Nicki Minaj is a Trinidadian-born rapper, singer, songwriter and actress.
She is a prominent figure in the music industry, known for hit songs like Super Bass, Starships and Anaconda.
Minaj has achieved significant success, selling over 100 million records worldwide and receiving numerous awards, including Grammy nominations and Billboard Music Awards.
She has made history as the first female rapper to have a song debut at Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in over two decades.
Minaj is often referred to as the ‘Queen of Rap’ and has a distinctive style that blends rap with pop elements, making her a standout artist in the music industry.
Net worth | $150 million |
Profession | Rapper, singer, actress |
Date of birth | December 8, 1982 |
Nationality | American |
Early life and background
Nicki Minaj, born Onika Tanya Maraj on December 8, 1982, in Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago, had a challenging childhood marked by a violent, drug-addicted father.
To cope, she created fantasies for escape, leading to the development of her stage name, Nicki Minaj.
Minaj moved to Queens, New York, at a young age and attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, where she pursued acting.
She began her music career as a backup singer and gained recognition through mixtapes, catching the attention of rapper Lil Wayne.
In 2009, Minaj signed with Young Money Entertainment, releasing her debut album, Pink Friday, in 2010, which topped the Billboard 200.
Known for her bold personality, colorful wigs, and sexually explicit lyrics, she has become a significant figure in the music industry, earning accolades and setting records as a top-selling female rapper.
Net worth
Minaj’s net worth is estimated to be around $150 million as of 2024.
She has become the wealthiest female rapper in the industry, with a significant portion of her wealth coming from her music career, endorsements, business ventures and investments.
Despite a challenging upbringing, Minaj’s success in the music industry, with hit albums like Pink Friday, has propelled her to financial success.
Additionally, her involvement in philanthropic endeavors, such as paying college tuition fees for fans and supporting charitable causes, showcases her commitment to giving back to the community.
Minaj’s net worth reflects her multifaceted career in music, film, fashion and business, solidifying her position as a prominent figure in pop culture.
Endorsement deals
Minaj has been involved in numerous endorsement deals with various brands, showcasing her versatility and influence beyond music.
Some of the prominent brands she has endorsed include Activision, Adidas and Beats By Dre.
These endorsements span a wide range of products, including accessories, apps and software and audio hardware.
Minaj’s collaborations with brands like MAC Cosmetics and Fendi have been particularly successful, demonstrating her ability to connect with high-end fashion and beauty markets.
Despite some challenges, such as the lawsuit related to her partnership with Rap Snacks, Minaj’s endorsement deals have been a significant part of her business ventures, contributing to her overall success and financial growth.
Her strategic selection of brands aligns with her personal values and interests, ensuring a genuine connection with the products and services she endorses, ultimately solidifying her position as a multifaceted artist and entrepreneur.
Business ventures
Minaj has ventured into various business endeavors beyond her music career, showcasing her entrepreneurial acumen and diversification.
Some of her notable business ventures include Tidal, where she became a co-owner in 2015, aligning herself with other distinguished music artists and solidifying her influence in the industry.
Minaj also owns Pink Friday Entertainment, an American record label under Universal Music Group, featuring artists like Drake, Ariana Grande and Big Sean.
In 2013, she launched the Nicki Minaj Collection, a lifestyle brand encompassing apparel, accessories and housewares, reflecting her unique style and creative vision.
Additionally, Minaj partnered with Sears Holdings in 2013 to create a lifestyle brand spanning various departments, offering apparel, accessories, and housewares that authentically reflect her style and persona.
Through a collaboration with MAC Cosmetics, she introduced an exclusive line featuring iconic lipsticks, showcasing her influence in the beauty and fashion industry.
These ventures highlight Minaj’s ability to expand her brand beyond music, demonstrating her success as a multifaceted entrepreneur with a keen eye for business opportunities.
Car collection
Minaj’s car collection includes a variety of luxury vehicles, reflecting her taste for high-end automobiles.
While specific details may vary, her collection is known to feature cars like the Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster, a 1997 model that was sold for $460,000.
Additionally, Minaj has been associated with a Cadillac ‘Trump’ Limo, a customized stretch limo built in partnership with Cadillac to meet her specific requirements, complete with personalized features like CCTV, a VCR and even a paper shredder.
Her car collection showcases her affinity for unique and extravagant vehicles, aligning with her larger-than-life persona and style.
Real estate
Minaj’s real estate portfolio includes luxurious properties in Los Angeles, showcasing her penchant for grand homes.
In 2022, she purchased a modern farmhouse in Hidden Hills for $19.5 million, featuring eight bedrooms, nine full bathrooms and two powder rooms.
This nearly 12,000-square-foot residence boasts a separate guesthouse, a spa, a poolside cabana and a saltwater pool with a Baja shelf.
The property, situated on a full acre of land, offers privacy with significant landscaping and a three-car garage.
Additionally, Minaj previously resided in a $10 million home in the Flats area of Los Angeles, featuring six bedrooms, eight bathrooms and around 7,000 square feet of living space.
Her properties reflect her affinity for spacious and luxurious homes, aligning with her status as a successful artist and public figure.
Early career
Minaj’s early career involved taking on backup singing roles for local New York City rappers, writing her own material, and being discovered by Dirty Money CEO Fendi through her MySpace page.
This connection led her to Lil Wayne, with whom she collaborated on mixtapes like Playtime Is Over, Sucka Free, and Beam Me Up Scotty.
