Most know Nicki Minaj for her outrageous outfits and sensual dance moves, but there is much more to this diva than meets the eye.
Some critics argue that Minaj is not fit to be a role model due to her sexually charged lyrics and revealing clothing. However, behind the wigs, makeup and multiple personas she is a hard-working woman who, in many ways, is wise beyond her years.
Here is a list of eight moments Nicki Minaj proved she is much deeper than she gets credit for.
1. On feminism
Nicki Minaj told Vogue, “I think of myself as a woman who wants other women to be bosses and to be strong and to be go-getters.”
Nicki Minaj may not be a self-proclaimed feminist, but she does stand by many of its ideals. She is an avid supporter of women paving their way in the workplace and is not shy about showing it. As the most popular female artist in the male-dominated world of hip-hop, Minaj certainly practices what she preaches. Who run the world? Girls.
2. On letting go of others’ expectations
“I’m going out and having fun because none of this is guaranteed. I’m not living my life for social media and people who don’t know anything about me anymore — for them to give me a stamp of approval. It doesn’t matter to me anymore.”
In a world dominated by social media, Nicki Minaj is not letting herself be defined by others. At the end of the day, self-love is an inside job and your worth is not dependent on how anyone else views you. Nicki reminds us that all we need to do is be authentic to ourselves and let people think what they may.
3. On being human
“I’ve seen so much judgment. If people knew what I’ve really gone through, they’d think I was Mother Teresa. I’ve taken so much s**t, so much betrayal, and I still remain classy about it.”
During her interview with Vogue Magazine, she shared the difficulty she faces trusting people in the music industry. At times, Minaj worries that she will be taken advantage of if she lets her guard down.
Nicki discusses personal topics in her music, such as breakups, use of pain killers and an abortion at a young age. Though Minaj struggles to delve deep into her past, she does it to comfort people in similar circumstances. She wants her music to inspire people to keep their head up regardless of the struggles they face.
4. On women taking care of themselves
“I want your goal in life to be to become an entrepreneur, a rich woman, a career-driven woman. You have to be able to know that you need no man on this planet at all, period.”
Nicki Minaj is a truly independent woman, taking charge of her career. In her interview with Marie Claire, she urged other women to work towards their goals first and not depend on a man. With a net worth of over $75 million and more number one singles than any female artist, she is a true lady boss. Her accomplishments and words of encouragement to women everywhere show that having a man doesn’t determine your worth.
5. On giving yourself credit
“One rule is ‘no more self-judgment.’ I’m not judging myself, I’m not dissing what I do. I’m proud of what I’ve done and I’m proud of what I’m working on. I’ve accomplished something and I’m not going to be ashamed to be happy about what I’ve done.”
During her interview with Complex, Minaj speaks about how her music tells her story openly and honestly. Minaj enjoys expressing all facets of who she is. She believes it is important for herself as a woman to embody strength and vulnerability simultaneously. It all comes down to telling and living your own truth. Nicki shows us that there’s nothing wrong with owning and loving everything that you are.
6. On happiness
“It’s those little, tiny things that really make up the bigger picture. So, my happiness doesn’t come from money or fame. My happiness comes from seeing life without struggle.”
Nicki Minaj gets real in her documentary “My Time Now.” Minaj lived with her grandmother for several years when her parents faced financial woes. She also spoke about her tumultuous childhood with a drug addicted and emotionally abusive father. His addiction spun Minaj’s father into a cycle of poverty and incarceration which weighed heavily on the family.
Now, as an incredibly successful grown woman, she relishes little things like buying Christmas gifts for her younger brothers. Though her music videos in lavish locations throwing dollar bills may not scream humility, Minaj does not take her success for granted. She is prideful of rising above her circumstances and she wants to inspire others to do the same.
7. On being human
“When you’re a girl, you have to be everything. You have to be dope at what you do, but you have to be super sweet, and you have to be sexy, and you have to be this and you have to be that and you have to be nice, and you have to– it’s like, I can’t be all of those things at once.”
It may not come as a surprise that Nicki Minaj is under a lot of pressure. On one hand, she is praised and rewarded for her sex appeal as the popularity of her music videos skyrocket. On the other hand, she is bombarded with criticism about her being a negative influence on young girls.
In “My Time Again,” Minaj shares that she is often frustrated with constant criticism from both sides of the aisle. Being a girl is anything but easy. We hear you loud and clear, Nicki.
8. On being a role model
“I want to show little girls that the possibilities are endless. That’s my goal – to not only do it for myself, but to show them I can do whatever I put my mind to.”
In her interview with The Guardian, Minaj disclosed that she would have never imagined she would ever make it this far as a girl from the Southside of Queens. As a woman of color who didn’t grow up with money, her triumphs in the music industry represent something much bigger than herself.
Minaj shared that being an inspirational figure for young black women is a dream come true for her. For these girls to see someone who looks like them represented in the media as a symbol of beauty is incredibly powerful.
She believes that her career might show other little girls like her that they are capable of anything, too. We see you, girl. It’s no secret that #BlackGirlsRock, and Nicki is no exception.
