Nicki Minaj faced initial criticism for incorporating singing into her repertoire with the release of her debut album, Pink Friday, in 2010. Despite her renowned rap skills, the unexpected blend of tender piano ballads and uptempo EDM pop jams raised eyebrows. The controversy escalated when Hot 97's Peter Rosenberg deemed her hit "Starships" as "not real hip-hop," prompting Minaj and Young Money to withdraw from Summer Jam. In the evolving landscape of hip-hop, singing has become a norm, evident in artists like Drake, Fetty Wap, and Young Thug. However, a faction within the hip-hop community contends that Minaj's diverse musical range hinders her albums from achieving classic status.
Here, we challenge this perspective by highlighting 13 instances where Minaj's singing prowess adds depth to her artistic repertoire, affirming that her multifaceted approach defies rigid categorization.
“Your Love,” Pink Friday (2010)
"Your Love," Minaj's breakthrough track from her 2010 mixtape Barbie World, made waves on mainstream radio even before her debut album. The song, with its soft-focus chords, twinkling effects, and sampled do-be-do-be-do-do-dos from Annie Lennox's "No More 'I Love You’s'," challenged rap's traditional masculinity. While critics may have viewed it as an "easy" radio hit, Minaj's intergalactic talent and the fusion of P.M. Dawn-style gauziness with fierce verses showcased her unique staying power. The track demonstrated her ability to effortlessly balance catchy, lovelorn themes with a tough, unapologetic edge, setting her apart in the rap genre.
“Dear Old Nicki,” Pink Friday (2010)
On Pink Friday, amidst a collaborative landscape, Nicki Minaj unveils a solo masterpiece, weaving one of her most exquisite melodies. Her verses, fiercely introspective, showcase an early prowess in balancing sweetness with a hint of bitterness. This revelation, tucked away amid the album's bravado, contrasts sharply with the opener "I'm the Best" and Eminem's invincible rhyme-off. While Minaj's rap skills garnered immediate acclaim, her synth-balladry deserves equal applause, a beauty that perhaps didn't receive its due recognition.
“Make Me Proud,” Drake’s Take Care (2011)
Between 2010 and 2012, Nicki Minaj asserted her dominance across the music landscape. However, it was her collaboration with Drake on his groundbreaking album, "Take Care," that showcased not only her assertive rap style but also her enchanting vocal prowess. The synergy between Minaj's unwavering flow and her ability to carry a melody is evident, especially in the captivating harmony as she echoes, "million, billion, trillion miles away." The track leaves a longing for more of her musicality, fueling anticipation for a subsequent album that could further amplify her artistry.
“Roman Holiday,” Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2012)
"Roman Holiday" serves as a testament to Minaj's unparalleled originality; it stands out in the pop landscape like no other, reminiscent only of the Queen. Her frenzied rap verses dance atop a tabla with a Bollywood flair, contrasting sharply with the show tune-like chorus, delivered with theatrical fervor in both the personas of Roman Zolanski and his mother Martha, complete with a British accent. The bridge even twists "O Come All Ye Faithful" to fit her artistic vision. This track, the opener of Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, remains one of her most intricate and ambitious career highlights, uniquely performed at the Grammys as the sole offering by a solo female rapper.
“Marilyn Monroe,” Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2012)
"If you can't handle my worst, you ain't getting my best" struck a nerve with Minaj's more conservative rap critics, who felt personally challenged by the half of Roman Reloaded that they wished had been estranged from their cherished "real hip-hop" from the start. Yet, the pop songs exhibit equal strength to the rap ones, showcasing the dynamite chorus of this piano-driven stunner. The clash between Minaj's diverse styles and traditional hip-hop expectations is evident, but her ability to seamlessly blend powerful rap verses with compelling pop elements remains a testament to her artistic versatility.
“Gun Shot,” Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2012)
Minaj's standout pop track since "Super Bass" (and the pinnacle of Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded) thoroughly explored the dancehall-infused potential of her islander intonation alongside reggae luminary Beenie Man. It reflects the 2012 pop landscape that the decent "Starships" was chosen as a single over this colossal party anthem, prompting speculation about its fate in 2016 dominated enduringly by Rihanna's similarly accented hit "Work."
