Nicki Minaj is in command and control of this new era and has enchanted the industry with only a 30 second snippet of her upcoming single, “Last Time I Saw You.” We have witnessed previous eras of Nicki as daughter, sister, friend and artist, but now we get to journey with her into the “grown woman” chapter as wife, mother and business woman.
She will be leading us back to her point of origin, “Pink Friday.” This is symbolic of a lot of things and as she mentioned on Twitter, “a full circle moment.” As women, we often look back at our younger selves as life carries us forward, not as a reminder of what was, but as a measure of what we overcame. In Nicki’s case, we get to see the evolution of her creativity and the depths of her versatility.
There is a difference in knowing yourself and becoming yourself; Onika and Nicki have become one.
The evolution of Nicki’s creativity is a subject that every label has failed at. Not because they aren’t trying hard enough to replicate it, but people forget that creativity is an extension of YOU, the person. Nicki Minaj is a stage name and persona, Onika is the artist and talent; the driving force behind the image. Her creativity is something that has been nurtured, not bought or cooked up in a boardroom. It’s Onika’s representation of how the world is viewed through HER lens.
Case in point, Nicki Minaj did an interview with Angie Martinez in 2010 and was asked about being animated. She replied that poshe was always an animated person and people would often ask her why she was making those weird faces, but it was something she always did without realizing it until the “5 Star Chick” video, when she got to see it for herself. In that same interview, Nicki talked about attending the famed LaGuardia High School of Music and Art & Performing Arts. She was a theater kid through and through.
Creativity always has a point of origin. For instance, alter egos have a creative meaning to artists as they serve a purpose. Slim Shady would say things that Eminem wouldn’t dare say and Roman is Nicki’s way of voicing her frustration through her music. Those alter egos have a life outside of the respective artists and can stand alone, which gives Roman and Slim Shady character and credibility.
Authenticity is what Nicki Minaj embodies and why she is still here, after all the storms she has weathered. There’s a connection between her artistry and the human. With just a 30 second snippet, “Last Time I Saw You” has changed the trajectory of female rap because of the vulnerability it has brought back to music. Some of these female rap caricatures chase the next pop hit, but none are seeking originality and that is where they fail. Trying to keep up with Nicki, but Onika is the real threat.
Don’t get it twisted, Nicki has set the sound going forward for female rap and dropped what they least expected-music. I’m not talking about a rap song, but actual music. Artistry. Trap beats and producers are how a lot of people hide their lack of talent.
Versatility has always been Nicki’s strength and one of the reasons that I happily await “Pink Friday 2.” Not too many artists are able to take their musical maturity and life experiences back to their point of origin. What Nicki is doing is groundbreaking and will rewrite the path forward for female rap. Not only in the art of marketing, but in the elevation of talent.
The cultural reset button is broken and it's time we moved past it. Creativity, talent, ingenuity, individuality, and passion for the music is what moves the culture forward. We the fans are the driving force of the music industry, don’t let them trick you into thinking Nicki hasn’t caused a major shift in the industry. She has, and they are taking notes.
Written by Kara B (@KaraBrazey20 on X/formerly Twitter)
7 comments
And this is why I will always support Nicki . You can throw dirt on her name but never on her talent
And this is why I will always support Nicki . You can throw dirt on her name but never on her talent
Best article yet and dead on Nikki is a force to be reckon with I love her and you to for this article!
You are a prolific writer!
This was a refreshing read!
WOW you stole the words outta my mouth. another amazing article. thank you kara!