Nicki Minaj is a powerful figure in music who has made a significant contribution to the development of hip-hop and pop culture. Known for her eccentric looks and unique style, she remains one of the most talked-about performers. But what’s life like for the flamboyant Nicki?
The Rise of a Superstar
Singer, rapper, songwriter, and actress Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, better known as Nicki Minaj, was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago on December 8, 1982. In 2024, she turns 42.
Minaj faced hardships early in life. Her Malaysian mother and Afro-Indian father struggled financially. At age five, the family moved to New York, USA, but childhood remained challenging. She often witnessed domestic violence and family strife.
Music became her escape. She would spend hours writing poems in her car, later turning them into lyrics. She enrolled in a prestigious performing arts school, determined to make her mark.
Initially, she joined a Brooklyn group called Full Force, but the collaboration was short-lived. She uploaded her songs to Myspace and caught the attention of a music label, Dirty Money Entertainment, which offered her a contract.
In 2007, she released her first mixtape Playtime Is Over, followed by Sucka Free in 2008. She won “Artist of the Year” at the UMA Awards. Her third mixtape, Beam Me Up Scotty (2009), drew the attention of rapper Lil Wayne, who signed her to Young Money Entertainment.
Her debut album Pink Friday (2010) topped the Billboard 200 and brought her international fame.
Career Highlights
In 2011, she collaborated with DJ David Guetta. Her second album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2012), was a hit, and she became the first rapper to perform at the Grammys.
Her third album The Pinkprint dropped in 2014, and Queen followed in 2018, earning critical praise and platinum certification.
In 2020, she re-released Beam Me Up Scotty, and her 2022 single Super Freaky Girl topped the Billboard Hot 100.
In December 2023, she released Pink Friday 2 and started a world tour in March 2024.
Personal Life and Acting
Minaj has acted in films and voiced characters in animated movies such as Ice Age: Continental Drift (2012) and The Angry Birds Movie 2 (2019). She appeared in The Other Woman (2014) and Barbershop: The Next Cut (2016).
Relationships
She was in a long-term relationship with rapper Safaree Samuels until 2014. She then dated Meek Mill (2015–2017) and briefly Nas. In 2018, she reconnected with childhood friend Kenneth Petty, whom she married. They have one son, affectionately known as Papa Bear.
Interesting Facts
- Before fame, she worked as a waitress, office manager, and support rep, often getting fired — at least 15 times!
- She’s known for alter egos like Roman Zolanski, Nicki Teresa, and Barbie.
- She told Vogue she would love to collaborate with Lauryn Hill.
Feud with Cardi B
In 2018, rumors of tension between Minaj and Cardi B led to a public altercation at a party. Both continued exchanging accusations, and while there were attempts to end the feud, the relationship remains strained.
Nicki Minaj has redefined the role of women in hip-hop. She remains a symbol of independence and power, continually proving she deserves the title Queen of Rap.