Champion

" Champion" is a song by Trinidadian-American recording artist,  Nicki Minaj, taken from her second studio album,  Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2012). The song features additional vocals from  hip hopartists  Drake,  Nas, and  Young Jeezy. "Champion" was written by Minaj, Aubrey Graham, Jay Jenkins, and Nasir Jones, while the production and additional writing was handled by  Pink Friday (2010) collaborators  T-Minus and  Nikhil S. Musically, "Champion" is a  downtempo  hardcore hip hop  ballad that also incorporates elements of  R&B,  New Age, and  space music<span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:sans-serif;line-height:19.1875px;">. The lyrics speak of each artist's rise to fame, as well as the trials and tribulations that it carries; it references the death of Minaj's cousin, Nicholas Telemaque, who was murdered near his  Brooklyn<span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:sans-serif;line-height:19.1875px;"> home on July 3, 2011.

<p style="margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:19.1875px;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:sans-serif;">"Champion" garnered praise from music critics, with the majority declaring it a stand out track. The song is notable for the return of Minaj's original low-key sound, as well as her tame "gimmick-free" delivery as opposed to her eccentric "Roman" songs. Critics generally praised the song for it's serious tone and introspective nature. Minaj performed the song live for the first time on 106 & Park on April 3, 2012, along with "Beez in the Trap", and "Roman Reloaded".

Background and recording
Minaj recruited rapper Nas(pictured) for "Champion".<p style="line-height:19.1875px;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:sans-serif;">"Champion" was written by Minaj, along with T-Minus, Nikhil S., Drake, Young Jeezy, and Nas. The song's production was handled by T-Minus and Nikhil S., who had previously worked with Minaj on her debut studio album Pink Friday (2010). Minaj had wanted several artists to appear on the song, including fellow New York rapper Nas. She had stated that she did not think that she could get Nas on the song, saying "He's always been so exclusive. He doesn't work with everybody and I respect people that are like that. They take pride in their craft."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-vibe_1-0" style="line-height:1em;">[1]  Minaj told Vibe, "I keep saying to be from Queens and to end up having him... We know how picky he is [for features]. He said 'I like the song, I'm a do it, you can wait 'til Monday and I got you' and he kept his word. He murked it, for me to wait for a feature and it be that and murk the song and finish the song that way... I was amazed."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-vibe_1-1" style="line-height:1em;">[1]  After hearing the song, Nas agreed to be on the track, and sent his verse back to Minaj the following Monday.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-vibe_1-2" style="line-height:1em;">[1]  After collaborating, Nas said that he had fallen in love with the song: "Nicki hit us up, I got love, so it was nothin'--I did the record....If I feel it, I can get on it. I heard the track. I felt it. I loved it."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-leak_2-0" style="line-height:1em;">[2]  Another artist Minaj wanted on "Champion" was long-time idol and fellow female rapper Lauryn Hill. "I wanted to get her on 'Champion'... That would have been crazy, right? She was my fave. [...] Lauryn to me is the goddess. I'd love to meet her. I'm pretty sure she's heard me talk about her a billion times." Although Minaj vouched for Hill to appear on the track, plans were never finalized and the collaboration ultimately fell through.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-hill_3-0" style="line-height:1em;">[3] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-xxl_4-0" style="line-height:1em;">[4] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-bet_5-0" style="line-height:1em;">[5]

<p style="margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:19.1875px;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:sans-serif;">Recording of "Champion" took place at Conway Studios, in Los Angeles, California, as well as Jungle City Studios in New York City, New York. Mixing was handled by Jon Sher and Noel Cadastre at Conway Studios.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-liner_6-0" style="line-height:1em;">[6]  Minaj was unsure if he would accept her offer to be featured on "Champion", but after sending him the song, Nas replied back with his verse via e-mail.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-vibe_1-3" style="line-height:1em;">[1]  On March 28, 2012, "Champion" leaked onto the internet six days ahead of its official release. In the following hours after the leak of "Champion", the contents of the entire album were leaked online.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-popcrush_7-0" style="line-height:1em;">[7]  On May 24, 2012, a poll was posted on Minaj's official website asking fans to choose the next single(s). The poll was divided into three categories. The second category prompted fans to choose between "Champion", "HOV Lane", and "I Am Your Leader". "Champion" had the most votes and won the poll. "HOV Lane" came in second place and "I Am Your Leader" came in third.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-8" style="line-height:1em;">[8]

