Nicki Minaj’s Vogue Cover Makes History As Copies Fly Off The Shelves

“Cookie’s the name, chocolate chip is the flavor , suck up my style like a cherry lifesaver.” Nicki Minaj

 

Out of the ashes rises the Phoenix with its flamed wings unyielding for all to bear witness to its glory.  Soaring high with wings of inextinguishable flames, she continues the reign over that which is hers; a 15-year lyrical and musical dominance over the hip-hop/rap industry. The Phoenix serves as a symbol of renewal and rebirth. Minaj, like the Phoenix has risen thru the ashes withstanding insurmountable pressure and forging her wings in the fire of the battle to win the war. There is no better analogy than the Phoenix to explain the resurgence of Nicki Minaj that we are witnessing.  

A fusion of creativity, ingenuity and determination, coupled with the unbridled will to survive and protect what is hers. We are witnessing an era of no precedence, one in which legends and icons are made of. 

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Nicki Minaj makes her American Vogue debut as the December 2023 cover girl. Let that sink in for a moment as we revel in this historic and groundbreaking moment. Minaj becomes the 1st female rapper in the history of American Vogue to have a solo cover.  Nicki Minaj’s solo cover isn’t to be confused with the 2019 quartet of American Vogue covers that featured Wiley. E Coyote.  Ashley Graham was the official cover of that issue in 2019; Wiley’s was a result of sympathy. The December 2023 cover of American Vogue is the culmination of Nicki Minaj’s sacrifice, discipline, and talent that is so genuine and authentic, it defies the confines of the entire hip-hop genre. 

 

This is a testament to the impact and influence of Nicki Minaj as not only a musical superstar but a cultural icon. She moves the needle forward, pushing the cultural reset button, while maintaining as the standard bearer for female rap. Minaj has been holding the reigns of female rap for 15 years while constantly evolving her sound and testing the limits of her versatility. She has set a course for herself that has no end in sight. In addition to the American Vogue cover, Minaj sat down for a self-reflective interview with the magazine as well as a candid conversation for, “The Run-Through with Vogue”podcast. We were also treated to an episode of the Vogue fan favorite “73 Questions” with Nicki Minaj. Let’s get into some of the gems dropped by The Queen.

 

We must bow to the beauty that is Onika. The Vogue cover was absolutely stunning-a true moment in time. For me, the cover shot was homage to the beauty of simplicity. Relaxed and vulnerable, Nicki stripped herself of the “persona.” Dressed in a soft creamy Valentino gown, Minaj looked ethereal. The photo spread was stunning as Nicki donned some of the finest pieces in haute couture while serving face and body. During the Vogue Interview, Nicki opened up about the pressures of being judged and how it can take the essence out of the freeness we feel in ourselves. Most of us may have to only deal with the criticism of a few but as a superstar, the amount of judgment levied at Nicki would make a lesser person break. 

 

I loved Nicki’s response to the “body positivity” movement we are living in and was reflective of decisions she has made with her own body. If for some reason this little write up finds its way across Nicki’s gaze, I want her to know how beautiful she is inside and out. The true measure of a woman isn’t in her beauty, but in the energy that radiates from her.

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But the heart of the photo spread was Nicki with her son. It was breathtaking. With Papa Bear cuddled in her arms asleep, you could feel the unbreakable bond between mother and child. Nicki seems so at peace in her new journey of life. 

 

Vulnerability was the theme of this Vogue issue. You could see the “stripped” down Nicki in not only the photos but in the actual content. Minaj spoke on her Percocet addiction and her lack of knowledge when it came to prescription medication. Referring to herself as an addict, Nicki just gave a masterclass in accountability and self-awareness. I applaud Nicki for not only letting us into this aspect of her life but in taking back control. 

 Nicki Minaj On The Run Through Podcast

Nicki was a guest on The Run-Through with Vogue podcast and she talked very candidly about her current headspace, upcoming album Pink Friday 2, and our favorite little guy, Papa Bear.  The calmness and love in Nicki’s voice when speaking of Papa Bear pulls you into a feeling of security and sincerity. She was also asked about the possibility of her son following in her rap footsteps and gave a funny quip of reminding him how she arrived at the hospital in a Range Rover and left with him in a Rolls Royce. But Nicki also said something very interesting about pushing children into your passion; aka pageantry parents. Every child no matter how successful or accomplished the parent is should be allowed to have their own identity, likes and dislikes. 

 

Nicki acknowledged the changes in her life and how it tied into her artistry and how there were aspects of her artistry that she wasn’t utilizing. The #PinkFriday2 discourse was nostalgic because it brought Barbz back to Pink Friday and her earlier mixtapes. I have always believed this is what set Nicki apart from the rest; her creative process. A creative process that is unique to the world of Nicki Minaj and stamped with her individuality. She spoke of this being a full circle moment for her as she reaches back into her beginning and brings it into her future. Nicki has created a theme of artistic growth and maturity but what seems to be the heart strings of #PinkFriday2 is reverence for the past.

 

Nicki was asked to describe the moment she is in now and she gave a beautiful response. Nicki described this moment of her life as triumphant and no longer giving thought to the critiques of others. The things she allowed to bother her in the past she isn’t allowing in her orbit now. Having figured out the power in her energy and voice, Nicki is no longer allowing the leaches of the music industry to suckle off her. I highly encourage everyone to listen to the podcast interview if you haven’t already.

 

 The “73 Questions with Vogue” is a fan favorite and gave a glimpse into Nicki’s current headspace. Filmed at her recording studio, Nicki was at ease and even dropped a bar for Anna Wintour. The episode is available on YouTube now. 

Throughout the past 5 or 6 years, there have been attempts to stifle Nicki’s voice, undermine her impact and talent to no avail. She has withstood the swords and daggers of ageism, sexism, hypocrisy and the weaponization of unity amongst black women against her. And today she stands as confident and revered as the Phoenix. 

Written by @karabrazey20 (X, formerly Twitter)