Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Onika Tanya Maraj (born December 8, 1982[4] [5] ), known by her stage name Nicki Minaj ( pron.: /mɪˈnɑːʒ/ ), is an American rapper, singer-songwriter and television personality. Born in Saint James, Port of Spain and raised in Jamaica, Queens, New York City, she enrolled in performing art schools as a child. After success with three mixtapes released between 2007 and 2009, Minaj signed to Young Money Entertainment. Her debut studio album Pink Friday (2010) peaked atop the U.S. Billboard 200 and was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) the month after its release.[6] [7]  Its most successful single "Super Bass" has been certified quadruple-platinum and has sold more than four million copies, becoming one of the best-selling singles in the United States. She became the first female solo artist to have seven singles on the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time.[8]

Minaj's second album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2012) topped charts internationally; it became one of the best-selling albums of that year and sold one million copies worldwide.[9]  Its lead single "Starships" became her highest-peaking single on the Billboard Hot 100 and one of the best-selling singles of 2012.[10]  She embarked on the Pink Friday Tour and the Pink Friday: Reloaded Tour and reissued the album as Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded – The Re-Up. Since 2013, Minaj has served as a judge on the twelfth season of American Idol.[11]  She has tentatively announced plans for a third album to be released later that year.[12]

Minaj's artistry features fast-paced rapping, alter egos and accents, notably British cockney. Her outlandish and colorful costumes, wigs and clothing have given her recognition as a fashion icon.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Teen_Vogue_13-0" style="line-height:1em;">[13]  She featured as a voice actress in Ice Age 4: Continental Drift. She has endorsed Adidas, MAC Cosmetics, and Pepsi. Minaj's work has earned her six BET Awards, four American Music Awards, two MTV Music Awards, an EMA and Billboard ' s 2011 Rising Star. She is the first female artist included on MTV's Annual Hottest MC List, with The New York Times suggesting that some consider her "the most influential female rapper of all time."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-14" style="line-height:1em;">[14]  The Source named Minaj the Woman of the Year for 2012.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-15" style="line-height:1em;">[15] {| class="toc" id="toc" style="font-size:12px;border-color:rgb(170,170,170);"

Contents
[hide]  *1 Life and career
 * 1.1 Early life and career beginnings
 * 1.2 2007–09: Mixtapes and Young Money
 * 1.3 2010–11: Pink Friday and commercial breakthrough
 * 1.4 2012: Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded and touring
 * 1.5 2013–present: American Idol and upcoming projects
 * 2 Artistry
 * 2.1 Public image
 * 2.2 Alter egos
 * 2.3 Musical style
 * 2.4 Influences
 * 3 Products and endorsements
 * 4 Personal life
 * 5 Lil' Kim Controversy
 * 6 Discography
 * 7 Tours
 * 8 Filmography
 * 9 See also
 * 10 References
 * 11 External links
 * }

Early life and career beginnings
<p style="line-height:1.5em;">Onika Tanya Maraj was born December 8, 1982 in Saint James, a suburb of Trinidad and Tobago's capital city Port of Spain.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-trinidadexpress.com_16-0" style="line-height:1em;">[16] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-17" style="line-height:1em;">[17] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-18" style="line-height:1em;">[18]  to her mother Carol Maraj, who held numerous job, some of which include an accounting clerk, foreign exchange teller, and gospel singer. Her father Robert Maraj worked as an employee at American Express.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19" style="line-height:1em;">[19]  She has two siblings; her parents are of mixed Indian and Afro-Trinidadian ancestry<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-McGarry_20-0" style="line-height:1em;">[20] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-21" style="line-height:1em;">[21]  and she lived in Saint James with her grandmother. Her mother would occasionally visit, and one day, when Minaj was five, her mother picked her up to move to the Queens borough of New York City.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-vibe3_22-0" style="line-height:1em;">[22]  According to Minaj, her father drank heavily, took drugs, and once tried to kill her mother by setting the house on fire.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-details-201005_23-0" style="line-height:1em;">[23]

<p style="margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:1.5em;">Minaj attended Elizabeth Blackwell Middle School 210, where she played the clarinet.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-vibe3_22-1" style="line-height:1em;">[22]  She then graduated from LaGuardia High School, which specializes in music and the visual and performing arts.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-vibe_24-0" style="line-height:1em;">[24] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Jeffries_25-0" style="line-height:1em;">[25]  Minaj participated in the drama program and initially planned to sing at LaGuardia, but lost her voice on the day of the audition.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-vibe_24-1" style="line-height:1em;">[24]  Minaj wanted to become an actress, and in 2001, she was cast in the Off-Broadway play, "In Case You Forget".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-26" style="line-height:1em;">[26]  After her acting career failed to take off, Minaj worked at Red Lobster in the Bronx at the age of 19 as a waitress.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-27" style="line-height:1em;">[27]  Minaj was fired from Red Lobster because of her discourteousness to customers. She stated she had been fired from "at least fifteen jobs" for similar antics.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-billboard1_28-0" style="line-height:1em;">[28]  Other jobs Minaj held were administrative assistant, customer service and an office manager position at an unknown business located on Wall Street.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-29" style="line-height:1em;">[29] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-30" style="line-height:1em;">[30]