[edit] Composition
<p style="line-height:19.1875px;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:sans-serif;">"Champion" is a relatively slow-paced, retrospective downtempo ballad that draws heavily from hardcore hip hop.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-hitfix_9-0" style="line-height:1em;">[9] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-idolator_10-0" style="line-height:1em;">[10] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-hardcore_11-0" style="line-height:1em;">[11]  It is also influenced by other genres, such as R&B, New Age, andspace music.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-detroit_12-0" style="line-height:1em;">[12] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-winnipeg_13-0" style="line-height:1em;">[13] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ottawa_14-0" style="line-height:1em;">[14]  The "anthemic" and "inspiring" song features a low-key, woozy, and snaky production,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-hardcore_11-1" style="line-height:1em;">[11] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-detroit_12-1" style="line-height:1em;">[12] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-guadian_15-0" style="line-height:1em;">[15]  accompanied by prominent military-style drums, heavy synths, and rough, hard strewn beats.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-detroit_12-2" style="line-height:1em;">[12] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-hitfix_9-1" style="line-height:1em;">[9]  "Champion" has been described as one of the few songs that Minaj's delivery is "calm and collected" on opposed to her eccentric "Roman" tracks.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-fader_16-0" style="line-height:1em;">[16]  The rise to fame, the trials and tribulations that ensue, and celebration are prominent themes that are discussed in the lyrics.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-popcrush_7-1" style="line-height:1em;">[7] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-grind_17-0" style="line-height:1em;">[17]  Minaj also makes reference to her deceased cousin, Nicholas Telemaque, who was shot and killed near his Brooklyn home on July 3, 2011, in the line "'Cause they killed my little cousin, Nicholas/ But my memories only have happy images."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-nicholas_18-0" style="line-height:1em;">[18] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-digital_19-0" style="line-height:1em;">[19]

<p style="margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:19.1875px;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:sans-serif;">Multiple critics felt the lyrical content of "Champion" was the most sincere on the album. Lewis Corner of Digital Spy called them "genuinely heartbreaking", and Alex Macpherson of Factdescribed them as "undeniably moving".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-digital_19-1" style="line-height:1em;">[19] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-fact_20-0" style="line-height:1em;">[20]

[edit] Critical reception
<p style="line-height:19.1875px;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:sans-serif;">"Champion" was well received by music critics, with many calling it an album highlight.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-guadian_15-1" style="line-height:1em;">[15] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-washington_21-0" style="line-height:1em;">[21] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-sfgate_22-0" style="line-height:1em;">[22]  Andrew Hampp of Billboard gave the track a positive review, stating Minaj "Sheds light in her journey from struggle to success."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-billboard_23-0" style="line-height:1em;">[23]  While reviewing the album, Jody Rosen of Rolling Stone declared the song "beamingly triumphant".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-rolling_24-0" style="line-height:1em;">[24]  Global Grind reviewer Brittany Lewis gave the song a very positive review, saying "This retrospective track explores Nicki's more serious side and details the trials and tribulations of Nicki's now solidified success" and later went on to say that "This relatable track will definitely make you evaluate your own life."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-grind_17-1" style="line-height:1em;">[17]  Both the reviewer from The Washington Post and Mesfin Fekadu of The San Francisco Chroniclecalled the song "top-notch".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-washington_21-1" style="line-height:1em;">[21] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-sfgate_22-1" style="line-height:1em;">[22]  Adam Graham of The Detroit News said the song would please fans of early Minaj, as well as calling her "bar-spitting".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-detroit_12-3" style="line-height:1em;">[12]  Trent Fitzgerald of Popcrush gave "Champion" a very positive review, calling the song the biggest song on the album, as well as a bona fide hit. Fitzgerald further stated that "it's not a party song, it's a thinking song."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-popcrush_7-2" style="line-height:1em;">[7]  "Champion" was labeled as the most impressive hardcore hip hop song on the album, as well as being "anthemic" by Andy Gill of The Independent.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-hardcore_11-2" style="line-height:1em;">[11]  Nathan S of DJ Booth called the song an album highlight. "It has to be said that 'Champion', featuring an excellent Nas verse, is one of Nicki's most engaging tracks in memory, precisely because she drops the posturing and fame-hunting. It's proof that behind all the acting is a legitimately talented artist."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-booth_25-0" style="line-height:1em;">[25]  Although, not all reviews were positive. Matthew Cole of Slant Magazine criticized the vocalist's performance of the verses, claiming they were "incapable".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-slant_26-0" style="line-height:1em;">[26]  Randall Roberts of the Los Angeles Times gave the song a mixed review, highlighting Nas' verse, while mildly criticizing Minaj's.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-los_27-0" style="line-height:1em;">[27]  Entertainment Weekly named it one of the best songs on the album along with "I Am Your Leader".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-28" style="line-height:1em;">[28]  XXL Magazine stated that "Though many of the early songs [on the album] lack real substance, the records remain generally exciting - 'I Am Your Leader', alongside Rick Ross and Cam’ron, 'Beez in the Trap' with 2 Chainz, and the triumphant 'Champion' featuring Nas, Drake and Young Jeezy are all memorable moments."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-XXL_29-0" style="line-height:1em;">[29]

