Nicki Minaj

Onika Tanya Maraj (stage name Nicki Minaj) is a Trinidadian-born rapper and singer who rose to prominence in the late 2000s. She was associated with Lil Wayne and Young Money and is known for blending rap and pop in her work.

Discovered/mentored by Lil Wayne and associated with Young Money; debut studio album Pink Friday; collaborations with Eminem, Kanye West, Rihanna and others.

DeBaser's available review of Nicki Minaj highlights a pop/rap approach that some see as playing it safe. The debut Pink Friday gets mixed marks, with Roman's Revenge (ft. Eminem) and a few collaborations singled out as high points. Overall reception in the review is lukewarm.

For:Readers interested in pop and hip-hop criticism, fans of Nicki Minaj and those exploring the pop/rap crossover.