Nicki Minaj has undeniably cemented her status as a global icon in the rap game over the past two decades. Her groundbreaking contributions to music are finally receiving widespread recognition, highlighted by recent achievements like her chart-topping hit “Super Freaky Girl” on the Billboard Hot 100, the release of her greatest hits album Queen Radio Volume 1, and the prestigious Video Vanguard Award at the MTV VMAs. These accolades underscore her lasting impact and influence on popular culture.
It’s no exaggeration to state that Nicki Minaj reignited mainstream interest in female rappers. Her innovative style and unapologetic persona have paved the way for a new generation of artists, inspiring figures such as Tinashe, Billie Eilish, Megan Thee Stallion, Cupcakke, Latto, City Girls, Rico Nasty, and notably, Lil Nas X, whose initial rise to fame began with a Twitter fan account dedicated to her. Even Doja Cat has paid lyrical homage to Nicki Minaj in her hit song “Get Into It (Yuh).”
But what is it about Nicki Minaj that resonates so deeply with the music world? The answer lies in her unique blend of eccentricity, theatricality, and undeniable talent. Her tracks became anthems of the 2010s, and she has maintained her relevance and influence throughout her career. While known for her occasional public feuds, Nicki Minaj is equally celebrated for her passion, experimental approach to music, sharp wit, and forward-thinking artistry.
This definitive top 10 list celebrates Nicki Minaj’s solo discography, focusing exclusively on tracks where she is the lead artist. While her iconic guest verse on “Monster” is undeniably legendary, this list is dedicated to showcasing the breadth and depth of her own catalog. Prepare to be captivated as we delve into Live365’s ultimate picks for the top 10 Nicki Minaj songs, a journey through the hits that have defined a generation.
10. Beez in the Trap
“Beez In The Trap” kicks off our list at number 10, a track that’s as hypnotic as it is hard-hitting. This collaboration with 2 Chainz, from Minaj’s second album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, is a masterclass in minimalist rap. Released on May 29, 2012, with a music video preceding it by almost two months, “Beez in the Trap” set the stage for numerous future collaborations between these two rap giants, including “I Luv Dem Strippers,” “Realize,” and “Big Bank.”
The song’s slang-heavy lyrics explore the theme of being in “the trap,” a place synonymous with drug dealing and financial gain. Nicki cleverly uses “beez” as a colloquial form of “to be,” effectively declaring, “I am frequently in the trap.” Far from literal honeybees, the track title is a playful pun that underscores the gritty reality of the streets, delivered with Nicki’s signature swagger and 2 Chainz’s unmistakable flow. “Beez in the Trap” is a testament to Nicki Minaj’s ability to blend street anthems with clever wordplay, securing its spot as one of her standout tracks.
9. Feeling Myself (feat. Beyoncé)
When you combine the forces of Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé, the result is guaranteed to be iconic. “Feeling Myself,” a standout track from Nicki’s 2014 album The Pinkprint, is a powerful anthem of self-love and female empowerment. This collaboration sees both artists celebrating their achievements and embracing their inner “girlboss” energy over a slick, confidence-boosting beat.
“Feeling Myself” can be seen as a spiritual successor to Nicki and Beyoncé’s earlier collaboration on the “Flawless (Remix).” Produced by Hit-Boy, known for his work on Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “N—-s in Paris,” the song’s music video, choreographed by Parris Goebel, was initially released exclusively on Tidal in May 2015. Despite its platform exclusivity, snippets of the visually stunning video quickly circulated online, further amplifying the song’s popularity. “Feeling Myself” is more than just a track; it’s a cultural moment, showcasing two queens at the peak of their power, making it essential listening for any collection of Nicki Nicki Minaj Songs.
8. Starships
“Let’s go to the beach-each, let’s go get a wave!” The opening lines of “Starships” are instantly recognizable and evoke memories of the early 2010s pop landscape. While some hardcore Nicki Minaj fans might view “Starships” as a departure from her typical sound due to its pure pop production by RedOne, its impact on her career is undeniable. “Starships” propelled Nicki Minaj to global superstardom and broadened her appeal to a wider audience.
“Starships” was a commercial juggernaut for Minaj, achieving remarkable chart success. It became one of her longest-charting singles on the Hot 100, consistently staying within the top 10 and peaking at number 5. It also reached number 2 on both Dance charts and number 3 on the US Rhythmic chart. This widespread success can be attributed to the song’s universally relatable message of defying expectations, Nicki’s soaring vocals, and the infectious beat drop following the chorus. Beyond its musical merits, “Starships” even inspired a viral Vine, further cementing its place in internet culture. Love it or hate it, “Starships” is a pivotal track in Nicki Minaj’s discography and a key example of her ability to transcend genres and achieve mainstream success.