“Knockout,” Lil Wayne’s Rebirth (2010)
As Nicki Minaj's artistic identity began to take shape, she garnered attention as the emerging luminary within Lil Wayne's Young Money circle. Her contribution to "Knockout," a standout track from his much-anticipated yet poorly received rock album Rebirth, infused the new wave anthem with a sweetly melodic hook and a playful charm reminiscent of No Doubt. This early collaboration hinted at her willingness to experiment and have a good time with diverse musical styles.
“Save Me,” Pink Friday (2010)
"Save Me," the sole track on Pink Friday devoid of rap, unveils a vulnerable side of Minaj. Amidst the delicate notes of a piano ballad, she bares her soul, admitting to being a 'monster' even in moments of lyrical fragility. The resonance of each piano chord reverberates through the listener's chest as Minaj earnestly pleads for salvation, navigating the complexities of a crumbling relationship. The composition is enriched with buttery harmonies, empathetic synths, and unexpected double-time "Funky Drummer" breaks, showcasing Minaj's versatility in seamlessly blending vulnerability with musical intricacies.
“Super Bass,” Pink Friday (Deluxe Edition) (2010)
"Super Bass" stands as the unanimous hit, a Minaj track earning acclaim as one of the decade's finest pop songs. Its immediate familiarity and timeless quality set it apart. While many songs explore the themes of a racing heart or celebrate the infectious danceability of a potent beat, few effortlessly intertwine both. The track's uptempo rhythm delivers a serotonin rush, securing its place alongside classics like "California Love" and "Juicy." In the vast expanse of the genre, "Super Bass" emerges as one of the most joyous escapes hip-hop has ever birthed.
“Turn Me On,” David Guetta’s Nothing but the Beat (2011)
Nicki Minaj's versatile vocal style truly shines in this track, skillfully incorporating stutter-rapping, auto-tune-dive-bombing, and pulsating beats reminiscent of Nirvana's "Sliver." While tracks like "Va Va Voom," "Starships," and "Automatic" offer enjoyment, albeit somewhat predictably, this dance floor anthem stands out as Minaj's most exceptional contribution to the genre.
“Come on a Cone,” Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2012)
Indeed, in "Come on a Cone," Nicki Minaj delivers a scathing rap, except for a brief yet pivotal moment where she seamlessly transitions into singing, reminiscent of an American Idol audition or perhaps The Lonely Island. This instance mirrors what PJ Harvey's "50 Ft. Queenie" did for rock—forcing the genre to yield to a woman wielding the same artistic tools that its predominantly male practitioners have long thrust in her gender's direction. It's a powerful testament to Minaj's ability to navigate and redefine the boundaries within her musical realm, challenging traditional expectations with her versatile and boundary-breaking artistry.
“Young Forever,” Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2012)
"Young Forever" stands as an underappreciated medley, seamlessly blending Caribbean chiptune and dubstep power ballad elements. The song unfolds with an abundance of gooey auto-tuned layers, creating a sonic landscape that's undeniably unique. It's a composition where all things are tinted pink, contributing to its distinctive character and allure.
“Pills N Potions,” The Pinkprint (2014)
"The Pinkprint" unveils a richly textured tapestry of sneaky melodicism, overlooked even in 2014's absence of standout classics like "To Pimp a Butterfly" or "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy." Amid its best-sung moments, "Get on Your Knees" showcases Ariana Grande's prowess, while "Feeling Myself" effortlessly weaves Beyonce into Minaj's hip-hop sphere. However, the poignant "Pills N Potions" stands as a testament to Nicki's solo brilliance, evoking the tenderness of past tracks like "Save Me" and "Dear Old Nicki," steeped in the raw emotion of heartbreak. Despite being overshadowed in 2014, "Potions" has since gained a timeless majesty, enduring beyond the twin spectacles of "Anaconda" and "Only."