Nicki Minaj, a name synonymous with rap royalty, boasts a vibrant collection of monikers: Roman Zolanski, Nicki Lewinski, Nicki the Ninja, Nicki the Boss, and Nicki The Harajuku Barbie, to name just a few. This ever-expanding list mirrors her equally impressive catalog of Billboard hits, cementing her status as Nicki the Chart-Topper.
Hailing from Trinidad and raised in Queens, New York, Nicki Minaj’s breakthrough moment arrived in 2009 when Lil Wayne welcomed her as the first woman to Young Money Entertainment. This pivotal move paved the way for her iconic debut album, Pink Friday, in 2010, instantly establishing her as a force in music. Her dominance on the Hot Rap Songs chart is undeniable, with an astounding 10 chart-toppers to her credit. Notably, it was after 15 years of consistent impact that she clinched her first No. 1 on the coveted Billboard Hot 100. This milestone was achieved in 2020 as a featured artist on Doja Cat’s viral sensation, “Say So.” However, her reign at the Hot 100 summit truly solidified with her solo hit, “Super Freaky Girl”, a track sampling Rick James and honoring Hammer, which stormed to the No. 1 position in August 2022.
Even prior to her Hot 100 chart-topping singles, Nicki Minaj’s influence on the chart was undeniable. She holds the distinction of being the first woman to achieve 100 entries on the Hot 100, a record she has since surpassed multiple times. This remarkable feat is a testament to her exceptional discography, filled with empowering boss anthems, sharp diss tracks, and groundbreaking expressions of female power and sexuality.
From her early days sporting the iconic “Barbie” necklace to her current reign as a global superstar, Nicki Minaj’s impact on music is etched in the charts. Her songs resonate with millions, solidifying her legacy as the Queen of Rap and a consistent hitmaker on the Billboard Hot 100.