<p style="margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:1.5em;">Minaj briefly signed with Brooklyn group Full Force, in which Minaj rapped in a foursome group called "Hoodstars," which consisted of group members Lou$tar (son of "Bowlegged Lou"), Scaff Beezy (Minaj's current hype man), and 7even Up.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-31" style="line-height:1em;">[31] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-32" style="line-height:1em;">[32] In 2004 the group recorded the entrance song for WWE Diva Victoria titled "Don't Mess With," it was featured on the compilation album ThemeAddict: WWE The Music, Vol.6. Minaj left the group, unsatisfied with their lack of success. During this time, Minaj uploaded a few songs on her Myspace profile and sent a few of her songs to people in the music industry she was managed by Debra Antney. Fendi, CEO of the Brooklyn label Dirty Money Entertainment, who also found rapper Gravy, discovered the music and contacted Minaj, signing her to his label. Initially, Minaj adopted the pseudonym "Nicki Maraj", later changing to "Nicki Minaj", stating "My real name is Maraj. Fendi flipped it when he met me because I had such a nasty flow! I eat bitches!"<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-33" style="line-height:1em;">[33]  Under Fendi's label, Minaj appeared on the popular street DVD "The Come Up Volume 11" that featured underground rappers from New York.

2007–09: Mixtapes and Young Money
<p style="line-height:1.5em;">Minaj released her first mixtape Playtime Is Over in 2007 with Dirty Money Records. Her second mixtape, Sucka Free, was released on July 7, 2008 under the label Be. She won the Female Artist of the Year award at the 2008 Underground Music Awards shortly after.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Nicki_Minaj_.E2.80.93_Beware_Sucka_MCs_34-0" style="line-height:1em;">[34]  On April 18, 2009, Minaj released her third mixtape Beam Me Up Scotty under the label of Trapaholics Records; it received positive coverage on both BET and MTV.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Reid_35-0" style="line-height:1em;">[35] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-36" style="line-height:1em;">[36]  She also appeared in XXL magazine during this time.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-XXL_37-0" style="line-height:1em;">[37]

<p style="margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:1.5em;">In August 2009, Minaj signed a record deal with Young Money Entertainment, with distribution from Universal Motown Records, after fellow American rapper Lil Wayne discovered her on The Come Up DVD.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-XXL_37-1" style="line-height:1em;">[37] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Watch_38-0" style="line-height:1em;">[38]  Minaj generated significant attention when she first appeared on Yo Gotti's 5 Star Chick video, which gave her mainstream success with the urban community. At the request of Jay-Z, Minaj was asked to feature on Robin Thicke's single Shakin' It 4 Daddy.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-39" style="line-height:1em;">[39]  Following the guest appearance, Minaj was given a solo rap verse in the single "BedRock". The record garnered huge commercial success, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. She also appeared on "Roger That," which charted at number 56. The song, particularly Minaj, received positive reviews from critics.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-40" style="line-height:1em;">[40]  In December 2009, both songs were included in Young Money Entertainment's debut collaborative studio album We Are Young Money. The album charted in the top ten on the Billboard200, reaching number 9 and later receiving a Gold Certification by the RIAA. Minaj was featured on Mariah Carey's "Up Out My Face" and its music video. The collaboration was well received by critics.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-41" style="line-height:1em;">[41]

2010–11: Pink Friday and commercial breakthrough
Main article: Pink FridayMinaj at the 2010 MTV Music Awards.<p style="line-height:1.5em;">After a major record label bidding war, Young Money Entertainment announced on August 31, 2009 that Minaj had been released from a 360 deal with the label in which she retains and owns all of her 360 rights, including merchandising, sponsorships, endorsements, touring and publishing.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-42" style="line-height:1em;">[42]  Minaj was featured on Rihanna's "Raining Men" from her album Loud, which would lead to a second collaboration on Minaj's "Fly" from her album Pink Friday.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-43" style="line-height:1em;">[43]  Hip-hop rap artist and producer Kanye West was also confirmed for the album.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-44" style="line-height:1em;">[44]  On August 3, 2010, Minaj revealed on an Ustream.tv channel that the album's name would be Pink Friday, a nod to Black Friday.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-rap-up1_45-0" style="line-height:1em;">[45]

Minaj at the Hammerstein Ballroom in 2010.<p style="line-height:1.5em;">Pink Friday was released on November 19, 2010.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-46" style="line-height:1em;">[46] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-47" style="line-height:1em;">[47]  A buzz single, "Massive Attack", was released in April.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-48" style="line-height:1em;">[48]  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 and the first female artist to top the chart unaccompanied since 2002.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-49" style="line-height:1em;">[49] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-50" style="line-height:1em;">[50]  In October 2010, Minaj became the first artist to have seven songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart simultaneously.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-MTV_News._MTV_Networks_8-1" style="line-height:1em;">[8]  She released two singles in September 2010; one a joint single with The Black Eyed Peas front man, will.i.amtitled, "Check It Out," and the other "Right Thru Me." The music videos for both were released in late October. "Moment 4 Life" was released as the fourth single on December 7, 2010, featuring Canadian rapper Drake, becoming a success on the Billboard Hot 100. The single peaked at number 5 on the Hot Rap Songs.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-51" style="line-height:1em;">[51]

