Nicki Minaj has solidified her place as a dominant force in rap for nearly two decades. Her groundbreaking contributions to music are finally receiving widespread acclaim. Recent highlights include a #1 Billboard Hot 100 hit with “Super Freaky Girl,” the release of her greatest hits album, Queen Radio Volume 1, and the prestigious Video Vanguard Award at the MTV VMAs. It’s undeniable that Nicki Minaj has reshaped the landscape for female artists in hip-hop. Her influence extends to a diverse range of artists, from Tinashe and Doja Cat to Megan Thee Stallion and Lil Nas X. But what exactly makes Nicki Minaj so beloved in the music world? It’s her unique artistry – a blend of animated personas, unapologetic freakiness, and campy theatricality. Her tracks defined the sound of 2010s popular music, and she continues to be a relevant and innovative voice. While she’s known for her occasional feuds, her passion, experimental spirit, humor, and forward-thinking approach are what truly set her apart.
This list celebrates the very best of Nicki Minaj’s solo work. While her iconic features, like her verse on “Monster,” are legendary, this countdown focuses exclusively on tracks where Nicki takes center stage. Prepare to delve into the essential Nicki Minaj songs that showcase her unparalleled talent and cemented her status as a global icon. Here are our top 10 Nicki Minaj songs, guaranteed to satisfy any Barb and introduce new listeners to the Queen’s reign.
10. Beez in the Trap
“Beez In The Trap” is a hypnotic, slow-burning track that oozes trap vibes. This collaboration with 2 Chainz, featured on Nicki Minaj’s sophomore album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, marked the first of many successful pairings between the two artists. Released on May 29, 2012, with a music video preceding it, “Beez In The Trap” quickly became a fan favorite.
The song’s title and central theme revolve around “beez in the trap,” a slang term referring to being in a location known for drug dealing and illicit activities. The “trap” itself represents this environment, a term originating in the Southern US that has since evolved into its own distinct music genre. Nicki cleverly uses “beez” as a vernacular twist on “to be,” essentially stating, “I am frequently in the trap.” Despite the title’s playful pun, the song delves into the gritty realities of trap culture with Nicki’s signature lyrical prowess. “Beez in the Trap” stands out for its atmospheric production and showcases Nicki’s ability to blend street themes with her unique artistic flair, making it a memorable entry in her discography.
9. Feeling Myself (feat. Beyoncé)
Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj in the Feeling Myself music video, celebrating female empowerment
When Beyoncé joins forces with Nicki Minaj, you know you’re in for an anthem. “Feeling Myself,” from Nicki’s 2014 album The Pinkprint, is a powerful collaboration that celebrates female empowerment and self-love. Both artists exude confidence and celebrate their achievements over a slick, empowering beat.
“Feeling Myself” can be seen as a spiritual successor to Nicki and Beyoncé’s earlier remix collaboration, “Flawless (Remix).” Produced by Hit-Boy, known for his work on JAY-Z and Kanye West’s “N—-s in Paris,” the track boasts a high-energy, infectious rhythm. An official music video, featuring choreography by Parris Goebel, who later gained fame for choreographing Justin Bieber’s “Sorry,” was released exclusively on Tidal in May 2015. Despite its initial platform exclusivity, snippets of the visually stunning video quickly spread across the internet, further amplifying the song’s impact. “Feeling Myself” is a testament to the combined star power of Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé, delivering a potent message of self-assurance and female solidarity.
8. Starships
“Let’s go to the beach-each, let’s go get a wave!” The opening lines of “Starships” are instantly recognizable, evoking memories of the early 2010s and its vibrant pop landscape. While some hardcore Nicki Minaj fans might consider “Starships,” with its pure pop sound crafted by RedOne, an outlier in her catalog, its undeniable impact on her career is undeniable. “Starships” propelled Nicki Minaj to global superstardom, expanding her reach beyond her core rap fanbase.
“Starships” was a monumental hit for Minaj, becoming one of her longest-charting singles on the Billboard Hot 100. It consistently remained in the top 10, peaking at #5, and also reached #2 on both Dance charts and #3 on US Rhythmic radio. Its massive success can be attributed to its universally relatable message of breaking free from expectations, Nicki’s soaring vocals, and the explosive beat drop after the chorus. Beyond its chart performance, “Starships” also cemented itself in internet culture, inspiring a viral Vine that affectionately mispronounced her name as “Ninki Minjaj.” “Starships” is a testament to Nicki Minaj’s versatility and her ability to create music that resonates with a broad audience, proving her staying power in the industry.
