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Nicki Minaj
Birth nameOnika Tanya Maraj
GenresHip hop, R&B, rap
Occupation(s)Rapper, singer-songwriter
Years active2004–present
LabelsYoung Money Entertainment,
Cash Money Records, Universal Motown
Websitemypinkfriday.com

Onika Tanya Maraj (born December 8, 1982),[1] better known by her stage name Nicki Minaj (Template:Pron-en), is a Rap and R&B recording artist who rose to fame after becoming a member in rapping group Young Money. She was born in Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago, but moved to the Queens borough of New York City as a child and graduated from LaGuardia High School in 2003.

Minaj began her music career in 2007 after she released her first mixtape Playtime Is Over. The mixtape followed by mixtapes, Sucka Free and Beam Me Up Scotty which were released in 2008 and 2009 respectively. Minaj had her first label sucess after fellow American rapper, Lil Wayne discovered and secured a record deal with her with Young Money Entertainment with distribution from Universal Motown In August 2009.[2][3]

She released her first debut album, Pink Friday in 2010 which became a commercial success, peaking at the top of the U.S. Billboard 200. and was later certificated platinum Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) a month after its release.[4][5] She became the first artist ever to have seven singles on the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time.[6] Her second single, "Your Love", reached number-one on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart, making Minaj the first female artist to top the chart unaccompanied since 2002.[7] She also became the first female artist to be included on MTV's Annual Hottest MC List.[8]

Early life

Minaj was born in 1982[9][10] in Saint James,[11][12][13] (a suburb of Trinidad and Tobago's capital city Port of Spain). Her parents were of mixed Indian and Afro-Trinidadian ancestry[14][15] and she lived in Saint James with her grandmother until age five, because her parents were looking for a place to live in the Queens borough of New York City at the time. Her mother would occasionally visit, and one day, when Minaj was five, her mother picked her up to move to Queens.[10] According to Minaj, her father drank heavily, took drugs, and once tried to kill her mother by setting the house on fire.[16]

She attended Elizabeth Blackwell Middle School 210, where she played the clarinet.[10] She graduated from LaGuardia High School.[17][18] At LaGuardia, a school specializing in music and the visual and performing arts, Minaj participated in the drama program.[17] She had initially planned to sing at LaGuardia, but lost her voice on the day of the audition.[17]

Music career

2007–09: Career beginnings, mixtapes and Young Money

Nicki Minaj released her first mixtape in 2007 after releasing Playtime Is Over with Dirty Money Records. She later released another mixtape on July 7, 2008, titled Sucka Free, under the label of Be. On April 18, 2009, Minaj released a third mixtape and appeared in XXL magazine.[2] In 2008 she won the Female Artist of the Year award at the Underground Music Awards.[19] Minaj released Beam Me Up Scotty, another mixtape, in April 2009 under the label of Trapaholics Records. Beam Me Up Scotty received positive coverage on both BET and MTV.[20][21]

After being Minaj signed a succure record deal with Young Money Entertainment, it was confirmed that artist would unite as a rapping group, and Minaj would be present in the group. As part of the group, the rapping group released single "Every Girl", which charted at number ten on the Billboard Hot 100. The second single was confirmed to be "BedRock", the song became a commercial success charting at just below the top of the Billboard Hot 100 at number-two; on the song Minaj has a solo rap verse. Third single released from the album, "Roger That" which Minaj also appeared on as a Young Money artist. Despite the song gaining good reviews from critics, the song charted at number fifty-six. Many critics said that Minaj steals the spotlight.[22] The group released the debut album, which featured all the Young Money artists on the front cover, including Minaj. We Are Young Money was released on December 21, 2009 the album charted in the top ten on the Billboard Hot 200, charting at number-nine and later received a Gold Certification by the RIAA.

2010–present: Breakthrough and Pink Friday

Main article: Pink Friday
Britney Spears and Nicki Minaj performing The Femme Fatale Remix of "Till the World Ends" in the Femme Fatale Tour.