<p style="margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:1.5em;">The album gained Platinum certification in the United States a month after the release.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-RIAA_Gold_.26_Platinum_7-1" style="line-height:1em;">[7]  On January 29, 2011, Minaj appeared on Saturday Night Live as the musical guest, performing "Right Thru Me" and "Moment 4 Life". On February 9, 2011, Pink Friday reached number one on the Billboard 200 in its eleventh week on the chart.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-52" style="line-height:1em;">[52]  Minaj turned down an offer to become a judge on The X Factor, as rapped on her song "Roman Reloaded", due to its salary.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-53" style="line-height:1em;">[53]  In June 2011, Minaj was 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.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-54" style="line-height:1em;">[54]  She and singer Kesha were featured on the remix of Spears' track "Till the World Ends," which charted at number 3 in the US in April 2011.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-55" style="line-height:1em;">[55]

<p style="margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:1.5em;">"Super Bass" was released from Pink Friday in May 2011. The single charted within the top 10 in many countries including the United Kingdom, United States, Australia and Canada, and later was certified as quadruple-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-56" style="line-height:1em;">[56]  The song gained positive reviews from critics.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-baltimoresun1_57-0" style="line-height:1em;">[57] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-58" style="line-height:1em;">[58]  Minaj went on to attribute the success of the single in part to Taylor Swift, saying in an interview with American radio station 102.7 KIIS FM, "Taylor Swift did her little interview about 'Super Bass' and [it] took off in the States with the people sort of knowing it...It’s just really uncanny how all that stuff happens...We didn’t plan it like that."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Dose_59-0" style="line-height:1em;">[59]  Minaj voiced a character in the 3D animated film, Ice Age: Continental Drift, as Steffie, a woolly mammoth.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-60" style="line-height:1em;">[60] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-61" style="line-height:1em;">[61]  Minaj is also featured on French DJ David Guetta's 2011 album, Nothing but the Beat, on the singles "Where Them Girls At" and "Turn Me On".

2012: Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded and touring
Main article: Pink Friday: Roman ReloadedMinaj leaving "Alan Carr: Chatty Man" in November 2012<p style="line-height:1.5em;">Minaj's second studio album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, was announced in November 2011 through Twitter and was released on April 2, 2012, two months later than initially planned.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-62" style="line-height:1em;">[62]  The album features collaborations with producers Hit-Boy, Dr. Luke, Rico Beats, Kenoe, RedOne and Oak. Cash Money A&R Joshua Berkman told HitQuarters that Minaj was extremely particular about the beats and music she used saying: "She wouldn't just rap or sing on anything – I could give her a thousand tracks and she may only like one or two."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-hitquarters_63-0" style="line-height:1em;">[63]  Preceding the album's release, three promotional singles were released: Roman in Moscow (which didn't make the final cut of the album), "Stupid Hoe," and "Roman Reloaded." The first single, "Starships," was released on February 14.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-64" style="line-height:1em;">[64]  It peaked at a new best for Minaj of number 2 in the United Kingdom, and reached number 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming her second top 10 success, after 2011's "Super Bass". The music video was released on April 26, 2012.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-65" style="line-height:1em;">[65]

<p style="margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:1.5em;">On February 12, Minaj debuted "Roman Holiday" at the 54th Grammy Awards,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-holidayall_66-0" style="line-height:1em;">[66]  becoming the first solo female rapper to perform a song on the Grammy stage.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-67" style="line-height:1em;">[67]  The exorcism-themed performance drew a mixed response online.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-68" style="line-height:1em;">[68] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-69" style="line-height:1em;">[69]  Minaj was featured on "Give Me All Your Luvin'" (with M.I.A.) and "I Don't Give A" from Madonna's twelfth studio album, MDNA (2012);<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-70" style="line-height:1em;">[70]  the trio performed the former during the Super Bowl XLVI halftime show in February.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-71" style="line-height:1em;">[71]  The album's second single, "Right by My Side," which features Chris Brown, was released on March 27, 2012. It peaked at number 24 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart and peaked at number 101 in the UK singles chart. The third single, an electro-hop<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-rosenstone_72-0" style="line-height:1em;">[72]  song called "Beez in the Trap", which features 2 Chainz was released to U.S. urban radio on April 24, 2012. It peaked at number 24 on the US Billboard Rap Songs Chart.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-73" style="line-height:1em;">[73]