7. Moment 4 Life
“Moment 4 Life” stands out as one of the most heartfelt and tender songs in Nicki Minaj’s discography. Released as the fourth single from her debut album, Pink Friday, the track is an ode to the fairytale-like journey of achieving rap stardom and cherishing every moment of success. Interestingly, the song’s memorable hook was actually freestyled by Nicki herself, adding an authentic touch to its emotional core. The song is also a powerful collaboration with Drake, who delivers impactful verses and embodies the “Prince Charming” role in the Cinderella-inspired music video.
Nicki Minaj described the essence of “Moment 4 Life” on Facebook, explaining it as a story of “2 kids that grew up on the same block” who shared dreams of rap success. They supported each other through laughter and tears, and ultimately witnessed their dreams materialize. The song captures the bittersweet realization that while all moments are fleeting, they deserve to be celebrated. Drake’s feature perfectly complements Nicki’s narrative, creating a track that is both aspirational and deeply personal. “Moment 4 Life” resonates with its themes of ambition, friendship, and the preciousness of time, making it a standout track in Nicki’s early career.
6. Chun-Li
Named after the iconic first female character in the Street Fighter video game series, “Chun-Li” is a dark, hard-hitting track that exudes power and confidence. Released alongside “Barbie Tingz” in April 2018, “Chun-Li” marked Nicki Minaj’s return after a four-month social media hiatus and served as the lead single from her fourth studio album, Queen.
Throughout the song, Nicki draws parallels between herself and Chun-Li, asserting her position as a pioneering female force in rap. She proclaims her continued dominance despite any attempts to undermine her reign. With its heavy bars and assertive delivery, “Chun-Li” amplifies Nicki’s persona to mythical proportions. Notably, this wasn’t Nicki’s first Street Fighter reference; she had previously mentioned both the game and Chun-Li in her verse on Willow Smith’s 2011 track “Fireball,” rapping, “Ok I’m the street fighter, call me Chun-Li.” “Chun-Li” is a powerful declaration of Nicki Minaj’s enduring strength and influence in the rap game, delivered with her signature bravado and lyrical skill.
5. Roman Holiday
“Roman Holiday” is an often underrated track that, in retrospect, was remarkably ahead of its time, especially in the internet age. This song, the opening track to Nicki’s sophomore album, Pink Friday…Roman Reloaded, encapsulates everything that makes Minaj unique: unconventional, epic, and fearlessly bold.
The song’s initial impact was largely defined by Nicki’s unforgettable and controversial performance at the 2012 Grammy Awards. “The Exorcism of Roman,” as the performance was titled, sparked mixed reactions from critics, who used terms like “demonic,” “theatrical,” and “outraging” to describe it. It became one of the most debated Grammy performances in history. However, Nicki later revealed that the Grammys themselves had requested her to perform “Roman Holiday,” and that she felt “the most comfortable I have ever felt on stage in my entire life” during the performance. Despite initial backlash, it was later disclosed that numerous restrictions were placed on the performance to even allow it to air on television.
Looking back, it’s clear that Nicki Minaj was pushing boundaries and exploring complex themes ahead of mainstream understanding. “Roman Holiday” actually tells the poignant story of a young gay boy whose religious mother attempts to suppress his sexuality through an “exorcism.” The song is now celebrated for its use of distinct characters – the religious mother, Martha, and her gay son, Roman Zolanski – its intense congo drum beat in the chorus, and the now-iconic unintelligible stuttering in the second verse, which has become a popular meme. “Roman Holiday” showcases Nicki Minaj’s artistic depth and her willingness to tackle challenging social issues through her music, solidifying its place as a culturally significant and groundbreaking track.
4. Roman’s Revenge (feat. Eminem)
From its opening line, “I am not Jasmine, I am Aladdin,” “Roman’s Revenge” immediately grabs your attention. This track marked the debut of Nicki Minaj’s alter ego, Roman Zolanski. Featured on Pink Friday, “Roman’s Revenge” is a fiery response from Roman to provocations from a rival, later revealed to be Lil’ Kim. The song is a potent mix of diss track, power anthem, and even a Busta Rhymes tribute with the line, “Rah, rah, like a dungeon dragon.”
