Nicki Minaj

Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, known professionally as Nicki Minaj, is a Trinidadian rapper, singer, and songwriter. Dubbed the "Queen of Rap" and one of the most influential rappers of all time, she is noted for her dynamic rap flow, witty lyrics, musical versatility, and alter egos, and is credited as a driving force in the mainstream resurgence of female rap since the 2010s.

Lil Wayne's decision to sign Nicki Minaj to Young Money in 2009 fundamentally altered the trajectory of mainstream rap, positioning her to become the first female rapper to genuinely dominate the Billboard Hot 100 as a solo force. Her five studio albums—from *Pink Friday*'s breakthrough through *Pink Friday 2*'s triumphant return—established a template for commercial dominance without sacrificing technical skill, her rapid-fire flows and shifting alter egos drawing clear lineage from Missy Elliott while carving entirely new territory. The rivalry with Remy Ma produced *ShETHER*, widely recognized as one of rap's greatest diss tracks, while her ongoing tension with Cardi B represented something deeper: competing visions of what female rap stardom could be.