<p style="margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:1.5em;">Minaj began her first worldwide tour, the Pink Friday Tour, on May 16, 2012. It was followed by the Pink Friday: Reloaded Tour, which began in October.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-74" style="line-height:1em;">[74] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-75" style="line-height:1em;">[75]  Minaj cancelled her appearance at the 2012 V Festivalin the United Kingdom and the final show of her Pink Friday Tour in Dublin due to the damage of her vocal chords.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-76" style="line-height:1em;">[76] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-77" style="line-height:1em;">[77]  Minaj was scheduled to headline during Hot 97 Summer Jam in New Jersey on June 3, 2012 at MetLife Stadium, but pulled out of her performance the day of after one of the station's DJs (Peter Rosenberg) criticized "Starships" as not being "real hip-hop." Her mentor Lil Wayne heard the remark and pulled his Young Money labelmates from the show.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-78" style="line-height:1em;">[78]  Minaj was scheduled to bring out hip-hop artists Nas, Lauryn Hill, Cam'ron, Foxy Brown, among others.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-79" style="line-height:1em;">[79] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-80" style="line-height:1em;">[80]  She spoke to Hot 97 with Funkmaster Flex, ending the dispute.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-81" style="line-height:1em;">[81]

<p style="margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:1.5em;">Minaj was featured on Lil Wayne's mixtape, Dedication 4, in September.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-82" style="line-height:1em;">[82]  Later that month, Minaj launched her first fragrance, Pink Friday; the bottle resembles Minaj as she appears on the cover of the albumPink Friday.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-83" style="line-height:1em;">[83] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-84" style="line-height:1em;">[84] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-85" style="line-height:1em;">[85]  Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded was re-released as Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded – The Re-Up on November 19, 2012. The three-disc box set is packaged with the standard version of the original album, a disc with eight additional songs, and a DVD with behind-the-scenes footage.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-voomvideo_86-0" style="line-height:1em;">[86] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ReUpMTV_87-0" style="line-height:1em;">[87] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ReUpBillboard_88-0" style="line-height:1em;">[88]  The first single from the re-release, "The Boys", with Cassie, was released on September 13, 2012.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-89" style="line-height:1em;">[89]  Its music video debuted on VEVO on October 18, 2012.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-90" style="line-height:1em;">[90]  "Va Va Voom" was released as the fifth single from Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded on October 23, 2012; the second single from The Re-Up, "Freedom", was released on November 3, 2012.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-91" style="line-height:1em;">[91]  Minaj won the award for Best Female Video at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards, and performed "Girl on Fire" with Alicia Keys and special guest gymnast Gabby Douglas.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-92" style="line-height:1em;">[92]  She starred in a three-part [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E! E!] documentary special, titled Nicki Minaj: My Truth. It aired from November 4, 2012 until November 18, 2012.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-voomvideo_86-1" style="line-height:1em;">[86] At the 2012 MTV Europe Music Awards, Minaj was nominated for three awards: Best Hip-Hop, Best Female, and Best Look. Minaj won Best Hip-Hop, but lost to Taylor Swift in the other two categories.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-93" style="line-height:1em;">[93]

2013–present: American Idol and upcoming projects
Minaj in November 2012 at her fragrance launch in Syndey atMyer<p style="line-height:1.5em;">In August 2012, speculation emerged that Minaj would join the judging panel for the twelfth season of American Idol, though Minaj commented at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards, "You know what? At this time, I have no comment on that one."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-94" style="line-height:1em;">[94]  On September 16, 2012, it was confirmed that Minaj would join the panel alongside Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey, and Keith Urban, beginning immediately with the auditions starting the same day.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-95" style="line-height:1em;">[95] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-96" style="line-height:1em;">[96] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-97" style="line-height:1em;">[97]  Minaj and Carey have received much media attention for their on-set tension, with a video released of the two in the midst of a heated argument during auditions in Charlotte. The following day, in a statement to Barbara Walters of The View, Carey alleged that Minaj had threatened to "shoot her" during an argument that had occurred earlier that week, though Minaj and producer Nigel Lythgoedenied such claims.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-98" style="line-height:1em;">[98]

<p style="margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:1.5em;">MAC Cosmetics revealed that Minaj, who previously backed the campaign alongside Ricky Martin, would front the Viva Glam 2013 campaign, releasing a new shade of lipstick "Nicki 2" and matching lip-gloss.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-99" style="line-height:1em;">[99] Minaj announced that her clothing line would be launched through retailer Kmart on January 9, 2013.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-100" style="line-height:1em;">[100]  Minaj has confirmed plans to launch her own record label, and has already signed singer-songwriter and producer Parker Ighile, rapper Brinx, and singer Keisha.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-3news_101-0" style="line-height:1em;">[101]  The title "Pink Friday Records" was intended, but was scrapped because it was "Not fair 2 (sic) the dudes", Minaj revealed in a press release, clarifying that she would release the new name "very soon".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-3news_101-1" style="line-height:1em;">[101]  She has tentatively announced plans to release her third studio album in 2013.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ThirdAlbum_12-1" style="line-height:1em;">[12]  She described its concept as "a continuation of the Re-Up with a lot more."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-102" style="line-height:1em;">[102]  During a press conference with ShopYourWay Minaj announced that she would name her clothing line "The Nicki Minaj Collection", which will be sold exclusively at retailer Kmart.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-103" style="line-height:1em;">[103]  Minaj's second fragrance, Pink Friday Special Edition, is scheduled to be released in May 2013.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-104" style="line-height:1em;">[104]

