By AJ Mun
Staff Writer
Onika Tanya Miraj-Petty, known famously as Nicki Minaj, has been dubbed by many as the “Queen of Rap” since the early 2010s. Beginning with her debut album “Pink Friday,” Nicki has given audiences unique verses with a level of swagger that showed the world that she is unapologetically herself. While her talent can’t be questioned, her character has always put fans in a strange position.
Fans and stans of Minaj, known as the “Barbs,” have a dicey history of going to internet battle for their queen. Despite her brother's prosecution of 25 years to life amidst his sexual assault charges, she stands by him. Additionally, and similarly, her husband was sentenced to a one year house arrest for failing to register as a sex offender, and yet she still supports him.
While her level of talent, and impact on the rap game, is undeniable, Minaj has her own history of controversial decisions. It’s widely known that when it comes to the other girls in the rap game, Minaj doesn’t play well. Arguably her most infamous beef with fellow rapper Cardi B showed audiences that Minaj simply must be the best and the only female rapper. From this beef, many lost respect for Minaj after seeing her publicly speak about Cardi’s daughter.
Similarly, Minaj has had discourse with other artists including, but not limited to, SZA, Doechii, Beyonce, Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion and more. In all of this beef, one thing is common. Minaj was always there lurking like the boogeyman.
Most recently, amidst his controversial presidency, Donald Trump's alignment with Minaj has led fans to outrage all over the country. As a black woman who came from nothing, many looked up to Minaj as an inspiration. Upon aligning herself with someone who openly hates many of the communities that her fans come from, audiences had truly felt betrayed by their queen. No matter how she spun it, she really broke the hearts of many.
While I personally am sad to see the downfall of the harijuku barbie, an arguably problematic title one might add, I think this extreme loss in popularity is the perfect opportunity for other female rappers to thrive. As a devoted fan to Doechii, I believe that her rise to stardom would benefit extremely from Minaj’s absence.
What is enjoyable about Doechii is her fresh sound in the rap game. She offers something completely unique, all the while establishing a brand as a true performer. Similarly, someone who can’t seem to break the glass ceiling is Flo Milli. Her taunting, and almost playground like, rap style allows for a sense of playfulness while keeping the powerful feminine energy.
Oftentimes in the female rap category, every new up and comer was consistently being compared to Minaj. Though, with her behavior and unprofessionalism on her most previous tour, somewhat disappointing releases on her most recent album, and overall childlike and unhinged behavior in recent years, respect for Minaj has been lost by many over time.
To quote the fallen queen herself “You played checkers, couldn’t beat me playing chess.” Well miss Minaj, I fear it's a checkmate on you. Let us all make room for the new generation of female rappers and mourn “Minaj the monarch,” now “Minaj the MAGA.”