After a major record label bidding war, Young Money Entertainment announced on August 31, 2009 that Minaj had been released a 360 deal with the label in which she retains and owns all of her 360 rights – including merchandising, sponsorships, endorsements, touring and publishing.[23] In an interview with 95.8 Capital FM, Rihanna stated that after the two collaborated on "Raining Men" from her album Loud that the duo would be teaming up together for a possible second collaboration on Minaj's Pink Friday.[24] Hip-hop rap artist and producer Kanye West was also confirmed for the album.[25] On August 3, 2010 Minaj revealed on a Ustream.tv channel for her fans that the album's name would be Pink Friday stating, “To carry on a great tradition of Black Friday, we are going to switch it up this year in honor of the Nicki Minaj album and call that day Pink Friday, and call my album Pink Friday,!”[26] A deluxe edition of the album was also released after the standard edition.[27] Nicki Minaj released the artwork for her album cover on Friday, October 15, 2010.[28]

Minaj's debut album, Pink Friday was released on November 19, 2010.[29] A buzz single, "Massive Attack", was released in April.[30] In August, Minaj released "Your Love" as the first official single from her debut album. The single peaked at 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, 7 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and topped the Rap Songs chart. Minaj became the first female artist to be included on MTV's Annual Hottest MC List[8] and the first female artist to top the chart unaccompanied since 2002.[31] In October 2010, Minaj became the first artist to have seven songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart simultaneously.[6] Minaj released a joint single with The Black Eyed Peas front man, will.i.am titled, "Check It Out", which is Minaj's most successful single to-date around Europe. "Right thru Me" was released September 24, 2010. Written by Stephen Hacker, Joe Satriani, Andrew Thielk, B.Evans and Minaj herself. The music video was released in late October, which featured Minaj in a boy-and-girl relationship drama. "Moment 4 Life" followed "Right thru Me" and was released as the fourth overall single. The track featured Canadian rapper, Drake, which was released on December 7, 2010, which is proving to be as successful in the Billboard Hot 100, as it is climbing each week and currently at number 22. The single has so far peaked at number 5 on the Hot Rap Songs.[32] Minaj's album gained a Platinum certification in the United States a month after the release.[5]

On Saturday, January 29, 2011, Minaj appeared on Saturday Night Live as the musical guest. She performed her hit songs "Right Thru Me" and "Moment 4 Life". On February 9, 2011, it was announced that Pink Friday had reached number one on the Billboard 200 in its eleventh week on the chart.[33] It was hinted by Simon Cowell that Minaj would join the judging panel of the American version of the The X Factor.[34] Starting in June 2011, Minaj will be supporting Pink Friday by serving as an opening act along with Jessie and the Toy Boys and Nervo on Britney Spears' sixth concert tour, the Femme Fatale Tour, in support of her seventh studio album, Femme Fatale.[35] She also was featured on the official remix of Spears' track "Till The World Ends" along with Spears and singer Kesha, which charted at number 3 in the US in April 2011.[36] "Super Bass" was released from Pink Friday in May 2011, the reception of the single was huge after the single charted within the top 10 in many of countries including; United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada and more.[37] The song gained positive reviews from critics with some critics saying; "obvious hit",[38] "memorable hooks",[38] "infectious".[39]

Musical style and image

Image

In an interview with Vibe Minaj discussed her sexual image stating, "[w]hen I grew up I saw females doing certain things, and I thought I had to do that exactly. The female rappers of my day spoke about sex a lot... and I thought that to have the success they got, I would have to represent the same thing. When in fact I didn’t have to represent the same thing."[40] In an interview with Interview, Minaj commented on her sexual image again stating, "I made a conscious decision to try to tone down the sexiness, I want people—especially young girls—to know that in life, nothing is going to be based on sex appeal. You’ve got to have something else to go with that.”[41] Minaj has a tattoo of the traditional Chinese characters "上帝與你常在" (shangdi yu ni chang zai)[42] on her left arm, meaning, "God is always with you."[43]

