Nicki Minajrecently appointed by Billboard As the best rapper of all time, he shared with Vogue Italy The sacrifices, achievements and challenges that marked his career. In an exclusive interview, he addressed issues such as motherhood, the impact of social networks, their influence on fashion and their vision on the music industry.
Billboard He recognized Minaj as the best rapper of all time, a distinction that is still surprising. “I am extremely grateful; it is something that still surprises me. At the same time, I try not to obsess too much with the lists of successes or the awards. It is the only way to move forward,” he said.
This award joins recent milestones, such as the debut of your single “Super Freaky Girl” In the first place of the American lists in 2022. The rapper was the first hip hop artist of this millennium to achieve it, following in the footsteps of Lauryn Hill. The rapper celebrated this achievement in X (formerly Twitter), where it maintains an active presence with its followers.
Since its inception in 2010, Minaj He expressed his intention to become a dominant figure of rap. In the interview, he questioned why no woman of the genre had reached the status of Magnate and declared with determination: “I will be.”
During the interview, Nicki Minaj He reflected on the price he paid for his success, especially in the personal sphere. “As a woman, I postpone being a mother. Many women in the industry, especially older than me, had no children. Some do not regret, but others. I postpone it,” he said.
He reported how he was absent from family celebrations to prioritize his career: “The price was not to have a ‘normal’ life. Today, I can give my son what I did not have, but there are things that I want to assure him and I still do not know how to do it.”
He also revealed the difficulties he faces when trying to protect his son’s privacy. “Every day I have to decide: Is it more important to go for a walk with my son or prevent them from photographing him?” He said in the interview.
The relationship of Minaj With social networks he was key in his career. Twitter/X was its favorite platform to communicate with your fans, the BACZdescribed as “the loudest community of the Internet.” “There he publishes currents of consciousness,” although he admits that sometimes, “he should have waited another day to write certain things.” And, above all, there are her most aggressive fans, “said the medium.
The artist expressed her gratitude towards them: “I think I can never thank you enough.” One of the most viral moments was the video in which “I lied?”, Which his fans transformed into a meme. “I hate how I go in that video. When they started using it, I thought: ‘I’m going to block you!’ Then I ceded; the truth is that it is very funny, ”he said.
The rapper stressed the double face of digital platforms: “A superstar is a superstar. And if you are, you will find a way of shining, with or without social networks, which as all tools can be used for better or for worse.”
Fashion was a fundamental axis in the rapper career. Each album and video of the artist is also an aesthetic statement. From vibrant colors to designer outfits such as Versace, Mugler and Givenchyhe challenged traditional canons.
One of his most outstanding collaborations was with Fendiin the collection Fendi Prints On (2019), inspired by its “Chun-li” theme. “It was an honor beyond imagination,” he said about his experience in Milan.
The artist also ventured into perfumes, shoes and false nails. Recently, he founded his own fashion brand, although he still looks for the ideal team to develop it.
At the 2022 Met gala, he wore a dark and hiking look, which he admitted was not the most comfortable: “My breasts were too big for that outfit.” In the last edition, he chose a design of Thom Brownewith siren and flower skirt, in line with the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”. On the red carpet, he stressed that the attire “represents a period of pride for the history of African Americans.”
The artist also reflected on today’s industry. He questioned the vision of some emerging artists: “They do not realize how important the record label is. Everything seems easy, but it is not.”
Minaj mentioned among his artists admired to Sabrina Carpenterwhom he described as “a breath of fresh air”, already Billie Eilishwho said: “I love everything he does.” He also highlighted SkengDancehall artist.
Regarding his creative process, he highlighted: “I have many very strong songs, but I don’t want to hurry. I want the album to mean something. I love music, I respect it.”
Nicki Minaj He shared an inspiring message: “I have heard all possible criticisms about me and I have thought about giving myself many times. Luckily I did not do it. I hope my story encourages children, adults and anyone not to give up.”
With these words, the artist reaffirms her role as a reference not only in hip hop, but in pop culture and personal improvement.
