Author: Kara B (Twitter: @karabrazey20)
Audacity to believe in her dreams beyond the horizon and the tenacity to hold on to it regardless of the season. A powerful force in terms of her unadulterated and raw talent, Nicki Minaj has blazed a trail so remarkable and unprecedented, 15 years later she is still reigning at the helm of female rap. Introduced to the world as the “female Weezy” from Southside Jamaica Queens, Nicki Minaj revived female rap from its lowest point, while solidifying herself amongst hip-hop’s most legendary and acclaimed male MC’s. Conquering female rap with her colorful word play, elite lyricism, thought provoking entendres, vocal ability and massive crossover appeal; Nicki Minaj instituted a standard that is far reaching. Her versatility and artistry has shattered records in all musical genres.
On Sunday night, we will bear witness to this year’s biggest night on tv. Nicki Minaj will be 2022’s recipient of the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the MTV VMA’s. The Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award is given to artist for their “outstanding contributions” and “profound impact” in popular culture and music videos. Nicki Minaj’s creativity and artistry areunparalleled and undeniable. She bought a level of talent to female rap that had never been seen before. Coming into the music industry authentically and organically, it was an absolute necessity that she stands on her ownartistry and vision. “I shalt write my own raps” is the commandment Nicki Minaj still lives by. With her lethal penmanship, laser sharp lyricism, immeasurable rapping skill, colorful and witty wordplay and the vocal dexterity to crossover into mainstream pop music, Nicki Minaj was catapulted into superstar status. And remains.
The Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, honors artist and their contributions to music and their influence. Nicki Minaj broke barriers so black female rappers no longer had to feel ashamed of their quirky aesthetic or feel ashamed for their versatility and willingness to aim for musical greatness beyond the limited lane of female rap. Nicki Minaj ushered in the era of expecting more from female rappers than what had been done prior to 2008. She shattered glass ceilings and bore cuts at times, from an industry that couldn’t and wouldn’t understand how one woman can be that talented. And talented she is.
With immediate international commercial success for her debut album Pink Friday, Nicki Minaj became a household name. Everyone was rocking pink hair and bangs, which at the time was her trademark look. And with standout features annihilating her male rap peers on their own tracks, Nicki Minaj’s name became synonymous with legendary and iconic. A once in a lifetime artist, that’s managed to sustain herself at the throne as the reigning Queen of Rap. That is the tenacity. Regardless of any agenda, Nicki Minaj kept her focus on her artistry and pushing herself as creatively as she could while cultivating a multi-generational fanbase. The audacity is in Nicki Minaj even dreaming that she could break the mold for herself. 
Nicki Minaj is expected to perform as this year’s Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award recipient and we already know the vibez. With such international hits like “Super Bass”, “Anaconda”, “Starships”, “Itty Bitty Piggy”, “Chun Li”, “Moment 4 Life”, “Super Freaky Girl”, “High School” we are in a for a spectacular show…Minaj style. Nicki Minaj has knocked down doors for black female rappers and on Sunday night, she will bust down another one. Nicki Minaj is showing our little black girls, its ok to color outside the lines and not be restrained by the expectations of others or the fear of your own success.
Harriett Tubman is quoted as saying “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world”. Nicki Minaj, this is your moment. Your willingness to dream beyond the horizon has changed the world view for so many women. If you remember nothing else, remember that. We love you Nicki and congratulations!