[edit] Live performances
<p style="line-height:19.1875px;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:sans-serif;">Minaj performed "Champion" for the first time on 106 & Park on April 3, 2012, along with "Roman Reloaded", "HOV Lane", "I Am Your Leader", "Beez in the Trap", "Right by My Side" and "Fire Burns".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-park_30-0" style="line-height:1em;">[30]  She performed "Champion" alongside "Beez in the Trap" with 2 Chainz at the 2012 BET Awards. The rapper also performed "Champion" on the Australian and Asian legs of her Pink Friday Tour.

[edit] Credits and personnel
<p style="line-height:19.1875px;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:sans-serif;">Credits adapted from Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded album liner notes.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-liner_6-1" style="line-height:1em;">[6]
 * Recording
 * Recorded at Conway Studios, Los Angeles, California; Jungle City Studios, New York City, New York
 * Personnel

[edit] References

 * 1) ^ <sup style="line-height:1em;">a <sup style="line-height:1em;">b <sup style="line-height:1em;">c <sup style="line-height:1em;">d "Nicki Minaj Talks Trayvon Martin, 'Roman Reloaded,' Working With Nas, Love for Foxy & Remy Ma". Vibe. Vibe Inc. April 3, 2012. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
 * 2) ^ Rubenstein, Jenna (March 29, 2012). "New Song: Nicki Minaj, 'Champion,' Featuring Drake, Nas & Young Jeezy,". MTV. Viacom. Retrieved April 8, 2012.
 * 3) ^ McGee, Jasmine (April 5, 2012). "Nicki Minaj Admires Music Legend Lauryn Hill x Wante d To Collaborate With Her On ‘Champion’ Single". This Beat Goes. FreshCom Media. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
 * 4) ^ "Nicki Minaj Wanted to Get Lauryn Hill on New "Champion" Track". XXL Magazine. Harris Publications. April 5, 2012. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
 * 5) ^ Gipson, Brookylne (April 4, 2012). "Nicki Minaj Disappointed About Not Getting Lauryn Hill Feature". BET. BET Interactive. Retrieved April 8, 2012.
 * 6) ^ <sup style="line-height:1em;">a <sup style="line-height:1em;">b Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (Liner notes). Nicki Minaj. Universal Music Group. 2012.
 * 7) ^ <sup style="line-height:1em;">a <sup style="line-height:1em;">b <sup style="line-height:1em;">c Fitzgerald, Trent (March 28, 2012). "NICKI MINAJ’S ALL-STAR TRACK ‘CHAMPION’ LEAKS TO THE INTERNET".Popcrush. Mog Music Network. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
 * 8) ^ http://mypinkfriday.com/news/80383
 * 9) ^ <sup style="line-height:1em;">a <sup style="line-height:1em;">b Lewis, Dave (March 28, 2012). "Listen: Nicki Minaj heads an all star cast on new song 'Champion'". HitFix. HitFix. Retrieved April 8, 2012.
 * 10) ^ Bain, Becky (March 28, 2012). "Nicki Minaj Taps Nas, Drake & Young Jeezy For New Track "Champion"". Idolator. Buzz Media. Retrieved April 8, 2012.
 * 11) ^ <sup style="line-height:1em;">a <sup style="line-height:1em;">b <sup style="line-height:1em;">c Gill, Andy (April 6, 2012). "Album: Nicki Minaj, Pink Friday Roman Reloaded (Island)". The Independent. The Independent UK. Retrieved April 8, 2012.
 * 12) ^ <sup style="line-height:1em;">a <sup style="line-height:1em;">b <sup style="line-height:1em;">c <sup style="line-height:1em;">d Graham, Adam (April 5, 2012). "Review: Nicki Minaj shoots blanks with 'Roman Reloaded'". The Detroit News. The Detroit News. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