Alter egos

While growing up, Minaj's home life was often chaotic, with her parents constantly fighting.[44] As a means of escape, she would create characters and live her life through them.[44] In an interview with New York she stated, "To get away from all their fighting, I would imagine being a new person. 'Cookie' was my first identity – that stayed with me for a while. I went on to 'Harajuku Barbie,' then 'Nicki Minaj.' Fantasy was my reality."[44]

For her debut album, Minaj created another alter-ego named "Roman Zolanski".[45] She stated that in songs like "Bottoms Up" with Trey Songz it is not Minaj rapping, but instead Roman Zolanski, and claims that Roman is her "twin sister". She claims that she was born inside her, out of rage, and becomes her when she is angry. She has also said 'She is a demon inside her'. Roman has been compared to Eminem's alter ego Slim Shady, and on the song "Roman's Revenge" from Pink Friday, Minaj and Eminem collaborate, using these alter egos.[46] Roman also has a "mother" called "Martha Zolanski",[47] who also appeared on the song Roman's Revenge, with a British accent.[48] Martha appears in the video for "Moment 4 Life" where she appears to be Minaj's magical Godmother. In songs such as "All I Do Is Win (Remix)" it is Minaj rapping.[45] Minaj stated that on her debut album, fans will get to "meet" Nicki, Roman and Onika.[45]

On November 18, 2010 Minaj assumed a different alter-ego named "Nicki Teresa".[49] Wearing a colorful scarf around her head, she went around as the "healer to her fans" as she visited them at The Garden of Dreams Foundation at Fuse studios in New York City.[49] Minaj made an appearance on Lopez Tonight on December 6, 2010 and presented a different alter-ego for the Spanish-inspired occasion, named "Rosa" (pronounced Rrrrrosa).[50]

Influences

Minaj has stated that artists who have influenced her musical style include Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, Lil Wayne, Lauryn Hill, Jadakiss, Natasha Bedingfield, Foxy Brown, Lil' Kim and Missy Elliott.[51][52] She was also inspired by Madonna, Marilyn Monroe, Grace Jones[53] and Cyndi Lauper.[54]

Personal life

While some songs and interviews have implied that Minaj is bisexual,[55][56] she has said that she does not date nor have sex with women,[17] but added in an interview with Out magazine, "I don’t date men either."[57] In an interview with Vibe she commented, "I just embrace all people of all lifestyles and I don’t tell them they are bad people. And I say girls are beautiful and girls are sexy and they need to be told that, and if they don’t have anyone to tell them that and mean it, I’m gonna tell them that. But I feel like people always wanna define me and I don’t wanna be defined."[58] She reiterated her dislike of being labeled in an interview with OUT, saying: "The point is, everyone is not black and white. There are so many shades in the middle, and you’ve got to let people feel comfortable with saying what they want to say when they want to say it."[57]

During an interview in the May 2010 issue of Details, Minaj was asked if she felt hip-hop was becoming more gay-friendly. She responded, "I think the world is getting more gay-friendly, so hip-hop is too. But it's harder to imagine an openly gay male rapper being embraced, people view gay men as having no street credibility. But I think we'll see one in my lifetime."[56]

In June 2011, a Twitter hoax amongst many others (such as Justine Simmons) reported Minaj to be dead. The hoax involved a generic trend, "#ripnickiminaj" being hoisted to the top of a global list of the most popular "Trends" on 26 June.[59]

In July 2011, Minaj's cousin, Nicholas, was murdered near his home in Brooklyn, New York. Minaj tweeted that she was devastated.[60]