In 2009, she signed with Lil Wayne’s Young Money label, becoming its first female artist.
Minaj showcased her talent and style through collaborations with artists like Mariah Carey and Robin Thicke, solidifying her reputation before her breakthrough.
Breakthrough
Minaj’s breakthrough in her career came with the release of her debut album, Pink Friday, in 2010.
This album topped the Billboard 200 chart, showcasing her unique rap style and provocative lyrics.
Notably, the album featured sexually explicit content, a signature of her work and embraced the shock value associated with her music.
Following the success of Pink Friday, Minaj continued to rise in prominence with her second album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, which included the hit single, Starships.
Her career further flourished as she ventured into acting, appearing in films like The Other Woman and Barbershop: The Next Cut.
Additionally, Minaj’s role as a judge on American Idol and her record-breaking appearances on the Billboard Hot 100 chart solidified her status in the music industry.
Notable collaborations
Minaj has established herself as the queen of collaborations in the music industry, showcasing her versatility and talent through a myriad of notable partnerships.
One of her iconic collaborations includes teaming up with Drake for the hit single, Moment 4 Life, in 2010, following their earlier feature on Bed Rock.
Her collaborations with pop superstar Rihanna have also been memorable, with tracks like Raining Men in 2010 and Fly in 2012 highlighting their incredible chemistry.
Additionally, Minaj’s work with David Guetta on the 2011 single, Turn Me On, stands out as a classic in their repertoire, demonstrating her ability to shine in the realm of dance-pop music.
Furthermore, her collaboration with Justin Bieber on Beauty and a Beat in 2012 not only delivered a catchy hit but also showcased her dynamic presence in the music video.
Her partnership with Madonna and M.I.A. on Give Me All Your Luvin’ in 2012 was unexpected yet successful, adding a unique flavor to the music scene.
Collaborating with artists like Jessie J and Ariana Grande on Bang Bang in 2014 and Ariana Grande again on Side To Side in 2016 further solidified her reputation as a sought-after collaborator with a knack for creating chart-topping hits.
These collaborations underscore Minaj’s ability to elevate songs with her distinctive style and lyrical prowess, cementing her status as a powerhouse in the music industry.
Tours
Minaj has captivated audiences worldwide with her electrifying tours and live performances, showcasing her dynamic stage presence and musical prowess.
Fans have been treated to unforgettable experiences at her concerts, where she delivers high-energy performances and engages the crowd with her charismatic persona.
From her The PinkPrint Tour at the hydro arena in Glasgow to shows in Chula Vista, California, and beyond, Minaj’s live performances have been described as amazing, fantastic and breath-taking by attendees who were left in awe of her talent and showmanship.
Despite occasional delays and minor setbacks, Minaj’s concerts have been praised for their entertainment value, with fans expressing admiration for her ability to entertain and connect with the audience.
Her tours have spanned multiple countries, drawing crowds eager to witness her iconic hits and stage theatrics.
Whether it’s her collaborations with other artists like Trey Songz or the energy she brings to the stage, Minaj’s live performances have left a lasting impression on fans, solidifying her status as a top-tier performer in the music industry.
Awards and accolades
Minaj has garnered an impressive array of awards and accolades throughout her career.
Notable achievements include winning 11 BET Awards, 7 BET Hip Hop Awards, 6 American Music Awards, 4 Billboard Music Awards, 4 Teen Choice Awards, 3 MTV Video Music Awards, 3 MTV Europe Music Awards, 2 People’s Choice Awards, 1 Soul Train Music Award and 1 Billboard Women in Music Rising Star Award.
She holds the distinction of being the first artist to win the BET Award for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist for five consecutive years and was the first female artist included in MTV’s annual Hottest MC List.
Additionally, Minaj has the most Billboard Hot 100 entries among women of all genres in the chart’s history.
Her influence and recognition extend globally, as evidenced by her inclusion in the 2016 Time 100 list of the world’s most influential people.
Philanthropic efforts
Minaj’s philanthropic efforts have been significant, focusing on various causes and charitable activities.
She has supported charities like the Red Cross, Save The Music Foundation, and the Get Schooled Foundation, demonstrating her commitment to education, disaster relief and supporting disadvantaged youths.
Minaj’s generosity extends globally, with notable contributions to villages in India through initiatives like building water wells, educational centers, computer centers and sewing centers.
Her donations have had a tangible impact on villages in Ennore, Kolathur and Atipattu, providing essential infrastructure and resources for the local communities.
Additionally, Minaj’s philanthropy includes donations to aid disaster relief efforts, such as contributing $25,000 after Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and assisting fans with college debt payments.
Her charitable work reflects a deep-rooted commitment to giving back and making a positive difference in the lives of others, showcasing her dedication to supporting various causes and communities both locally and internationally.
Nicki Minaj family
Minaj’s family includes her parents, Robert Maraj and Carol Maraj, who played significant roles in her life.
Her father, Robert Maraj, worked as a financial executive, while her mother, Carol Maraj, was a gospel singer.
Minaj has several siblings, including brothers named Jelani, Micaiah, and Brandon, as well as a sister named Ming.
Her childhood was marked by challenges, including a tumultuous family environment due to her father’s struggles with addiction and violence.
Despite these difficulties, Minaj found solace in music and creativity, which eventually paved the way for her successful career in the music industry.
Her family background, though complex, has influenced her artistry and resilience, shaping her into the influential figure she is today.