Who Is Nicki Minaj?:
- Born: Onika Maraj
- Birthday: December 8, 1984
- Hometown: Jamaica, Queens, NY
- Nicknames: Harajuku Barbie, Nicki Lewinsky
Nicki Minaj's style is drawn from the same well that spawned the likes of Lil Kim and Foxy Brown. In other words, her music is a combination of provocative rhymes and fierce sexuality. Minaj has a background in the performing arts, having honed her skills at NYC's Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art.
The First Lady of Young Money:
Nicki Minaj started off by singing background vocals for local rappers in New York. Like many aspiring artists in search of a big break, she uploaded her music to MySpace. That was probably the most important move she ever made.
Dirty Money Entertainment head honcho Fendi spotted Nicki Minaj's music on the social networking site and was instantly sold. Fendi alerted hip-hop megastar Lil Wayne to Minaj's potential. Shortly after, she was signed to Wayne's Young Money Entertainment.
Since then, she has appeared on numerous videos, mixtapes, and albums. Minaj has been working the mixtape circuit ferociously since becoming a member of Wayne's camp. She has released three mixtapes in three years. Her untitled debut album is set for release in 2010.
Nicki Minaj's Discography - Mixtapes
- 2007: Playtime Is Over
- 2008: Sucka Free
- 2009: Beam Me Up Scotty
Essential Songs/Singles
- "Itty Bitty Piggy"
- "Dreams (Of F***in' A Rap Dude)"
- "Biggest Freak"
- "I Get Crazy" (w/ Lil Wayne)
If You Like Nicki Minaj, You Should Try:
- Lil Kim
- Foxy Brown
- Trina
- Shawnna