“Roman’s Revenge” is further amplified by the collaboration with Eminem, another master of alter egos. Eminem raps from his Slim Shady persona, embracing the chaotic energy of the track with lines like claiming to have a “pretzel for a brain” and being willing to “piss a Happy Meal off.” The song culminates in an appearance from Roman’s mother, Martha, who frantically pleads, “Roman, Roman, stop it, stop it / You’ve gone mad, mad, I tell you, mad / You and this boy Slim Shady / What’s going on? They’ll lock you away / They’ll put you in a jail cell, I promise / Take your mother’s warning, Roman, pleeeeeease!” “Roman’s Revenge” is a high-octane clash of personas and rap titans, showcasing the raw energy and lyrical prowess of both Nicki Minaj and Eminem.
3. Anaconda
Nicki Minaj's Anaconda music video, celebrating body positivity and female curves
The world was undeniably unprepared for “Anaconda” when it exploded onto the scene in the summer of 2014. This overtly sexual and twerk-heavy track, which cleverly samples Sir Mix-a-Lot’s iconic “Baby Got Back,” is unapologetically about celebrating curves and, well, butts. Its audaciousness is precisely what makes it an irresistible and fun song to dance to.
“Anaconda” served as the second single from Nicki’s third studio album, The Pinkprint, and is packed with suggestive lyrics and imagery. While the song’s R-rated nature and over-the-top production are attention-grabbing, beneath the surface lie some seriously impressive bars. Standout lines like “Real country-ass n—-, let me play with his rifle / P—- put his ass to sleep, now he calling me NyQuil,” and “So I pulled up in the Jag, and I hit him with the jab like / Dun-d-d-dun-dun-d-d-dun-dun” showcase Nicki’s lyrical dexterity even within a highly sexualized context.
Despite its raunchy exterior, “Anaconda” is rooted in a message of body positivity. Nicki revealed on Genius that she “wanted to create a song that embraced curvy women.” She aimed to be “sexual but be playful with it” and create a melody so catchy that even non-English speakers could enjoy it without fully grasping the explicit lyrics. The song’s playful and confident celebration of female curves, combined with its infectious beat and memorable bars, cemented “Anaconda” as a cultural phenomenon.
2. Super Freaky Girl
“Anaconda” paved the way for “Super Freaky Girl,” Nicki Minaj’s latest chart-topping hit. With “Super Freaky Girl,” Minaj reaffirms her status as the queen of sampling. Similar to “Anaconda,” the lyrics are boldly explicit, the rapping rhythm is incredibly catchy, and the production is undeniably infectious.
Drawing a parallel to Gwen Stefani’s iconic spelling lesson in “Hollaback Girl,” Nicki playfully teaches listeners how to spell “freak” while thoroughly defining the term’s meaning in her own terms. Memorable lines like, “I got a princess face, a killer body, samurai mind,” and “On applications I write “pressure” ’cause that’s what I apply,” exemplify the song’s confident and assertive tone.
Fueled by an incredible sample of Rick James’ “Super Freak” and Nicki’s killer delivery, “Super Freaky Girl” debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart week ending August 27, 2022. This achievement marked Nicki’s first solo #1 hit and her third overall, making her the first solo female rapper since Ms. Lauryn Hill to debut at the top of the Hot 100. “Super Freaky Girl” is a testament to Nicki Minaj’s enduring relevance and her ability to consistently deliver impactful and chart-topping hits.
1. Super Bass
Nicki Minaj in the Super Bass music video, highlighting the song's playful and romantic vibe
This one is for the boys with the boomin’ system and the boys with the polos! For our #1 Nicki Minaj song, we have to give it to the track that first captured our hearts and introduced many to her unique artistry. Originally released on April 5, 2011, as a deluxe edition track on Pink Friday, “Super Bass” quickly transcended its album placement and became a global smash hit. Simply put, it’s “pelican fly.”
On this certified Diamond single, Nicki raps about infatuation and attracting attention from successful men. Nicki described “Super Bass” as being “about the boy that you are crushing over, […] And you kind of want to get your mack on, but you’re taking the playful approach.” The song’s production carries a hopeful, optimistic, and romantic energy, subtly laced with a hint of edginess. It’s the kind of song that even Joseph Gordon-Levitt famously couldn’t resist dancing to.
“Super Bass” has undeniably become one of the defining pop/hip-hop anthems of the early 2010s, and even today, listening to it feels like a timeless and fresh experience. Nicki Minaj has achieved incredible milestones in her career, but “Super Bass” serves as a powerful reminder that she was a master of her craft from the very beginning. It remains a quintessential Nicki Minaj song, representing her playful persona, lyrical talent, and ability to create music that transcends genres and generations.
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