Discography

Main article: Nicki Minaj discography

Awards and nominations

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2008 Nicki Minaj Underground Music Awards[19] Won
2010 BET Awards Best Female Hip-Hop Artist[61] Won
BET Awards Best New Artist[61] Won
Young Money BET Awards Best Group[61] Won
BET Awards Best New Artist[61] Nominated
"BedRock" (Young Money feat. Lloyd) BET Awards Viewer's Choice[61] Nominated
Nicki Minaj Teen Choice Awards Choice Breakout Artist – Female[62] Nominated
"Massive Attack" MTV Video Music Awards[citation needed] Nominated
Nicki Minaj BET Hip Hop Awards People's Champ Won
BET Hip Hop Awards Rookie of the Year Won
BET Hip Hop Awards Made You Look Won
BET Hip Hop Awards Hustler of the Year Nominated
BET Hip Hop Awards Lyricist of the Year Nominated
MOBO Awards Best International Act[63] Nominated
2011 "My Chick Bad" (Ludacris featuring Nicki Minaj) Grammy Awards 2011 Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group[64] Nominated
Nicki Minaj NAACP Image Awards Outstanding New Artist[65] Nominated
"2012 (It Ain't the End)" (Jay Sean featuring Nicki Minaj) UK Asian Music Awards Best Video[66] Won
Nicki Minaj NARM Breakthrough Artist of the Year[67] Won
Billboard Music Award for Top New Artist[68] Nominated
Billboard Music Award for Top Rap Artist[68] Nominated
Pink Friday Billboard Music Award for Top Rap Album[68] Nominated
"Bottoms Up" (Trey Songz featuring Nicki Minaj) Billboard Music Award for Top R&B Song[68] Nominated
Nicki Minaj BET Awards Best Female Hip Hop Artist[69] Won
"Super Bass" Teen Choice Awards for Best Summer Song Nominated
Nicki Minaj Teen Choice Awards for Best R&B/Hip-Hop Artist Won
"Moment 4 Life" (Nicki Minaj featuring Drake) MTV Video Music Awards for Best Collaboration Nominated
Super Bass MTV Video Music Awards for Best Female Video Nominated
"Super Bass" MTV Video Music Awards for Best Rap Video Nominated