Public image
Minaj is known for her outlandish costumes, cosmetics, and wigs.<p style="line-height:1.5em;">Minaj has been noted by the media for her curvaceous figure.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-105" style="line-height:1em;">[105] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-106" style="line-height:1em;">[106] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-107" style="line-height:1em;">[107] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-108" style="line-height:1em;">[108]  In an interview with VIBE Minaj discussed her sexual image stating, "When 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," later adding, "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 got to have something else to go with that."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-109" style="line-height:1em;">[109] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-110" style="line-height:1em;">[110]  Minaj has made "signing boobs" part of her movement to empower women.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-111" style="line-height:1em;">[111]  In an interview with The Guardian, Minaj says she is competing with both male and female rappers. "That's why I say stuff like, 'Dick in your face', because I don't even wanna refer to female genitalia any more. I just feel I have bigger balls than the boys," Minaj said, referencing the song "Come on a Cone" from Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-guard_112-0" style="line-height:1em;">[112]  In her "Moment 4 Life" song, she refers to herself as a king instead of the term "queen".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-guard_112-1" style="line-height:1em;">[112]

<p style="margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:1.5em;">Minaj is known for wearing outlandish costumes and wigs, which leads to comparisons to Lady Gaga, and is often called "the black Lady Gaga"; Minaj refutes comparisons between the two.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-huffingtonpost1_113-0" style="line-height:1em;">[113]  She cites Alexander McQueen, Versace, and Christian Louboutin as her favorite designers.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Teen_Vogue_13-1" style="line-height:1em;">[13]  The Huffington Post described Minaj's fashion as "risk-taking", "bold sartorial choices", and "far-out",<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-114" style="line-height:1em;">[114]  with ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yahoo! Yahoo!]'' commenting that her costume was "colorful", "crazy" and stated that "the world would certainly be very quiet without Ms Minaj".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-115" style="line-height:1em;">[115]  Minaj has been invited to attend various events for fashion designers. Donatella Versace invited Minaj to perform for the launch of the collaboration of Versace for H&M alongside Prince. She also performed "Super Bass" at a Victoria Secret fashion show in November 2011.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-116" style="line-height:1em;">[116]  Minaj was personally invited to be sat with Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour during New York Fashion Week to see designers such as Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-117" style="line-height:1em;">[117]

<p style="margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:1.5em;">With over 17,000 tweets and 16 million followers, Billboard ranked Minaj the sixth most active user of microblogging website Twitter.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-118" style="line-height:1em;">[118]  In March 2011, Billboard named Minaj the fourth most active musician onsocial media, through their Social 50 chart.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-119" style="line-height:1em;">[119]  The chart tracks Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, YouTube, and Instagram usage. On Twitter, she is the most followed rapper in the world.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-120" style="line-height:1em;">[120]  Upon Twitter and in public appearances and interviews, Minaj refers to her fans collectively as "Barbz" and her male heterosexual and LGBT following as "Boyz" and "Ken Barbz," respectively,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-nytimes_121-0" style="line-height:1em;">[121]  alluding to her "Harajaku Barbie" persona. Minaj deleted her Twitter account for eight days in April 2012, following a dispute between her and fans who wanted to leak snippets of her then-unreleased album.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-122" style="line-height:1em;">[122]  At the time, she possessed 11 million followers and lost over a million followers as a result of the ordeal.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-123" style="line-height:1em;">[123]

<p style="margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:1.5em;">In 2012, amateur cartoonist David Monger authored a popular web series based on Nicki Minaj called The Nekci Menij Show. Featuring pop icons from Madonna to Marina and the Diamonds, the characters are illustrated in an intentionally crude manner accompanied by SMS language so as to mirror the internet meme Dolan Duck.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-mashable_124-0" style="line-height:1em;">[124] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-pop_125-0" style="line-height:1em;">[125]  Since September 2012, the show had garnered more than 600,000 views on YouTube.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-mashable_124-1" style="line-height:1em;">[124]  Primarily crafted using Microsoft Paint, the show is intended as a satire of celebrity syndrome and stan culture.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-mashable_124-2" style="line-height:1em;">[124] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-pop_125-1" style="line-height:1em;">[125]  Minaj is the first, and only female rapper to reach over one billion video views on YouTube.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-126" style="line-height:1em;">[126]

Alter egos
<p style="line-height:1.5em;">While growing up, Minaj's home life was often chaotic, with her parents constantly fighting.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-NewYorkAlterego_127-0" style="line-height:1em;">[127]  As a means of escape, she would create characters and live her life through them, saying, "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."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-NewYorkAlterego_127-1" style="line-height:1em;">[127]  Minaj also introduced "Point Dexter" on her skit on SNL as an alter-ego, but she has since mentioned Point Dexter as one of her alter-egos.

