Nicki Minaj proving why she still deserves the crown

Nicki Minaj has consistently showcased her unfiltered opinions, yet in the half-decade since her last studio album, “Queen,” her knack for stirring controversy, highlighted by her notorious assertion regarding the potential impact of the Covid-19 vaccine on male fertility, has often eclipsed her musical endeavors. With “Pink Friday 2,” a titular sequel to her 2010 debut album, Nicki appears to be retracing her steps to the fundamentals. However, the album frequently presents itself as a monarch resting on her laurels rather than affirming her continued reign.

A decade ago, Nicki stood out as a lone female figure in a rap scene predominantly dominated by men. Yet, the rise of artists like Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion has heralded a new era, welcoming a surge of female voices never seen before. Many of these artists owe a clear debt to Nicki’s trailblazing influence. However, without the novelty of being the sole prominent female talent, Nicki seems to grapple with redefining her identity. Her recent collaborations with emerging artists such as Ice Spice and Sexyy Red can at times appear more like an attempt to chase clout rather than authentic mentorship bridging the generational gap.