References

  1. ^ "Police Report: Nicki's Asst. Struck Minaj w/ Suitcase". TMZ. July 13, 2011. Retrieved July 25, 2011.
  2. ^ a b "FEATURE: Nicki Minaj:Climax", XXL, November 24, 2008
  3. ^ Concepcion, Mariel (Jaunary 15, 2010). "Nicki Minaj: Artists To Watch 2010". Billboard. Retrieved October 29, 2010. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ^ "Nicki Minaj Chart History at Billboard". Billboard. Retrieved February 16, 2011.
  5. ^ a b "RIAA Gold & Platinum". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved January 4, 2011.
  6. ^ a b "Nicki Minaj Makes History With Seven Billboard Hot 100 Songs". MTV News. October 8, 2010. Retrieved October 29, 2010.
  7. ^ Trust, Gary (June 30, 2010). "Chart Beat Wednesday: Train, Dirty Heads, Nicki Minaj". Billboard. Retrieved October 29, 2010.
  8. ^ a b "MTV's Hottest MC List". MTV. Retrieved February 16, 2011.
  9. ^ [1], POLICE DOCUMENT INSIDE: Nicki Minaj Hit In The Face With A Suitcase By “Unidentified Male”
  10. ^ a b c O'Connor, Siobhan (June 23, 2010). "Character Study: Just How Real Is Nicki Minaj? (Pg 3)". Vibe. Retrieved October 26, 2010."...Nicki was a little girl in Trinidad who missed her mom. Born in 1984, Onika Tanya Maraj spent her first five years in a clown-car of a house, full of cousins and friends and animals. Like lots of people awaiting entry to the United States, Nicki idealized what her life would be like once she got to New York. "
  11. ^ Telesford, Nigel (November 1, 2010). "Minaj magic". Trinidad Express. Retrieved February 16, 2011.
  12. ^ Pink Friday (Media notes). Young Money Entertainment/Cash Money Records/Universal Motown. 2010. {{cite AV media notes}}: |format= requires |url= (help); Unknown parameter |albumlink= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |artist= ignored (|others= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |publisherid= ignored (help) "TRINIDAD!!! WE DID IT!!! Thank you so very much for all the love and support. I am truly honored to have been born on the most beautiful island in the world!"
  13. ^ Concepcion, Mariel (September 22, 2010). "Nicki Minaj Fans Scammed, Rapper To Perform In Trinidad". Billboard. Retrieved October 21, 2010.
  14. ^ McGarry, Kevin (2009) "The New Queen Bee | Meet Nicki Minaj", New York Times, June 4, 2009
  15. ^ "Girls". Complex Magazine. {{cite web}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help); Unknown parameter |http://www.complex.com/girls/2009/08/worlwide-wednesday-the-10-hottest-multiracial-women?page= ignored (help)
  16. ^ "Nicki Minaj: Hip-Hop's Hottest Sidekick Goes Solo". Details. 2010. Archived from the original on April 19, 2010. Retrieved July 19, 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  17. ^ a b c d O'Connor, Siobhan (June 23, 2010). "Character Study: Just How Real Is Nicki Minaj?". Vibe. Retrieved August 28, 2010.
  18. ^ Jeffries, David. "Nicki Minaj > Biography". allmusic. Retrieved July 31, 2010.
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  21. ^ "SoundOff TV: One On One With LowKey & Nicki Minaj", BET, May 1, 2009
  22. ^ Nicki Minaj steals spotlight from fellow Young Money band
  23. ^ Reid, Shaheem (October 15, 2009). "Nicki Minaj Says Her Debut Single Will Drop Next Month". MTV. Retrieved August 5, 2010.
  24. ^ Rihanna launches 'Loud' in London. Capital FM. Retrieved on December 24, 2010.
  25. ^ "Nicki Minaj Looks to Kanye West, Swizz Beatz for Debut Album". Rap-Up.com. Retrieved August 5, 2010.
  26. ^ "Nicki Minaj Announces Album Title". Rap-Up.com. Retrieved August 5, 2010.
  27. ^ Concepcion, Mariel (August 6, 2010). "Nicki Minaj Finishing Next Single, Says Young Money 'Keeps Me Grounded'". Billboard. Retrieved August 7, 2010.
  28. ^ Nicki Minaj 'Pink Friday' Album Cover Hits Net. Billboard (September 14, 2009). Retrieved on December 24, 2010.
  29. ^ "Pink Friday" (in German). Amazon.de. Retrieved November 2, 2010.
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  31. ^ "New Song: Nicki Minaj – 'Your Love' (2nd Single)". NW Mass Media. May 10, 2010. Retrieved July 19, 2010.
  32. ^ Up for Discussion Jump to Forums (December 21, 2010). "Moment 4 Life – Nicki Minaj". Billboard. Retrieved December 25, 2010.