<p style="margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:1.5em;">On November 18, 2010, Minaj assumed an alter ego named "Nicki Teresa".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ReferenceA_128-0" style="line-height:1em;">[128]  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.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ReferenceA_128-1" style="line-height:1em;">[128]  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).<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-129" style="line-height:1em;">[129] <p style="line-height:1.5em;">For Pink Friday, Minaj created another alter ego, "Roman Zolanski," which Minaj claims is her "twin brother" that was born inside her, out of rage, and becomes him when she is angry. She has also said he is "a demon inside her."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-RomanLewinksy_130-0" style="line-height:1em;">[130]  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.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Rap-Up.com_131-0" style="line-height:1em;">[131]  On the collaboration, she said "The new album is going to have a lot of Roman on it ... And if you're not familiar with Roman, then you will be familiar with him very soon. He’s the boy that lives inside of me. He's a lunatic and he's gay and he'll be on there a lot."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-132" style="line-height:1em;">[132]  Roman also has a "mother" called "Martha Zolanski,"<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-133" style="line-height:1em;">[133]  who also appeared on "Roman's Revenge," with a British accent,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-134" style="line-height:1em;">[134]  and on "Roman Holiday", singing for the first time.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-135" style="line-height:1em;">[135] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-136" style="line-height:1em;">[136]  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.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-RomanLewinksy_130-1" style="line-height:1em;">[130]  Minaj stated that on her debut album, fans will get to "meet" Nicki, Roman and Onika.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-RomanLewinksy_130-2" style="line-height:1em;">[130]  Minaj also produces with her management team and personal friends as Pink Friday Productions, most notable for producing in her second studio album.

Musical style
<p style="line-height:1.5em;">"When I started rapping, people were trying to make me like the typical New York rapper, but I'm not that," Minaj says. "No disrespect to New York rappers, but I don't want people to hear me and know exactly where I'm from."

—Minaj talking about her rapping technique in an interview with Billboard.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-billboard1_28-1" style="line-height:1em;">[28] <p style="line-height:1.5em;">Minaj is known for her animated rapping style, particularly her flow. She often combines metaphors, punchlines, and wordplay into her work, which has received comparisons to her mentor, Lil Wayne. The New York Times described Minaj as "a sparkling rapper with a gift for comic accents and unexpected turns of phrase. She's a walking exaggeration, outsize in sound, personality and look. And she's a rapid evolver, discarding old modes as easily as adopting new ones."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-137" style="line-height:1em;">[137]  While many critics describe her technique as bubblegum rap, Minaj explained, "What people don't know is that before I was doing that craziness I was doing me, I was just doing regular sounding rap that anyone could hear and identify with. But once I started doing all that weird shit—im not mad at it because it got everyone’s attention".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-138" style="line-height:1em;">[138]  Widely recognized as a rap artist, Minaj heavily lends herself to electronic music genres,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-139" style="line-height:1em;">[139]  especially electropop. Her debut album Pink Friday marked her exploration of the genre, spawning a string of electro-hits, including "Super Bass".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-beatmag_140-0" style="line-height:1em;">[140]  Following the same conventions of combining rap with electronic synths, Minaj's second album pervasively toiled in the electropop genre and generated various songs, including "HOV Lane", "Whip It", "Automatic", "Come On A Cone", "Young Forever", and "Fire Burns",<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-141" style="line-height:1em;">[141]  and theBillboard hits, "Roman Holiday"<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-holidayall_66-1" style="line-height:1em;">[66]  and "Beez in the Trap".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-rosenstone_72-1" style="line-height:1em;">[72]  At this stage in Minaj's career, she adventured into collaborations with other artist, producing additional electronic hits "The Boys" with "Me & U" singer Cassie and "Beauty and a Beat" with Canadian pop singer Justin Bieber.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-142" style="line-height:1em;">[142]

<p style="margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:1.5em;">Her verse in Kanye West's "Monster" was well received by critics, stating she had the best verse in the song.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-143" style="line-height:1em;">[143]  Her alter egos are incorporated in her lyrics through her use of British accents (Roman Zolanski) and being soft-spoken (Harajuku Barbie.) Ice-T says of Minaj's rapping style, "[Minaj] does her thing. She has her own way of doing it. She has an ill vocal delivery. She kind of reminds me of a female Busta Rhymes, like how she throws her voice in different directions—but she's no Lil' Kim".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-144" style="line-height:1em;">[144]

Influences
<p style="line-height:1.5em;">Minaj has stated that artists who have influenced her musical style include Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, Lil Wayne, Lauryn Hill, Jadakiss, Natasha Bedingfield, Lil' Kim and Missy Elliott.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-145" style="line-height:1em;">[145] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-146" style="line-height:1em;">[146] She was also inspired by Janet Jackson,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-147" style="line-height:1em;">[147]  Madonna, Britney Spears, Marilyn Monroe, Grace Jones,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-148" style="line-height:1em;">[148]  M.I.A., and Cyndi Lauper.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-149" style="line-height:1em;">[149] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-150" style="line-height:1em;">[150] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-151" style="line-height:1em;">[151]

<p style="margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:1.5em;">Minaj cites Foxy Brown and Jay-Z as major influences, saying, "I really loved [Foxy] as a female rapper. I was really interested in her mind and her aura, I was really, really into Jay-Z. Me and my friends in high school, we were reciting all of the Jay lyrics. His words were our words in our conversations all the time. I never really told Foxy how much she has influenced me and how much she changed my life, and you've gotta tell people that when they're alive to even be able to take the compliment, instead of paying tribute to them when they're no longer here."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-152" style="line-height:1em;">[152] She has said that Foxy Brown was "the most influential female rapper" and that her album Broken Silence changed her life.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-153" style="line-height:1em;">[153]

