Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty
- Born:
- December 8, 1982, Saint James, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
- Nationality:
- Trinidadian-American
- Profession(s):
- Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Actress
Early Life and Education
- Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, known professionally as Nicki Minaj, spent her early childhood in Saint James before relocating to Queens, New York.
- Experienced a difficult childhood marked by a troubled home life.
- Attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, focusing on drama.
- Before achieving mainstream success, she worked various jobs, including as a waitress. Learning about nicki minaj biography photos before fame often reveals the stark contrast between her early struggles and later success.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began her career with local rap groups and later released mixtapes, garnering attention within the underground hip-hop scene.
- Signed with Young Money Entertainment in 2009.
- Released her debut album, Pink Friday, in 2010, achieving commercial success and solidifying her position in the music industry.
- Subsequent albums, including Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, The Pinkprint, and Queen, have achieved platinum status.
- Known for her rapid-fire delivery, alter egos, and unique fashion sense.
- Achieved numerous awards and accolades, including multiple American Music Awards, BET Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards.
- One of the best-selling female rap artists of all time.
- Served as a judge on American Idol during its twelfth season.
Notable Works
Discography
| Album Title | Year Released | 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
Nicki Minaj is a highly influential figure in contemporary music, known for her impact on hip-hop and popular culture. She has paved the way for female rappers and continues to inspire artists worldwide with her unique style and business acumen. Her success has influenced the music industry and opened doors for future generations of female artists in a male-dominated field.