By: Amanda Anderson-Niles
No matter how you feel about rapper Nicki Minaj, it’s pretty clear that she’s embarked on a lot of success and achieved a lot of things that most female rappers haven’t. Nicki is also tied to a lot of controversy, and she has managed to become a huge target of criticism because she pretty much abandoned her original hardcore image for one that is a lot more animated and “bubble gum,” but it would be Nicki’s change to the “Barbie” image that would help her become a crossover artist. Nicki credits most of her success to Lil Wayne signing her to Young Money Records, and she admitted in a recent interview with MTV News that she’s proud that she didn’t sleep her way to the top. She says:
“When I started being around Young Money, Wayne thought I was shy, but it wasn’t that I was shy, I just didn’t want anybody to think I was easy. No matter what my lyrics were saying, when I got around these guys, I was a prude, because I didn’t want anyone in this game to ever be able to say ‘I had s*x with her’ or ‘when she needed a deal, she had to…’ No.
“And ‘til this day, not one single man in this industry can say that and I pride myself on that. That’s the only bit of advice I would give the up-and-coming female rappers. You could be as sexy as you want, but just maintain your dignity around these guys.”
Nicki also says that although she respects the female rappers that came before her, she wants to achieve more and she feels like they couldn’t because they didn’t have the right people in their circles:
“I want to be female rapper turned mogul. I want to be the female Jay in terms of how he carved out his business because I didn’t understand why female rappers—and shout out to the female rappers that came before me, I always have to say that, because I mean no disrespect. I just feel like maybe whoever was in their circles didn’t really help them be all that they could be and I just decided to change that.”
Check out the interview below:
I’m glad she’s getting her life together. I hope it’s not too late for people to start taking her seriously.
I’m not sure I believe her.
Why not? You know not all women spread their legs to succeed in the business. IJS.
This is true.
#TRUTH
Well good for her IF she’s telling the truth here. It’s so hard for women to survive the business because it’s mainly dominated by men.
Eh, I think she’s honest here. I haven;t heard about her being passed around. That’s the one thing I can give her credit for.
I think a lot of women feel like they have to sleep around to get on in the music industry. It’s sad, but that’s just the illusion the business gives off. I’m glad she didn’t fall for the lies.
I don’t think she’s lying.
I respect her for not slutting it out but she still needs to come harder with her music. It’s garbage.
Yeah right!
Nicki is growing on me…I just wish her music wasn’t so terrible. Smh.
Good for Nicki. I’m liking her improved self!
LOL really? She expects the public to believe that crap that’s coming out of her mouth. Ya right! Who in the hell is she trying to fool? Come on now! Save that crap for the little fans of hers….cause us grown folks aren’t buying it! Come again!