Nicki Minaj: Rap Queen, Past with Meek Mill & Marriage to Kenneth Petty

Nicki Minaj is more than a rapper, she’s a cultural icon, lyrical powerhouse, and fearless fashion figure who carved her own lane in hip-hop and pop. Known for her animated flow, alter egos, and unrelenting hustle, Minaj’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and record-breaking triumph.

Nicki Minaj Biography

Nicki Minaj at an MTV event

Born Onika Tanya Maraj on December 8, 1982, in Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago, Nicki Minaj moved to Queens, New York, with her family at a young age. She grew up in a turbulent household, using her imagination and writing as escapes. Minaj later studied acting at LaGuardia High School, a training ground for creatives.

Before fame, she worked a string of service jobs while chasing her music dreams. Her unique style and sharp wordplay caught the attention of Lil Wayne, who signed her to Young Money Entertainment in 2009. The rest, as they say, is hip-hop history.

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Career

Nicki Minaj’s music career officially exploded with the release of her debut album “Pink Friday” in 2010, which included the chart-dominating hit Super Bass. The album went multi-platinum and launched Minaj as a genre-defying artist.

From there, she continued her reign with albums like Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, The Pinkprint, and Queen. Known for her theatrical alter egos (Roman Zolanski, Barbie, etc.), bold fashion, and rapid-fire verses, Minaj brought theatricality and depth to hip-hop’s male-dominated stage.

She also made waves in pop music, collaborating with artists like Ariana Grande, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, and Doja Cat. Whether dropping bars or stepping onto red carpets, Nicki Minaj continues to dominate the spotlight.

Nicki Minaj Songs

Nicki Minaj performing on stage

Nicki’s discography includes dozens of chart-toppers and fan-favorite tracks. Some of her most iconic songs include:

  • Super Bass
  • Anaconda
  • Moment 4 Life
  • Starships
  • Only (feat. Drake, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown)
  • Chun-Li
  • Barbie World (with Ice Spice)

Each track reveals different facets of Minaj, from pop diva to hardcore lyricist, cementing her place in the rap pantheon.

Nicki Minaj Net Worth

As of 2025, Nicki Minaj’s net worth is estimated at $150 million. Her earnings stem from album sales, sold-out tours, endorsement deals (including Fendi, MAC Cosmetics, and Beats by Dre), and her ventures into fragrance, acting, and television (American Idol). She’s not only a rapper but a savvy businesswoman.

Family

Nicki’s family life is both influential and complex. Her parents, Robert Maraj and Carol Maraj, played pivotal roles in her upbringing. Her father’s struggles with addiction created a challenging home environment, which Nicki has been open about in her music and interviews.

In 2020, she gave birth to her first child, affectionately referred to as “Papa Bear,” with husband Kenneth Petty, adding a new chapter to her family legacy.

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Nicki Minaj and Meek Mill

Nicki Minaj’s high-profile relationship with rapper Meek Mill began in 2015 and drew significant media attention. The couple collaborated on tracks and appeared publicly as one of hip-hop’s power pairs. However, they split in early 2017, citing personal differences. Their breakup sparked public exchanges and lyrical jabs in the years that followed.

Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty

Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty with their kid

Nicki Minaj married Kenneth “Zoo” Petty in 2019. The pair had known each other since their teenage years in Queens. Their relationship has been met with public scrutiny due to Petty’s criminal background, but Minaj has fiercely defended her husband. Together, they welcomed their first child in September 2020, ushering in her era as both a music mogul and mother.

Nicki Minaj Age

As of 2025, Nicki Minaj is 42 years old, a seasoned veteran in the music industry who remains relevant and influential. Her ability to adapt while staying true to her artistry is part of what keeps fans worldwide hooked.

Nicki Minaj Instagram

Nicki Minaj slaying on her Instagram

Nicki Minaj’s Instagram (@nickiminaj) is an essential space for fans, offering a mix of glamorous photo shoots, parenting moments, album updates, and live announcements. With over 225 million followers, it’s a hub for Barbz (her fanbase) and a tool she uses to control her narrative and connect directly with the world.

Conclusion

Nicki Minaj’s legacy is undeniable. From her Caribbean roots to her global domination of rap and pop, she has proven to be a visionary artist, fearless woman, and cultural pioneer. Whether she’s spitting verses, dropping fashion statements, or holding her family close, Nicki continues to redefine what it means to be a modern icon. And she’s far from done.

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