Nicki Minaj was born Onika Tanya Maraj on December 8, 1982, in Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago. She moved to Queens, New York, with her family when she was five years old.
Nicki Minaj's stage name was originally 'Nicki Maraj,' but she changed it to 'Minaj' as a play on words that suggested a provocative persona.
She gained recognition through her mixtapes, with her 2007 mixtape 'Playtime Is Over' marking the beginning of her rise in the hip-hop scene.
Nicki Minaj's debut album, 'Pink Friday,' was released in 2010 and included hit singles like 'Super Bass' and 'Moment 4 Life.' The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart.
'Super Bass' became one of Nicki Minaj's most iconic songs, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning her widespread acclaim.
Nicki Minaj is known for her alter egos, with her most famous persona being 'Roman Zolanski,' a fierce and eccentric character that appears in several of her songs.
She has been recognized as the 'Queen of Rap,' and her influence has extended beyond music, with her bold fashion choices and colorful wigs becoming a signature part of her image.
She is the first female artist to have 100 entries on the Billboard Hot 100, a testament to her prolific output and consistent chart success.
She has collaborated with numerous artists across various genres, including Beyoncé, Drake, Lil Wayne, Ariana Grande, and Justin Bieber, showcasing her versatility and wide appeal.
In addition to her music career, Nicki Minaj has ventured into acting, with roles in films like 'The Other Woman' (2014) and 'Barbershop: The Next Cut' (2016).
Nicki Minaj has won multiple awards, including several American Music Awards, BET Awards, and MTV Video Music Awards. She has also been nominated for Grammy Awards multiple times.
In 2017, Nicki Minaj made history by simultaneously holding the record for the most Hot 100 entries by a female artist, surpassing Aretha Franklin.
Nicki Minaj is known for her philanthropic efforts, including offering financial assistance to students, supporting the education of children in need, and contributing to various charities.
Her album 'Queen,' released in 2018, debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and featured hits like 'Chun-Li' and 'Barbie Dreams.' The album received critical acclaim for its lyrical content and production.
Despite controversies and challenges, Nicki Minaj has remained a dominant force in the music industry, inspiring a new generation of female rappers and continuing to push the boundaries of hip-hop.