Quick Wiki
- Full Name Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty
- Birth Date Dec 08, 1982
- Age 42 Years, 1 Months
- Birthplace Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
- Occupation Trinidadian rapper, singer, and songwriter
- Mother Carol
- Father Robert Maraj
- Spouses Kenneth Petty (m. 2019)
Nicki Minaj | Biography
Born in Trinidad, Nicki Minaj rose from a challenging childhood to global stardom as a hip-hop icon, known for her dynamic performances and hit albums.
Who is Nicki Minaj?
Nicki Minaj, born Onika Tanya Maraj on December 8, 1982, in Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago, is a globally recognized hip-hop artist and cultural icon. At the age of five, she moved with her family to Queens, New York, where she faced significant challenges growing up, including witnessing her father's struggles with addiction and violence. These early adversities fueled Minaj's determination to succeed and change the trajectory of her family's life. Embracing her creative spirit, she developed multiple personas, ultimately settling on the name Nicki Minaj, showcasing her theatrical flair and innate talent for music and performance.
Launching her professional career in the mid-2000s, Minaj gained early recognition through collaborations and mixtapes, eventually signing with Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment in 2009. Her debut album, "Pink Friday," released in 2010, achieved triple platinum status and established her as a leading female force in hip-hop. Minaj’s dynamic presence on the music scene has led to chart-topping singles, critical acclaim, and a multitude of awards, solidifying her reputation as one of the most influential artists in the history of the genre. Beyond music, Minaj has successfully ventured into acting, endorsements, and her own business projects, illustrating her multifaceted career and dedication to empowerment.
Early Life and Education
Nicki Minaj, born Onika Tanya Maraj on December 8, 1982, in Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago, faced a tumultuous childhood after her family relocated to Queens, New York, when she was just 5 years old. Growing up in a challenging environment, Minaj's early life was marked by hardship, particularly due to her father's struggles with substance abuse and violence. These experiences instilled in her a drive to achieve success and empower others, especially her mother. She developed a desire to elevate her family's circumstance, recognizing the limitations imposed by her upbringing.
During her formative years, Minaj emerged as a multifaceted performer. At the age of 12, she wrote her first rap, showcasing her burgeoning talent in music and creative expression. She attended LaGuardia High School of Music and Art, a prestigious school renowned for its emphasis on the arts, where she further honed her skills in acting. Despite her passion for acting, Minaj’s career didn’t take off as planned, leading her to juggle various jobs, including a position at Red Lobster, from which she was infamously fired for her attitude towards customers. This determination and resilience are the foundation of her future success in the music industry.
Career Start: Early Career and Rise to Fame
Nicki Minaj began her music journey determined to break into the competitive hip-hop industry. After taking on various odd jobs, including a stint as a waitress, she transitioned into music by providing backup vocals for local rappers in New York City. Her passion and talent soon caught the attention of Dirty Money's CEO, Fendi, who discovered her on MySpace and signed her to his label. This pivotal moment paved the way for Minaj's collaboration with Lil Wayne and her official entry into the music scene, leading to a series of mixtape releases that showcased her distinct style and lyrical prowess.
Minaj's breakthrough came with the release of her mixtapes, including "Playtime Is Over" in 2007 and "Sucka Free" in 2008, which gained her recognition for her confident, bold personas and flashy alter egos. In 2009, she made a significant leap by signing to Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment as its first female artist. Her involvement with the label helped solidify her status in the industry, and she soon contributed to the "We Are Young Money" compilation album, expanding her reach and setting the stage for her debut album. By the time "Pink Friday" was released in November 2010, Nicki Minaj was not just an emerging artist; she was poised to become a defining figure in modern music.
Achievements and Major Successes: Albums and Collaborations
Nicki Minaj has established herself as a powerhouse in the music industry, with her debut album, "Pink Friday", releasing in 2010 to critical acclaim and commercial success. The album, featuring hits like "Super Bass" and "Moment 4 Life," achieved triple platinum status and became a significant milestone in hip-hop history, showcasing Minaj's unique style and versatility. Following this, her second studio album, "Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded", released in 2012, was a chart-topping success, spawning popular singles such as "Starships" and "Pound the Alarm," solidifying her position as a leading female rapper.
Throughout her career, Minaj has collaborated with numerous high-profile artists across various genres, further enhancing her musical reach. Notable collaborations include "Save Me" with her mentor Lil Wayne, "Side to Side" with Ariana Grande, and "Run Up" with Major Lazer featuring Partynextdoor. Her contributions to music haven't gone unnoticed; Minaj has set multiple records on Billboard, including the most entries for a female artist on the Hot 100, a testament to her prolific output and popularity. Additionally, her singles consistently chart at the top, making her one of the most commercially successful female rappers in history.
Movies and Business Ventures
Nicki Minaj has successfully branched beyond her music career into the realms of film and business. One of her notable voice roles was in the animated film "Ice Age: Continental Drift" (2012), where she provided the voice for the character Steffie. Minaj made her live-action debut in the romantic comedy "The Other Woman" (2014), starring alongside Cameron Diaz, which showcased her acting talent. She also garnered attention for her performance in "Barbershop: The Next Cut" (2016), receiving a Teen Choice Award nomination for her role. These ventures into film have allowed Minaj to expand her influence in the entertainment industry.
In addition to her film endeavors, Nicki Minaj has established herself as a savvy businesswoman. She has entered into lucrative endorsement deals with major brands, including MAC Cosmetics, Adidas Originals, and Pepsi. Furthermore, Minaj has launched her own fragrance line, which reflects her dedication to entrepreneurship. Notably, she is also a shareholder in the Tidal streaming service, highlighting her strategic investments in the music industry. Through these ventures, Minaj not only solidifies her status as an icon in music but also continues to make significant strides in various business pursuits.
Personal Life: Married Life and Children
Nicki Minaj married rapper Kenneth Petty in October 2019, marking a significant chapter in her personal life. Their relationship began in their teenage years, but it was rekindled years later, leading to their union. Minaj has often spoken about the importance of family, and her marriage to Petty reflects her desires outside of her music career. Following their wedding, she shared her hopes of expanding her family, demonstrating her commitment to both her personal and professional life.
In July 2020, Nicki announced that she was expecting her first child, eagerly sharing her joy with fans. On September 30, 2020, the couple welcomed a son, who has become a central part of their lives. Minaj has expressed her love for motherhood, often highlighting its significance during interviews and on social media. She previously dated fellow rappers Meek Mill and Safaree Samuels but appears to find a deep sense of fulfillment and stability in her new family life with Petty and their child.
Net Worth and Earnings: Salary and Financial Success
Nicki Minaj, a powerhouse in the music industry, has not only earned recognition for her vibrant performances and chart-topping hits but has also amassed considerable wealth through her various ventures. As of now, her net worth is estimated to be around $100 million, primarily stemming from her successful career as a hip-hop artist, songwriter, and actress. With multiple platinum albums and numerous awards under her belt, Minaj is known for her commanding presence in the industry. Her income sources include album sales, concert tours, and endorsements with major brands like MAC Cosmetics and Pepsi, enhancing her financial success further.
In addition to music, Minaj has also explored opportunities in acting and entrepreneurship. Her film appearances, such as in "Ice Age: Continental Drift" and "The Other Woman," along with her investment in the streaming service Tidal, showcase her versatility and business acumen. Minaj has launched her fragrance line and has signed lucrative endorsement deals, contributing significantly to her income. With her captivating brand and influence, she continues to break barriers, setting new standards for financial success in the music industry while inspiring countless fans around the globe.