<p style="margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:1.5em;">Jada Pinkett Smith is one of Minaj's role models in her acting career.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-154" style="line-height:1em;">[154]  Minaj was inspired by R&B singer Monica, and used to sing her song "Why I Love You So Much" at every talent show she was in. Minaj referred to Monica as one of her biggest musical influences of all time whilst performing in Atlanta on her Pink Friday Tour.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-155" style="line-height:1em;">[155]  Kanye West, Trina, and Drake have been named as influences to Minaj.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-156" style="line-height:1em;">[156]  Betsey Johnson is another one of Minaj's fashion icon, saying, "[Betsey] is a free spirit. When I met her the other day, I felt like I knew her for my whole life. She's so warm and considerate and caring. She's amazingly talented and I've been wearing her clothes forever, so to meet her was like, 'Yay!' [I was] bowing down to her; she's dope!"<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-157" style="line-height:1em;">[157]

Products and endorsements
A custom-made Barbie by Mattel, modeled after Minaj<p style="line-height:1.5em;">Minaj has signed contracts with a variety of corporate interests and manufacturing companies. Minaj created her own app titled after her official website "MyPinkFriday" which featured her self-created slang dictionary the "Nictionary" for Android and iPhone users in 2010. In April 2011, she helped launch Casio's TRYX digital camera in Times Square, along with The Roots.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-158" style="line-height:1em;">[158]  In April 2012, Minaj launched the Nokia Lumia 900 in Times Square followed by a performance of "Starships," "Super Bass," and "Right by My Side."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-159" style="line-height:1em;">[159]  Minaj contracted a promotional deal with Pepsi in February 2012, in which she appeared in a commercial, which was shot in Argentina for the global LiveForNow campaign, and internet advertisements. The commercial featured a remix of "Moment 4 Life."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-160" style="line-height:1em;">[160] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-161" style="line-height:1em;">[161]  In December 2011, Mattel produced a custom Nicki Minaj-themed Barbie to be auctioned on charitybuzz and was valued at an estimate of $US15,000 dollars.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-162" style="line-height:1em;">[162] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-163" style="line-height:1em;">[163]

<p style="margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:1.5em;">MAC Cosmetics collaborated with Minaj on many business ventures, such as a limited edition lipstick called Pink 4 Friday that went on sale for four consecutive Fridays starting November 26, 2010 to promote the release of Pink Friday,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-164" style="line-height:1em;">[164]  and also as part of the Viva Glam campaign with Ricky Martin in Latin America, which has raised $US270 million dollars for MAC AIDS Fund.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-165" style="line-height:1em;">[165] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-166" style="line-height:1em;">[166]  In December 2012, Minaj announced her "solo" VivaGlam campaign on a new lavender shade lipstick with MAC called "Viva Glam Nicki II", that will launch in February 2013.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-167" style="line-height:1em;">[167]  Minaj has collaborated with OPI Products on a six-piecenail polish collection with colors named after her songs.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-168" style="line-height:1em;">[168]

<p style="margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:1.5em;">With designer Jeremy Scott, Minaj signed an endorsement deal with Adidas' fall and winter 2012 campaign to appear in Internet advertisements and commercials for Adidas Originals. The ad was filmed in a disclosed location in Brooklyn, also featuring Big Sean, Derrick Rose, Sky Ferreira and 2NE1, all around the world wearing Adidas attire. The commercial used Minaj's song "Masquerade" as the theme song for the ad.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-169" style="line-height:1em;">[169] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-170" style="line-height:1em;">[170]  Minaj plans to launch her own clothing line in 2013, and described it as "Harajuku Barbie." Minaj's line includes fashion, accessories, and houseware, announced January 2013 with Adam Levine on the same contract, that it would be sold in mass retail stores such asWalMart and Target. Minaj's clothing line "The Nicki Minaj Collection" will be exclusively sold at K-Mart, announced January 2013.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-171" style="line-height:1em;">[171] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-172" style="line-height:1em;">[172] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-173" style="line-height:1em;">[173]  Minaj revealed via Twitter that she is working on two books.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-174" style="line-height:1em;">[174]  Minaj has teamed up with Give Back Brands to launch her new fragrance "Pink Friday"<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-175" style="line-height:1em;">[175]  in September 2012, which will be sold under exclusive license to Macy's in the United States and Elizabeth Arden internationally.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-176" style="line-height:1em;">[176] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-177" style="line-height:1em;">[177]  Minaj's single "Super Bass" was featured on the Just Dance 4 video game that was released October 2012.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-178" style="line-height:1em;">[178]  On February 14, 2013, Bluewater Comics revealed Minaj would star in the "Fame" biographical comic series, and would make her debut in the comic book titled Fame: Nicki Minaj that was released to stores February 13, 2013.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-179" style="line-height:1em;">[179]

