016 VMAs and came across this endearing tid bit. Both Grande and Minaj were seated next to each other at the show. It should be noted that they performed together, but if the two weren't somewhat cool with one another, that seating arrangement wouldn't have come to fruition no matter what was happening on stage that night.

But, what about when it comes to downtime? Do they ever just hang out together? Well, while they totally could, neither singer has provided much social media proof that they do. For now, it appears that the two are of the "work friends" nature. But that doesn't mean their American Music Awards performance on Nov. 20 won't be top notch.

Image: Caitlyn Callegari/Bustle