The Minaj Factor

“Do you like Nicki Minaj?” is one of the most difficult conversation starters as of the past year. I understand that Ms. Minaj is not what everyone expects when it comes to cookie cutter emcee-she’s flamboyant, charismatic, energetic and unexplainable. BUT-she’s undeniably a talented emcee/rapper/entertainer. When she first stepped on the scene I had the pre-conceived notion that she was another gimmick that would probably dry up in less that a year and didn’t listen like I should have. I think it was something along the lines of a sensory overload when she would talk, perform, anything because she had SO MUCH going on at once when she opened her mouth. When I heard her feature on Drake’s album, I was disappointed only because I expected her to push just a little harder on that record.
Then I started speaking to those who came before her that had a little more clout than that of Lil Kim’ like MC Lyte, Lady of Rage, Rah Digga-and they all shared with me that they WERE feeling what it was that she was doing-and I was honestly surprised to hear that coming from them. Anybody knows that to get the blessing of an originator in any type of work is something that is rare, and seldom happens so once they were telling me that they were looking forward to see what she does with the mic I thought, ‘ok. time to press play for the first time again’
It wasn’t until recently that I really didn’t validate my admiration for her until I heard her rip into “Monster” with Kanye, Jay-z, and Rick Ross because every time I hear her verse I get chills. Paint a picture with words when my eyes are closed and you will WIN with me every time, and I really feel that was the case for everyone else that was listening.

Then theres the lil’ Kim factor. Let me state the fact that I bought Lil’ Kim Hardcore when I was a kid, so a fan, I always have been. I could understand why Kim would feel mad uncomfortable to see someone take off in the same way she did, but bigger. Then I think about the circumstances given with the internet, press, everything is different in THIS music industry than it used to be. But how are you going to go at someone who is doing what YOU did, showing you mad love along the way and paying homage to YOU? Nicki said it best in a recent interview with Angie Martinez, “You don’t see Madonna going at Lady Gaga-so whats the deal?” -there isn’t one. There is personal insecurities and issues that Kim needs to deal with. Nobody is forgetting about Kim, but if you’re not gonna say “congrats” to someone who worked as hard as you to get on top? Don’t say nothing at all.

Just my 2 stinkin’ Lincolns on Ms. Minaj. I have no doubt that her debut album is gonna sell- I am a fan. Gettum girl….

PINK FRIDAY is in stores today- this is one of my favorite tracks off the album–can’t be mad at nicki and her work ethic. Hate her or Love her, she’s representing the ladies in rap right now.

This night just remind me of, everything they deprived me of

Moment for Life- feat Drake