Nicki Minaj, the globally acclaimed rapper, has ushered in the new year with a fresh perspective, signaling a departure from her earlier musical endeavors. At a mesmerizing New Year’s Eve performance in Miami’s renowned E11EVEN, Minaj surprised her ardent fans by choosing to retire one of her earliest hit songs, “Starships,” a pivotal track from her massive 2012 album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded. The song, along with “Super Bass,” played a pivotal role in catapulting Minaj into stardom during the early phases of her illustrious career.
As the audience eagerly anticipated the performance of “Starships,” a track that blended dance-pop and hip-hop and contributed significantly to Minaj’s crossover appeal, the rapper took everyone by surprise. Midway through the song, she abruptly cut it off, declaring, “I don’t perform that song no more, y’all.” The Barbz, Minaj’s devoted fan base, responded with a mixture of boos and disbelief. Unfazed, Minaj playfully referred to the song as a “stupid song” before swiftly moving on with the show.
“Starships,” co-written by Minaj alongside notable figures such as Nadir “RedOne” Khayat, Carl Falk, Rami Yacoub, Wayne Hector, and Bilal “The Chef” Hajji, made its debut in February 2012. The song quickly ascended to No. 9 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and ultimately secured a prominent No. 5 spot. Its success, coming on the heels of Minaj’s earlier triumph with “Super Bass,” further solidified her standing in the music industry. As of 2024, “Starships” has achieved platinum status nine times in the USA.
Despite its commercial triumphs, Minaj has publicly distanced herself from the song. In a moment of candid reflection during the 2020 Pollstar Live Conference in Los Angeles, she expressed regret not only about “Starships” but also about a substantial portion of her discography. This includes her sentiments towards the 2014 hit “Anaconda,” where she mentioned, “I wish I had never recorded ‘Anaconda.’ I like the video but ugh.”
Continuing her introspective commentary, Minaj revealed her conflicted feelings towards her first solo Billboard hit, “Your Love.” She admitted, “To this day, I like the video, but I hate the song.” The rapper didn’t stop there, expressing her disdain for “Starships” with a distinctive “ew” and questioning her decision to create the track. This openness about her musical journey, successes, and regrets showcases Minaj’s evolving perspective on her own artistic endeavors.
In December 2023, Minaj released her fifth studio album, “Pink Friday 2,” marking a significant chapter in her musical career. Throughout the album’s rollout, Minaj offered glimpses into how she has transformed and matured since her breakout moments with hits like “Super Bass” and “Starships.” The rapper, known for her dynamic stage presence and fearless lyricism, has been unapologetically transparent about her personal growth and evolving identity.
Beyond her musical career, Nicki Minaj has been a focal point of media attention for her personal life choices. In December 2018, she made headlines by going public with her relationship with Kenneth “Zoo” Petty, a registered sex offender. Despite facing backlash for this unconventional choice, Minaj and Petty remained steadfast in their commitment, tying the knot in 2019 and welcoming their son in 2020.
Motherhood has been a transformative journey for Minaj, who publicly refers to her son as Papa Bear. In various interviews, she has shared the profound impact of giving birth in September 2020. The rapper, who once enjoyed a life of spontaneity, now reflects on the changes in her priorities, stating, “My life was so selfish before he came here.” The newfound responsibility of parenthood has shifted her perspective, making her consider her son in every decision.
During a December 2023 appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Minaj elaborated on the transformative effect of motherhood, emphasizing how it has influenced her choices. “Since this little human came onto planet Earth, I can’t do anything without thinking about him first.” This profound shift in perspective provides a glimpse into the multifaceted identity of Nicki Minaj – a global music icon, a mother, and an artist navigating the complexities of fame and personal growth.As Minaj’s journey unfolds, marked by chart-topping successes, public declarations of regret, and embracing the joys of motherhood, she continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Her ability to evolve as an artist and an individual adds depth to her narrative, ensuring that Nicki Minaj remains a central figure in the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry.
Evan Archer, a seasoned journalist with an insatiable curiosity for unraveling the complexities of global affairs, stands at the forefront of contemporary world news. Born with an innate passion for storytelling, Archer has dedicated his career to shedding light on the intricate tapestry of international events, navigating the ever-evolving landscape of geopolitical dynamics.
