Since Nicki Minaj first exploded into the world of music, it had people wondering whether she’d be here to stay or if she was just a phase like past female rappers. Past female rappers have struggled to survive in the music industry, but Nicki Minaj is willing to take the challenge; creating her own way through the rap game with her eclectic image and different personalities. Being critiqued and questioned on everything she does is something she’s going to have to deal with throughout her career, but proving herself along the way is something she’s already doing.
Nicki Minaj had first started out as an underground artist like most rappers do; she released three mix tapes during that time, which created loyal fans before she even became known to most of the world. The first time I ever heard Nicki Minaj was at a Lil Wayne concert in fall of 2009, when she was still underground. I had no clue who she was when she came out on stage, but she immediately intrigued me when she started rapping. The next day I downloaded every song I could possibly find of hers, and I think that’s what a true artist should do.
Being noticed was something she was from the very beginning. Before she even released her first album, she was appearing on songs with artist like Usher, Trey Songz and Mariah Carrey. She was even recommended by Jay-Z to Robin Thicke for his song “Shakin it for Daddy” and eventually got to appear in Kanye West’s song “Monster” with Jay-Z and Rick Ross. Even though she was clearly the underdog in the song “Monster” it was her verse that stole the spotlight and had people talking.
Her exotic outfits, colorful hair, and multiple personalities keeps people guessing what she’ll be doing next. Even though some of her outfits are considered pretty crazy and out there by some people, she gets props for doing her own thing and being unique. She says that’s something she does have an advantage on over male rappers is that she gets to change up her looks and bring something new to the table. And changing up her looks she does. Like at the 2010 American Music Awards in her “skeleton dress” or at the 2011 Grammy’s in her “cheetah” apparel. In her interview with Elaine Welteroth for Ebony magazine, she said she likes to give people a show and the eye candy that makes them sit in anticipation at the edge of their seat. Even if people don’t always love what she wears, she always makes sure they’ve noticed it and will talk about it.
Not only does she catch peoples’ attention with her outfits, but also her wacky face expressions or quirky catchphrases in different voices. From her wide eyed and fake “Barbie” smile face to her crazed and lip puckered face, she’s making people look. She even has a page on facebook about her different facial expressions. Her alter-egos become apparent through her music: in her lyrics, during her performances, and in her music videos. The music videos she’s in show perfectly her different personalities and how she uses her face expressions and her different voices. Ludacris’s music video “My Chick Bad” featuring Nicki Minaj portrays all her craziness in one. She has a pink wig on, black lipstick, and Freddy Krueger claws on. She’s constantly making different faces and part of her lyrics are, “Tuck yourself in you better hold onto your teddy/ it’s nightmare on Elm Street and guess who’s playing Freddy” rapped in a deep voice.
Nicki Minaj may be just at the beginning of her career, but doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. Keeping everything around her fresh and exciting, is something Nicki Minaj continues to do. With her first album Pink Friday already going platinum, she’s showing no signs of slowing down. Even though female rappers have never had long careers, Nicki Minaj is on the right track to ensuring she does.
No comments:
Post a Comment