  33. ^ "Nicki Minaj Hits No. 1 in 11th Week on Billboard 200". Billboard. February 9, 2011. Retrieved February 9, 2011.
  34. ^ Dinh, James (March 25, 2011). "Simon Cowell Addresses Nicki Minaj 'X Factor' Judging Rumors". MTV. Retrieved May 7, 2011.
  35. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (April 12, 2011). "Britney Spears To Tour With Nicki Minaj". MTV. Retrieved May 7, 2011.
  36. ^ http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/317163/new-britney-spears-remix-breaks-billboard-top-ten
  37. ^ "Chart Stats - Nicki Minaj, "Super Bass"". Chart Stats. Retrieved July 20, 2011.
  38. ^ a b Wesley Case (May 6, 2011). "Nicki Minaj debuts new 'Super Bass' video". Baltimoresun. Retrieved May 6, 2011.
  39. ^ "Sneak Peek: Nicki Minaj – 'Super Bass'". Rap-Up.com. April 26, 2011. Retrieved May 7, 2011.
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  41. ^ Rachel, T. Cole (April 2010). "Nicki Minaj". Interview Magazine. Retrieved July 19, 2010.
  42. ^ "God's with Nicki Minaj". maydaily.com. Retrieved 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  43. ^ "Tattoos". newnickiminaj.com. Retrieved 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  44. ^ a b c Lizzy Goodman (June 20, 2010). "Nicki Minaj, the Rapper With a Crush on Meryl Streep". New York (magazine). Retrieved July 22, 2010.
  45. ^ a b c Sandra Rose (July 14, 2010). "Was That Nicki Minaj's Alter Ego in the Now Classic "Ate the Box" Video?". Retrieved July 22, 2010.
  46. ^ Dawson, Imani A. "Nicki Minaj Gets 'Revenge' With Eminem". Rap-Up.com. Vibe Media Group. Retrieved November 4, 2010.
  47. ^ "Nicki Minaj Turns Heads In London". Blogstodiefor.com. January 20, 2011. Retrieved February 16, 2011.
  48. ^ rosa
  49. ^ a b "Nicki Minaj Has Healing Powers". Rap-Up.com. November 18, 2010. Retrieved February 16, 2011.
  50. ^ "Nicki Minaj Introduces New Alter Ego". Rap-Up.com. December 6, 2010. Retrieved February 16, 2011.
  51. ^ "Nicki Minaj Interview With Vibe [Speaks On Wayne As An Influence]". New Lil Wayne. June 28, 2009. Retrieved July 19, 2010.
  52. ^ "Nicki Minaj Says Her Album Drops First Quarter Next Year; Can Her Looks Carry Her To Platinum Status?". DimeWars. Retrieved July 19, 2010.
  53. ^ Nicki Minaj/The Musical/Guy Ritchie/Stefano Gabbana
  54. ^ [Nicki Minaj Talks about Her Perfume, Praises Cyndi Lauper and Pisses of Her Nail Lady]
  55. ^ Jonah Weiner (February 22, 2010). "Who's That Girl?". Slate.
  56. ^ a b "Nicki Minaj: Hip-Hop's Hottest Sidekick Goes Solo". Details.
  57. ^ a b Ganz, Caryn (September 10, 2010). "The Curious Case of Nicki Minaj". OUT magazine. Retrieved September 19, 2010.
  58. ^ "EXTRA, EXTRA: Lost Nicki Minaj Quotes". VIBE. July 6, 2010.
  59. ^ "Nicki Minaj Death HOAX". Gossip Cop.
  60. ^ Rap star Nicki Minaj's cousin shot dead in Brooklyn, nypost.com, July 5, 2011
  61. ^ a b c d e "Best Group | Nominees". BET Awards 10 Official Site. BET. Retrieved July 19, 2010.
  62. ^ "Teen Choice Awards 2010: Second (Giant) Wave Of Nominees Announced!". Hollywood Crush. MTV. June 28, 2010. Retrieved July 19, 2010.
  63. ^ "Nominations Announced for the MOBO Awards 2010!". MOBO. September 9, 2010. Retrieved September 12, 2010.
  64. ^ "Final Nominations List: 53rd Grammy Awards" (PDF). grammy.com. National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Retrieved January 13, 2011.
  65. ^ ""42nd NAACP Image Awards" Nominees Announced" (PDF) (Press release). NAACP Image Awards. January 12, 2011. Retrieved January 13, 2011.
  66. ^ Jas Sembhi (March 10, 2011). "2011 UK Asian Music Awards Winners". desiblitz.com. Retrieved March 13, 2011.
  67. ^ Christmas, Ed (April 7, 2011). "Nicki Minaj To Receive Breakthrough Artist Award At NARM". Billboard. Retrieved April 7, 2011.
  68. ^ a b c d "Full 2011 Billboard Music Awards Finalists List". Billboard. Retrieved April 13, 2011.
  69. ^ "Best Female Hip Hop Artist". BET. Retrieved November 21, 2011. {{cite web}}: Text "BET Awards" ignored (help); Text "BET" ignored (help); Text "Shows" ignored (help)

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