It can be hard to imagine a world without the likes of Instagram and Twitter and how both established platforms can be used to propel new artists into superstardom.
So, in a world powered by streams, viral content and fleeting moments, we revisit Nicki Minaj‘s formative years and how she, with help from Safaree Samuels and a strategy many labels have tried (and failed) to emulate, became the icon she is today.
..and how, even in the face of adversity, became the highest-selling female rapper of all time on the wings of pure sales, a charismatic act and an unstoppable fan base.
The formative years below…
Minaj’s ‘Queen’ drops August 10th.
You can say what you want about Nicki But you can’t deny her talent. Sure, all of her music hasn’t been stellar, but either is Beyoncé. She’s been consistently killing and in my honest opinion, she has the best mix of ingredients in female rap history. I’m talking about overall talent, rap ability, mainstream appeal, “it” factor, image etc. She has the best mix followed by Lil Kim. But lil Kim talent level is no where close to Nicki.
Yeah there’s no one like her, her characterism was on another level yo! I just wish she never changed but I still love her….there will never be another Nicki Minaj.
It’s hard to become that massive and not Change. You can’t be mainstream doing hood level things. Even Cardi changes drastically in just the last 2 yrs.
I’m talking more musically though, she use to spit that hard fast sh*t, had melodies like “your love” etc her music was edgy, now it’s too mainstream and this is coming from a fan I love her! I just them old skool flow and raspiness back ?
Lil Kim has the better discography and rap appeal than Gimmicky Minaj. I don’t know why y’all insist on comparing the two because it just adds fuel to the hate train. St Nick was always for the kids. And it shows because she has no growth all these years out of fear if she makes grown music it won’t sell. Take away the marketing schemes and gimmicks she really ain’t sh!t. ?
Im still confused on why y’all call Nicki Minaj the Queen of Rap ?. What groundbreaking has she done besides clone Lil Kim and reach success due to Young Money over saturation and the absence of other female rappers? The disappoint that everyone is feeling is the true essence behind her talent and personality. A true Queen would be able to reinvent herself like our legends. Please stop comparing her to Beyonce.
Best selling?Maybe with streams and other gimmicks.
She only has one platinum SELLING album.
Missy elliot has about 6 of them or so.
Lil Kim has three
All three of them have at least one multi platinum album
REAL SALES NOT GIMMICKS.
Even a pigeon will be talented if a whole village gathered to write your music for you.
For me personally, that would be Lauryn Hill. Not only did she hold her own in the Fugee’s she became a successful solo artist and has managed to have one classic album that she can still tour with 20 years later and be respected by the majority of cultures.
No gimmicks, just pure talent.
I legitimately miss this Nicki Minaj ? This is who I feel in love with ? I’ll never never forget her !!! Want her back?
Talented but lost…
ICON THO!!!! ??? TGS Y’all really TRIED it. ?? I cant breath. ??
It’s been 10 years and still no other female rapper being as successsful because of the glass ceiling nicki lowered and doors she closed. She made female rap about numbers and being petty instead of elevating it like a true artist. No female rap unity anthems. Came into a game a disrespectful ass gimmick and she’s still trying to prove something after all that success. It’s clear she’s insatiable and hasn’t set the bar. ? Nicki the worst thing to ever happen to female rap.
This is the first time that Nicki stands alone.. No Wayne or Drake to stand beside her and constantly cosign. Not even a Meek Mill. She’s not used to that feeling. Having the pressure and spotlight on her without having the Young Money protection is making her feel insecure and vulnerable.
Best selling?Maybe with streams and other gimmicks.
She only has one platinum SELLING album.
Missy elliot has about 6 of them or so.
Lil Kim has three
All three of them have at least one multi platinum album
REAL SALES NOT GIMMICKS.
Pink Friday sold 2,000,000 in pure sales and Roman Reloaded is at 1,000,000 most likely.
But yea there’s no way that adds up to more than Lauryn Hill or Missy Elliot’s Sales.
You all created that monster and now she will fade to black. New rapstress are coming
She was so loveable and fun back then.
“became the highest-selling female rapper of all time on the wings of pure sales”
No not by pure sales. Lauryn Hill’s one album sold more than 9 million copies, not to mention the multiple Missy Elliot albums that were million sellers.
It clear Nicki had work done on the tip of her nose.
That last interview is pretty funny to watch in 2018. She claims to be doing cardio because she wants her b*** to get smaller, implies she isn’t taking shots at anyone on ‘I Ain’t Thru’ with Keyshia Cole, and when asked if she is engaged or in a relationship she replies “absolutely not.” I feel so bad for Safaree. It was like he was her dirty little secret or something.
Man when u look back u can see Nicki really is legendary i think she should drop the Queen album tour then start a family
Then come back in 3years doing real rap like she did in the BET cypher she needs to start moving like beyonce people take talented artists for granted then when they leave people start begging for them to come back its insane she needs to rise above all the haterz she is an icon
DROP QUEEN AND GO ON TOUR. AND TAKE A BREAK..WATCH PEOPLE BEG FOR YOU BACK! ICON