Nicki Minaj Talks Power, Product Placements & Pop Supremacy With ‘GQ’

Published: Monday 20th Oct 2014 by David

 

{Images Removed As Requested}

 

November 24th 2014 will see Nicki Minaj unleash the beast that is ‘The Pinkprint’ , her hotly anticipated third studio album.

Now tasked with battling Beyonce and ‘Murda Bizness’ beauty Iggy Azalea for the #1 spot, Minaj took to ‘GQ’ to arm her campaign with a fresh pair of promotional legs, catching up with the publication to answer questions on her ever-growing brand.

What she revealed?

Bits and pieces from the ‘Pills N Potions’ time with the mag below…

Excerpts from her interview read:

In the “Anaconda” video, there are no fewer than five products placed prominently for advertising: her Beats by Dre speakers imprint and her Moscato but also a Victoria’s Secret bra, some Air Jordans, and a baffling “teatox” drink called MateFit (dialysis machine sold separately). It’s not exactly seamless integration, and at times it is so overt that it feels like a comment on the culture of branding, maybe some poignant thought about sex and consumerism?

Nope. “My management team has a division that has a guy that his main focus is to go out there and find new brands for me to do business with or to find brands that would like to be in our videos and contribute to our budget,” she says. It’s like a Kickstarter, but for a multi-millionaire.

 

 

She came to prominence in outsize, italic, caps-lock, Technicolor exaggeration—pink wigs, outrageous outfits, eyelashes that were a comment about eyelashes. She had different personas—alter egos, she called them—with names and backstories. She did funny accents and was willing to make herself beautiful, then grotesque, then absurd, then back again. And here she is now, demure by comparison, just plain old black extensions, just a T-shirt about carbon.

“I always thought that by the time I put out a third album, I would want to come back to natural hair and natural makeup,” she told me. “I thought, I will shock the world again and just be more toned down. I thought that would be more shocking than to keep on doing exactly what they had already seen.”

She no longer feels as if she needs to hide behind outrageousness. This next chapter is about success. Nicki Minaj is rap’s first and only female mogul, having parlayed all your ogling into a spot on Forbes’s Cash Kings list—the only person of our gender paid well enough to be so honored. She is the top-charting woman in rap, a top-charting rapper in general, and a crossover phenomenon who can go back and forth between hip-hop and pop the way Taylor Swift can no longer go back and forth between country and pop.

Okay, the “Anaconda” cover art, then. It was almost an afterthought, she says, the product of a photo shoot on the day that the “Anaconda” video was shot. “I just said I’ll put it out, never thought in a billion years that people would be putting [other] people’s heads on it. It’s the craziest shit.” I tell her that online I’d seen it as a rocket, jet fuel and fire being released from her undercarriage. “What hasn’t it been?” she says. “They’ve made it everything.”

You heard it here first. “Anaconda” is about a snake, and also about a woman’s ex-boyfriends, and the video is just one big slumber party. You can release a record cover into the atmosphere that makes all who see it so shocked and discomforted that their only way to metabolize it is to turn it into the world’s fastest-spreading meme, to the point where her squatting form ends up on a polo shirt, right where the little crocodile usually goes. You can do all this, and still you can look someone in the eye and say that it’s not cynical in the least, that it’s not a comment on gender or sex or the culture or anything. Double shrug. These are not the droids you’re looking for.

“I don’t know what there is to really talk about,” she says. “I’m being serious. I just see the video as being a normal video.”

We are winding down, because it’s time for Nicki to go rehearse. For this performance, she has incorporated male dancers. “I went in yesterday, finally saw the dance for the first time, and I saw the guys doing all this sexy stuff that I wasn’t a part of. And I said, ‘Hello, why aren’t they humping me on the stage?’ ” The choreographer didn’t realize that this was something she might want. She does: “We’ve got to give them something to talk about again.”

 

Read more here!

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  1. Molly October 20, 2014

    Yes nicki!

      • SMH October 20, 2014

        Give it up already. Plastic Kim’s career is dead, so just deal with it.

      • TRUTH SERUM October 20, 2014

        You’re talking about that Karma Kim is experiencing now. She’s hated just about every rap chick in the game. Foxy, Eve, Nicki… The list goes on….

    • swollenea October 20, 2014

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  2. maurice October 20, 2014

    GLORFIIED PROSTITUTE!!

    • Applause October 20, 2014

      Like Beyonce and Rihanna aren’t.

      • maurice October 20, 2014

        coming from a Gaga stan?
        Gaga naked still cant get her a frenzy, let alone a buzz.
        Damn

    • whaaat? October 20, 2014

      Well at least she isnt makng songs about her p**** like Iggy Trashbox Azalia

      • truth (icki is the QWEEN OF PUSHBACK!! Iggy got her scuured honey. #IckiAFlop) October 21, 2014

        Cause NO one want it…or ur opinion u wwhore

  3. Kay October 20, 2014

    #1 rap chick in the game looking gorge as evah

    • truth (icki is the QWEEN OF PUSHBACK!! Iggy got her scuured honey. #IckiAFlop) October 20, 2014

      No…iggy pic is killn her. Iggy pusssy is sticking out like a PILLOW on her new cover. Honey icki could NEVAAAAHHH!!!!