 * 13) ^ Witer, Staff (April 7, 2012). "New Music". Winnipeg Free Press. Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
 * 14) ^ Willman, Chris (April 3, 2012). "Review: Nicki Minaj’s ‘Roman Reloaded’ a hot pink mess". Ottawa Citizen. Post Media Network, Inc. Retrieved April 8, 2012.
 * 15) ^ <sup style="line-height:1em;">a <sup style="line-height:1em;">b Ewing, Tom (April 5, 2012). "Nicki Minaj: Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded – review". The Guardian (UK). Guardian News and Media Limited. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
 * 16) ^ Lobenfeld, Claire (March 28, 2012). "Nicki Minaj f. Nas, Drake and Young Jeezy, "Champion" MP3". Fader. The Fader, Inc. Retrieved April 8, 2012.
 * 17) ^ <sup style="line-height:1em;">a <sup style="line-height:1em;">b Lewis, Brittany (April 2, 2012). "Nicki Minaj "Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded" Album (REVIEW)". Global Grind. Global Grind. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
 * 18) ^ Markman, Rob (July 4, 2011). "Nicki Minaj Mourns Cousin Nicholas Telemaque's Death". MTV. Viacom. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
 * 19) ^ <sup style="line-height:1em;">a <sup style="line-height:1em;">b Corner, Lewis (April 2, 2012). "Nicki Minaj: 'Pink Friday - Roman Reloaded' - Album review". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazine UK. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
 * 20) ^ McPherson, Alex (April 2, 2012). "Nicki Minaj: Roman Reloaded". Fact Magazine. Retrieved April 8, 2012.
 * 21) ^ <sup style="line-height:1em;">a <sup style="line-height:1em;">b Press, Associated (April 4, 2012). "Music Review: On sophomore album, Nicki Minaj feeds all fans with rap, R&B and pop sounds". The Washington Post. Washington Post Inc. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
 * 22) ^ <sup style="line-height:1em;">a <sup style="line-height:1em;">b Fekadu, Mesfin (April 4, 2012). "Review: Nicki Minaj feeds all fans with 2nd album". San Francisco Chronicle. Hearst Communications. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
 * 23) ^ Hampp, Andrew (March 29, 2012). "Nicki Minaj, 'Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded': Track-By-Track Review". Billboard. Rovi. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
 * 24) ^ Rosen, Jody (April 6, 2012). "Nicki Minaj: Pink Friday Roman Reloaded". Rolling Stone. Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
 * 25) ^ S, Nathan (April 2, 2012). "Nicki Minaj- Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded". DJ Booth. AIRKRFT. Retrieved April 8, 2012.
 * 26) ^ Cole, Matthew (April 2, 2012). "Nicki Minaj- Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded". Slant Magazine. Slant Magazine. Retrieved April 8, 2012.
 * 27) ^ Roberts, Randall (April 2, 2012). "Album review: Nicki Minaj's 'Pink Friday ... Roman Reloaded". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 8, 2012.
 * 28) ^ http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20584367,00.html
 * 29) ^ Fleischer, Adam (April 3, 2012). "Nicki Minaj, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded". XXL. Harris Publications. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
 * 30) ^ Staff, BallerStatus (April 3, 2012). "Nicki Minaj Invades '106 & Park,' Talks Her Fashion Sense & Performs (Video)". Baller Status. Complex Media. Retrieved April 8, 2012.

[edit] External links
Full lyrics of this song  at  MetroLyrics