Nicki Minaj is a highly influential hip hop performer best known for her chart-topping singles such as "Super Bass" and "Starships." Her dynamic persona, lyrical prowess, and distinctive vocal style have solidified her position in the music industry.
Onika Tanya Maraj, professionally known as Nicki Minaj, was born on December 8, 1982, in Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago. At the age of five, she moved with her family to Queens, New York. Her early life was marked by significant challenges, including a turbulent relationship with her father, who struggled with substance abuse. Minaj has spoken candidly about her difficult upbringing, crediting those experiences as motivating factors in her determination to succeed.
To cope with her reality and explore her creativity, Minaj began developing alter egos and theatrical personas at a young age. She wrote her first rap at 12 and later attended the prestigious Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, known for inspiring the film "Fame." While Minaj initially pursued acting, her early attempts at an acting career were unsuccessful. She worked various jobs, including as a waitress at Red Lobster, from which she was dismissed for alleged impoliteness toward customers.
Nicki Minaj's music career began to gain attention when she started collaborating with rapper Lil Wayne. In 2007, she released her debut mixtape, Playtime Is Over, followed by Sucka Free in 2008 and Beam Me Up Scotty in 2009. These projects highlighted her bold personality and lyrical confidence and helped build her reputation in the hip hop community.
In August 2009, she signed with Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment, becoming the label's first female artist. Her profile rose further with her features on the compilation album We Are Young Money, and collaborations with artists such as Mariah Carey and Robin Thicke broadened her mainstream appeal.
In September 2019, Minaj caused a stir when she announced her intention to retire from music to focus on her family. After fan outcry, she apologized for the abrupt announcement and promised to elaborate further on her Queen Radio show on Apple Music's "Beats 1." Although she hinted at retirement, she has continued to release music and make public appearances since then.
Nicki Minaj has established herself not only as a performer but also as a brand. Her net worth, estimated to be over $100 million, stems from music sales, concert tours, fashion and beauty endorsements, as well as television appearances. She has partnered with several major brands, including MAC Cosmetics, Pepsi, and Fendi, reinforcing her status as a cultural icon.
Minaj has had several high-profile relationships. She was romantically involved with rapper Safaree Samuels for over a decade, with their relationship ending in 2014. She later dated rapper Meek Mill from 2015 to 2016, followed by a brief relationship with rapper Nas in 2017. Rumors also linked her to rapper Future, though neither confirmed a serious relationship.
In October 2019, Minaj married Kenneth Petty, a childhood friend. Their relationship has drawn media scrutiny due to Petty's criminal history, but Minaj has publicly expressed her support for him. The couple welcomed their first child, a son, in September 2020, marking a new phase in Minaj’s personal life and hinting at her evolving priorities beyond music.
| Birth Date: | 8 Dec, 1982 |
| Age: | 37 yrs |
| Citizenship: | Trinidad and Tobago United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Saint James |
| Education: | Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School |
| Gender: | Female |
| Description: | Trinidadian-American rapper, singer and songwriter |
| Spouse: | Kenneth Petty [M. 2019] |
| Net Worth 2021: | 100 million |