      • TRUTH SERUM October 20, 2014

        It’s sticking out because its a dickk .. #lol.. seethe

      • truth (icki is the QWEEN OF PUSHBACK!! Iggy got her scuured honey. #IckiAFlop) October 20, 2014

        Lolol hater lolol

      • Kay October 20, 2014

        Please ain’t nobody got time for ms. “down under white b!sh but I’m trynna act black for these coins” azalea and buy the way who’s the only rap b**** on the Forbes list?

      • truth (icki is the QWEEN OF PUSHBACK!! Iggy got her scuured honey. #IckiAFlop) October 20, 2014

        To Kay…biitch eat yo OWN pusssy!!

  4. Applause October 20, 2014

    Cute pics but Iggy still slays you.

    • SMH October 20, 2014

      LOL only if you’re into pale faced trannies.
      And according to soundscan uggly isn’t slaying anybody.

      • MisdamenorFan October 20, 2014

        And Icki is a mocha brown t*****

  5. cocobutta October 20, 2014

    Woah!!

    That’s all 🙂

  6. truth (icki is the QWEEN OF PUSHBACK!! Iggy got her scuured honey. #IckiAFlop) October 20, 2014

    Even I will say it…those pics are FLAWLESS HONEY!!! Didnt read the article bcus i dont wanna hear shyt this FLOP biitch sayn. But the pics are SLAYN HONEY!!!

  7. NOLIES October 20, 2014

    Don’t like her AT ALL, but I can’t deny she’s beautiful, and stunning in those pics.

  8. SMH October 20, 2014

    Now these are some gorgeous pics. Nicki looks hot to death. Take notes, beyonce. And iggy don’t bother, you’ll never look this good or sell as big. So enjoy your one little hit.

  9. FutureCIARA October 20, 2014

    Slaynika….. Now bring on The Pink Shitt!

    • truth (icki is the QWEEN OF PUSHBACK!! Iggy got her scuured honey. #IckiAFlop) October 20, 2014

      Howz Cici as a single fool…i mean single mom??

      • MisdamenorFan October 20, 2014

        Aint NO FUTURE in frontin hunny! LOL

      • truth (icki is the QWEEN OF PUSHBACK!! Iggy got her scuured honey. #IckiAFlop) October 20, 2014

        LOLOLOL!!!! DEATH!!!

    • FutureCIARA October 21, 2014

      YAWN

      • truth (icki is the QWEEN OF PUSHBACK!! Iggy got her scuured honey. #IckiAFlop) October 21, 2014

        Is what Future did when she tried to get him back…kii biitch

  10. Barbie’s World October 20, 2014

    Slay them Queen, Looking flawless as ever.

    • truth (icki is the QWEEN OF PUSHBACK!! Iggy got her scuured honey. #IckiAFlop) October 20, 2014

      I c no lies in yo comment but yo box needs kitty litter…stank pus biitch

  11. BeyRihLiyah October 20, 2014

    Nicki is a boss her brand is getting bigger and better she was smart to go the pop route first because now go back and fourth with different genres

    • truth (icki is the QWEEN OF PUSHBACK!! Iggy got her scuured honey. #IckiAFlop) October 20, 2014

      Shut up biitch

      • Nicki is Queen October 20, 2014

        No biych f*** your hating ass you stay clinging to uggly f*** off

      • truth (icki is the QWEEN OF PUSHBACK!! Iggy got her scuured honey. #IckiAFlop) October 20, 2014

        JACK me off biitch!!! (Pull black diick out)

  12. Lil Wayne stan October 20, 2014

    She looks like a queen, you haters need to understand that having a number one on the chars doesn’t make you a Queen/King. Impact on the culture and respect from your peers is what places you at the top.

  13. TRUTH SERUM October 20, 2014

    My two faves are serving fierce beauty today. Promo game on lock.. #flawless

  14. NICKI IS QUEEN October 20, 2014

    YASSS QUEENNNN

  15. Lolno October 20, 2014

    such a basic h**.

    • Skyfall October 20, 2014

      Like ya mommy beeeetch, don’t eat the tuna fish in the fridge. *hint I squirted my juices in it*

      • Lolno October 22, 2014

        you are so weak.

  16. Nicki is Queen October 20, 2014

    Mad cuz the queen is slaying!!! Yuss!

