How Barbie World Is Clearing A Path For Female Rap Expansion

Author: @Karabrazey20 [Twitter]
“It girls and we ain’t playing tag.” Nicki Minaj

There are a few times in music when a collaboration just “hits” without any explanation. Those rare occurrences when two musical forces collide and bring about a vibe that just feels authentic and good, are moments that we crave. We are living in that moment! Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice have released their highly anticipated single for the Barbie movie soundtrack titled “Barbie World.”

The song is accompanied with a high definition, powerfully pink music video that feeds even the most hardcore Barbie obsession. However, “Barbie World” is much more than a song; it’s a musical movement for female empowerment. Barbie has long been heralded as a beauty that was unattainable and regarded as out of reach for a lot of girls of color; and as unrealistic to today’s working woman. But, through the years Barbie has evolved into a woman that is full of life, fire and passion; attributes that are attainable to us all. She has become inclusive and an ever-evolving representation of society today.

Long dubbed as hip hop’s “Barbie,” Nicki Minaj crafted a relatable image of Barbie that reached little black girls across the globe with a concept of being smart, beautiful, witty, desirable, and confident; something that women could feel empowered by. Barbie is and always will be a household name, but what Nicki did by making “Barbie” a part of her brand was bridge two worlds together. Thus, it was only fitting that she be a part of the movement and cement herself within the Barbie universe. Very rarely can a black woman immerse herself within a brand as big as Barbie and remain authentic. And that’s why we love her!

“Barbie World” samples Aqua’s smash hit “Barbie Girl” with a drill twist creating musical gold. Nicki and Ice Spice complement each other so well vocally. But it’s much more than that. “Barbie World” is the second Billboard Hot 100 top 10 collaboration for Nicki and Ice Spice this year. In between breaking records, they are blazing a trail of what unity amongst female rappers should look like; a mutually beneficial work relationship and respect between two women fighting against the male dominated industry. This is everything Barbie represents; women empowering women. But let’s get back to the music.

The beat switch in Barbie World is as iconic as Barbie herself. There isn’t a beat Nicki can’t seduce and bend to her whim, but I was thoroughly pleased with Ice Spice. As a new artist, Ice Spice is cementing herself as the ultimate “It Girl” with her signature look and sound. The chorus starts with Nicki and Ice Spice saluting the women of Barbie’s universe “Jazzie, Stacie, Nikki (Nicki)” and Nicki rapping “It girls, (It girls) and we ain’t playing tag”. In case the memo didn’t get sent out, Nicki is saying there is no “next up” for none of you btchs. Nicki is proving that she is the “It Girl”, and even on a commercial pop song she can bring her individuality and authenticity and make a hit. “We got bars, but we ain’t bailin’ out.”

Ice Spice raps “I’m washing these btchs, I’m rubbing the stain out” and that makes me happy. Why you ask? Because she knows this is her time and she is owning it. She is ridding the culture of the stain that was allowed to fester and hardened by being herself. Ice Spice exudes a certain bravado that we haven’t seen since ’09 Nicki.

Obviously, I can’t break down all the lyrics but “Barbie World” is what we needed. A full circle moment of the power and influence of Nicki Minaj and her role in the empowerment of women.  It’s Barbie btch if there was any doubt.

“Full circle moment” a spiritual concept we’ve discussed many times in the past to describe the energy around this era https://t.co/dzHwvWtqc7

— Kinoputiya (@kino_kinoputiya) July 10, 2023