Personal life
<p style="line-height:1.5em;">In July 2011, Minaj's cousin Nicholas Telemaque was murdered near his home in Brooklyn, New York City.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-180" style="line-height:1em;">[180]  Minaj referenced Telemaque in the song "Champion" through the lyrics, "Cause they killed my little cousin, Nicholas/ But my memories only happy images."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-nicholas_181-0" style="line-height:1em;">[181] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-digital_182-0" style="line-height:1em;">[182]

<p style="margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:1.5em;">Minaj is the only female rapper to be featured on Forbes's Hip Hop Cash Kings list, she ranks at No. 8, having earned $US15.5 million from May 2011 to May 2012.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-183" style="line-height:1em;">[183]  In the aftermath of the catastrophic Hurricane Sandy, Minaj donated $15,000 to the Food Bank For New York City and held a turkey drive at her alma mater, P.S. 45 in New York.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-184" style="line-height:1em;">[184]

<p style="margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:1.5em;">Minaj is a Christian.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Religion_185-0" style="line-height:1em;">[185] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Religion2_186-0" style="line-height:1em;">[186]  She stated that after her father went to rehab and started attending church, "he got saved and started changing his life."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Father_187-0" style="line-height:1em;">[187] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Heroes_188-0" style="line-height:1em;">[188] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Heroes2_189-0" style="line-height:1em;">[189]

<p style="margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:1.5em;">Critics have noted Minaj's use of various sexual identities within her music,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-190" style="line-height:1em;">[190]  with some implying that she is bisexual.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-191" style="line-height:1em;">[191]  However, she has said that she does not date or have sex with women,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-vibe_24-2" style="line-height:1em;">[24]  but added in an interview with Out magazine, "I don’t date men either."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-out-curious-case_192-0" style="line-height:1em;">[192]  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. But I feel like people always wanna define me and I don’t wanna be defined."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-193" style="line-height:1em;">[193]

Lil' Kim Controversy
See also: Hip hop rivalry<p style="line-height:1.5em;">Minaj has been embroiled in a feud with veteran rapper Lil' Kim since her success with Pink Friday.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-NY_Daily_News_194-0" style="line-height:1em;">[194]  Kim accused Minaj of copying her image saying, "If you are going to steal my swag, you gonna have to pay. Something gotta give. You help me, I help you. That's how it goes to me."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-NY_Daily_News_194-1" style="line-height:1em;">[194]  Minaj's single "Roman's Revenge" with Eminem was believed to be a response to Kim's comments,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-195" style="line-height:1em;">[195]  although she later denied this,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-196" style="line-height:1em;">[196]  she responded to the situation in an interview with HOT 97'sAngie Martinez saying, "She picked a fight with Foxy, then she picked a fight with Eve, then she picked a fight with Remy, then it was Mrs. Wallace, then it was Nicki Minaj. Every time you in the news, it’s 'cause you gettin' at somebody! Where’s your music? Put your music out, and when I see your name on Billboard, that’s when I’ll respond to you. Other than that, goodbye. It’s Barbie, bitch."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-197" style="line-height:1em;">[197]

<p style="margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:1.5em;">Lil' Kim reignited the feud with the release of her mixtape Black Friday (the title of which directly referenced Minaj). The artwork portrays Lil' Kim decapitating Minaj with a sword.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-NY_Daily_News_194-2" style="line-height:1em;">[194]  A fragment of a diss track called "Tragedy" was released in response by Minaj in April 2011.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-198" style="line-height:1em;">[198]  Following the release of Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, critics suggested that the track "Stupid Hoe"<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-199" style="line-height:1em;">[199]  may have contained attacks directed at Kim. Lil' Kim later suggested in an interview with 105's Breakfast Club that the song "Automatic" was similar to her unreleased material, also calling Minaj "obnoxious" and "catty".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-200" style="line-height:1em;">[200]

<p style="margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:1.5em;">The feud has drawn attention from various other recording artists and rappers. Minaj's labelmate and rapper, Drake said "[he] didn't give a f--- what Lil Kim or nobody else is talking about."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-201" style="line-height:1em;">[201]  50 Cent commented on the situation in an online interview with Power 98.3 FM remarking, "It's obvious ... she [Minaj] was inspired by some of Kim's [style]. But that's not bad. There's not a whole lot of female artists that you can make reference to, so you'll see those little influences even stronger. I think she's hot – I think she's got a good little thing going right now, as far as Nicki Minaj is concerned."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-202" style="line-height:1em;">[202]  Diddy spoke of his love and respect for Kim, attributing his personal success, in part, to her, however he defended working with Minaj stating that "I wouldn't be around Nicki if I ever heard anything negative said about Kim. I've never heard anything like that."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-203" style="line-height:1em;">[203]  Mary J. Blige commented on the rivalry, saying, "Kim is my friend and I love and respect Nicki, just met her and got to know the young lady and she's a sweetheart," adding that the feud had arisen because of "crews" behind it.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-204" style="line-height:1em;">[204]

Discography
Main article: Nicki Minaj discography

Tours
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 * America's Most Wanted Tour (2009)
 * I Am Music II Tour (2011)<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-205" style="line-height:1em;">[205]
 * Femme Fatale Tour (2011)
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 * Pink Friday Tour (2012)
 * Pink Friday: Reloaded Tour (2012)

Filmography
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