  17. Umm October 20, 2014

    Well the pink print Is already leaving a legacy with its first two singles. Pills N potion, boring… And anaconda ; make a crazy video and piggy back off another song to create a watered down, forgettable new version

    • Skyfall October 20, 2014

      Just like Iggy is leaving a legacy of having to resort to rereleasing her flop album to get it certified. Now go in the kitchen and eat my spaghetti and I added a secret ingredient *my period blood* #InternationalUncertifiedFlop

      • Nicki is Queen October 20, 2014

        Sky fall I’m SCREAMINNG

      • Umm October 20, 2014

        I’m not impressed by Iggy either, your point? Both make generic music nobody will be talking about in ten years. Stay on topic b****. Otherwise I will have to go off topic as well and bring up the fact that your favorite singer, is more known for everything else before singing. Girl I’m the wrong b**** to wAnna start with .. Don’t do it miss thing

        http://youtu.be/JRwfcQHNfSY

      • Umm October 20, 2014

        @Nicki I’m screaming too because you’re consigning an idiot who thinks just because I find Minajs TRAGIC, that I like Iggys. Lol. They’re both tragic. And forgettable. And neither can perform although AT LEAST Iggy isnt known for lip synching.

        http://youtu.be/BQOGhNi254o

      • Nicki is Queen October 20, 2014

        Who are you though?

      • Umm October 20, 2014

        Someone above you and clearly more intelligent

      • Skyfall October 20, 2014

        How my spaghetti taste bitchhh.

      • truth (icki is the QWEEN OF PUSHBACK!! Iggy got her scuured honey. #IckiAFlop) October 21, 2014

        YAAAASSSSSS UM U DRAG THAT FAT FONKY BIITCH SKYFALL AND U SLAY THAT ONE NICKY STAN THA5S LEFT…YAASSSS!!!!

  18. credits October 20, 2014

    the blue poodle…Kelis did that already.

    • Nicki is Queen October 20, 2014

      Who? Sit.

  19. MisdamenorFan October 20, 2014

    Nasty looking tiddies!

    • Nicki is Queen October 20, 2014

      F**

      • MisdamenorFan October 20, 2014

        Dirty ho3 a** licking gutter swamp m***** looking bish. Go eat a big bag of dirty p** diks!

      • truth (icki is the QWEEN OF PUSHBACK!! Iggy got her scuured honey. #IckiAFlop) October 21, 2014

        DEATH!

  20. Realest October 20, 2014

    Well of course nicki always knew she would be going back to natural by her 3rd album. She used her blueprint manual, Lil Kim, and followed the directions to a t. LaBella Mafia >The Generic Print

    • ontherun October 20, 2014

      Is lil kims blue print hidden on the plastic jigsaw that is her face?

      • truth (icki is the QWEEN OF PUSHBACK!! Iggy got her scuured honey. #IckiAFlop) October 21, 2014

        Lolol u biitch lol!!!

  21. Mimi Carey October 20, 2014

    She looks beautiful but nobody’s anticipating her album….

    • @Matt_Phoenixx October 20, 2014

      Like with Me. I am cowariah…the elusive Flopatuse?

    • ontherun October 20, 2014

      Actually a lot of ppl are, but you’re a lamb so naturally you’re gonna be completely out of touch with modern day reality

      • Mimi Carey October 20, 2014

        Roman Retarded platinum yet?

      • truth (icki is the QWEEN OF PUSHBACK!! Iggy got her scuured honey. #IckiAFlop) October 21, 2014

        #BAM

  22. @Matt_Phoenixx October 20, 2014

    I love it when nicki slays.

    • FAGGOTT October 20, 2014

      STFU faggott! No one gives a f*** about what you have to say. Your fav is overrated and a FLOP. If only she could she get your hole sewn together the way she got her ass sewn together, your life would be better… wait no it wouldn’t, bc you still would be an A*** having thot.

      • truth (icki is the QWEEN OF PUSHBACK!! Iggy got her scuured honey. #IckiAFlop) October 21, 2014

        DEATH!!!!

  23. tits mcgee October 20, 2014

    Not a fan, however, I am a fan of these pics.
    Nick is doing it, here..

    #PencilSkirtsAndPoodles
    #NoClownZone
    #LookingGood

  24. Kitty Puurrzz October 20, 2014

    Can we talk about how “Work” just went PLATINUM? Gooooo Iggy !!!! Bring on reclassifie!!!!! SLAY SLAY SLAY SLAY SLAY

  25. NOLIES October 20, 2014

    When will that depressed hoee Lana? Is she still on her cemetery tour?

    • NOLIES October 20, 2014

      She will when you give me back my name c***.

    • Rosie October 20, 2014

      I really have the Bratz pressed, don’t I?
      Can’t wait until the Pinkshit sells less than 182K first week, kii. No straight male is going to buy that trash, and Icki stans will have spent all their EBT money by then.

  26. Barb B**** October 20, 2014

    SLAYYYYYYY! She looks banging. #Queen

  27. Dem Lessors October 20, 2014

    The paragraph “Nicki Minaj is rap’s first and only female mogul…(shades Iggy and kim)…(shades Taylor)…” Queen Onika told some truths there! *kermit*

  28. Rihboy October 20, 2014

    Nicki is so played out. Why is gq supporting this hasbeen!

    • truth (icki is the QWEEN OF PUSHBACK!! Iggy got her scuured honey. #IckiAFlop) October 21, 2014

      PREACH HONEY!!!!

  29. The real xoxo October 20, 2014

    She looks great
    Product placement though? It’s not really art is it?

  30. TheElusiveLamb October 20, 2014

    She looks amazing!

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