Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty
- Born:
- December 8, 1982, Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago
- Nationality:
- Trinidadian-American
- Profession(s):
- Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Actress
Early Life and Education
- Moved to Queens, New York City at age 5.
- Attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, focusing on drama.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began her career as a member of the group The Hoodstars.
- Gained recognition through her mixtapes in the late 2000s.
- Signed with Young Money Entertainment in 2009.
- Released her debut album, Pink Friday, in 2010, which reached number one on the Billboard 200.
- Achieved numerous awards, including multiple BET Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and American Music Awards.
- Holds the record for most Billboard Hot 100 entries among women of all genres.
- Her work extends beyond music, influencing fashion and popular culture.
- The visual artistry surrounding her music is sometimes discussed; for example, discussions about the symbolism and imagery used in something like an 'autobiography nicki minaj official video grand piano' performance are common among fans.
Notable Works
Discography
| Album Title | Year | Record Label |
|---|---|---|
| Pink Friday | 2010 | Young Money, Cash Money, Republic |
| Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded | 2012 | Young Money, Cash Money, Republic |
| The Pinkprint | 2014 | Young Money, Cash Money, Republic |
| Queen | 2018 | Young Money, Cash Money, Republic |
| Pink Friday 2 | 2023 | Young Money, Cash Money, Republic |
Filmography
| Title | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Ice Age: Continental Drift | 2012 | Steffie (voice) |
| The Other Woman | 2014 | Lydia |
| Barbershop: The Next Cut | 2016 | Draya |
| The Angry Birds Movie 2 | 2019 | Pinky (voice) |
Legacy and Impact
Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, known professionally as Nicki Minaj, has significantly influenced hip-hop culture and female empowerment in music. Her unique style, lyrical prowess, and entrepreneurial endeavors have cemented her status as a global icon.