10 Facts You Didn’t Know About Nicki Minaj
She keeps extending her record as the rapper with the most no.1 songs on U.S. iTunes with 'Last Time I Saw You'
Nicki Minaj has made an indelible mark on the music industry. Known for her distinctive style, colorful persona, and versatile talent, the Trinidadian American rapper, singer and songwriter rose to fame with several mixtapes before releasing iconic chart-topping albums. She’s celebrated for her rap prowess, unstoppable flow and willingness to push boundaries in both her music and fashion choices. Her career has been characterized by hit singles, record-breaking achievements, and hot collabs with some of the biggest names in the industry.
Moreover, Nicki keeps breaking her own record as the rapper with the most no.1 song on U.S. iTunes, since her recent “Last Time I Saw You” has now got to the #1 in the chart. Instead of the joy and explosiveness the artist usually brings us, in this song, Nicki shows off her vocals and delves into the feeling of sadness that comes with the distancing in a relationship.
I wish l didn’t waste precious time the night when
I called you I wish I remembered to say I’d do anything for you
Maybe I pushed you away because I thought that I’d bore you”Nicki Minaj in 'Last Time I Saw You'
To celebrate the increasingly incredible legacy of the artist, here we come with some interesting facts about her that you may not have known but should!
10 Interesting Facts About Nicki Minaj
1. Real Name
Nicki Minaj was born Onika Tanya Maraj in Trinidad and Tobago but moved to Queens, New York, at a young age. She adopted the stage name «Nicki Minaj» as a combination of her first name and «Ménage à trois» to create a provocative alter ego.
I used to be @NickiMinaj! How cool is that?! Wish I was her now though… https://t.co/uAXMrzDqCJ pic.twitter.com/EbTLH0tnql
— va$htie (@vashtie) June 11, 2015
2. She Started as an Actress!
Before her music career took off, Minaj studied acting at the popular LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, and she has appeared in a few films, including «The Other Woman» and «Barbershop: The Next Cut.»
3. Her Breakthrough Mixtapes
Minaj gained recognition in the hip-hop scene through her mixtapes, particularly «Playtime Is Over,» «Sucka Free,» and «Beam Me Up Scotty.» These works showcased her unique style and lyrical skills.
4. Versatile Musician
Nicki Minaj is known for her versatility in music. She can rap, sing, and experiment with different genres, making her a dynamic artist who appeals to a wide audience.
5. Multiple Alter Egos
Throughout her career, Minaj has introduced various alter egos, such as Roman Zolanski, Harajuku Barbie, and Martha Zolanski. These characters allow her to explore different personalities in her music.
6. Famous College Job
Before her music career took off, Nicki worked at several Red Lobster restaurants in New York. She has mentioned this experience in interviews, highlighting her humble beginnings. «I’ve work at a couple different Red Lobsters and I’ve been fired from all three or four of them,» she declared on The Tonight Show of Jimmy Fallow.
7. The Voice Behind Cartoon Characters
In addition to her music career, Nicki Minaj has lent her voice to several animated characters. She voiced a character in the 2012 animated film «Ice Age: Continental Drift» and later starred in «The Angry Birds Movie 2.»
@nickisgumbawlls we’ve all seen this clip😭#ForYourPride #nickisgumbawlls #OnikaTanyaMaraj #nickiminaj #BARBZ #Buffering #uk #usa #diditonem #fyp #BARB #foryoupage ♬ original sound – nicki<3
8. Entrepreneurial Ventures
Nicki Minaj has also ventured into the world of business. She’s launched her own perfume line and was part of the team behind the popular mobile game «Nicki Minaj: The Empire.»
9. Secret Wedding
In 2019, Nicki Minaj surprised fans by announcing on social media that she had secretly married her childhood friend Kenneth Petty. The couple later welcomed their first child in 2020.
10. Philanthropy
Minaj has actively supported various charitable causes, including education initiatives and disaster relief efforts. She often donates to schools and students in need.