7. Moment 4 Life
Moving into a more introspective and tender space, “Moment 4 Life” stands out as one of the most heartwarming songs in Nicki Minaj’s catalog. Released as the fourth single from her debut album, Pink Friday, “Moment 4 Life” is a celebratory ode to achieving dreams and cherishing every step of the journey to success. Many fans are unaware that Nicki actually freestyled the song’s memorable and uplifting hook. This track is also a notable collaboration with Drake, who delivers compelling verses and embodies the “Prince Charming” role in the fairytale-inspired music video.
Nicki Minaj described “Moment 4 Life” on Facebook as a story about “2 kids that grew up on the same block. They shared their dreams of making it as rappers. They laughed together, they cried together. One day they realize that their dreams have come to fruition. Though they know all things come to an end, they celebrate. They wish that they could have this moment 4 LIFE.” This personal touch and the song’s themes of friendship and shared ambition resonate deeply with listeners, making “Moment 4 Life” a cherished track among Nicki Nicki Minaj songs.
6. Chun-Li
Named after the iconic first female character in the Street Fighter video game series, “Chun-Li” is a shadowy and assertive track that showcases Nicki Minaj’s lyrical prowess and commanding presence. Released alongside “Barbie Tingz” in April 2018, after a four-month social media hiatus, these singles marked the beginning of her Queen album era.
Throughout “Chun-Li,” Nicki draws parallels between herself and the legendary video game character, asserting her position as a dominant force in the rap industry. She proclaims her continued reign despite any attempts to undermine her, delivering heavyweight bars with a persona as formidable as King Kong. This track is a powerful declaration of her resilience and status, referencing Street Fighter once again, as she previously did in Willow Smith’s 2011 track “Fireball,” where she rapped, “Ok I’m the street fighter, call me Chun-Li.” “Chun-Li” is a masterclass in rap bravado and a testament to Nicki’s enduring reign in hip-hop.
5. Roman Holiday
“Roman Holiday” lands at number 5, an often underrated yet culturally significant track that perfectly embodies Nicki Minaj’s boundary-pushing artistry. Serving as the opening track to her sophomore album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, “Roman Holiday” encapsulates everything that makes Nicki unique: it’s unconventional, theatrical, and audaciously bold.
The song is perhaps best known for its infamous performance at the 2012 Grammy Awards. Nicki’s performance, titled “The Exorcism of Roman,” was met with widespread controversy and mixed reviews, described by critics as “demonic,” “theatrical,” and “outraging.” Despite the initial backlash, Nicki later revealed that the Grammys themselves had requested she perform the song and that she felt “the most comfortable I have ever felt on stage in my entire life” during the performance. It was later revealed that significant restrictions were placed on the performance to allow it to air on television.
Looking back, “Roman Holiday” was clearly ahead of its time. The song tells the story of a young gay boy, Roman Zolanski, and his struggle against his religious mother’s attempts to suppress his sexuality through an “exorcism.” The track is now celebrated for its use of distinct characters – Roman, his mother Martha, and Nicki herself – its intense congo drum beat, and the now-iconic unintelligible stuttering in the second verse, which has become a popular meme. “Roman Holiday” is a testament to Nicki Minaj’s willingness to tackle complex and controversial themes, solidifying its place as a truly unforgettable track.
4. Roman’s Revenge (feat. Eminem)
“I am not Jasmine, I am Aladdin,” – the opening line of “Roman’s Revenge” immediately sets the tone for a sonic explosion. This track, from Pink Friday, marks the formal introduction of Nicki Minaj’s alter ego, Roman Zolanski. “Roman’s Revenge” is a fiery response to provocations from a rival in the rap world, widely believed 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.”
Adding to the track’s intensity is Eminem, another master of alter egos. He raps from the perspective of his crazed Slim Shady persona, claiming to have a “pretzel for a brain” and a willingness to “piss a Happy Meal off.” The song culminates with an appearance from Roman’s mother, Martha, who frantically yells, “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 collaboration that showcases the raw energy and lyrical dexterity of both Nicki Minaj and Eminem.
3. Anaconda
“Anaconda” burst onto the scene in the summer of 2014 and the world was undeniably unprepared. This raunchy, twerk-inducing track, which brilliantly samples Sir Mix-a-Lot’s “Baby Got Back,” is an unapologetic celebration of curves and confidence. It’s a song dedicated to butts, and it’s incredibly fun to dance to.
The second single from her third studio album, The Pinkprint, “Anaconda” is brimming with sexual innuendo and playful lyrics. While the song’s R-rated imagery and bold production are immediately captivating, it’s also packed with masterful bars. Standout lines include, “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.”
Beyond its explicit content, “Anaconda” carries a body-positive message. Nicki Minaj explained on Genius, “I wanted to create a song that embraced curvy women. I wanted to be sexual but be playful with it. And I wanted it to be so melodic that even if you don’t understand English you could still go along with the melody and you would have no idea about all the raunchy s— I’m saying — I get a kick out of that. It was simple to write. I just created the melody and then I let the words happen. I started laughing when I said, “Boy toy named Troy.”” “Anaconda” is a cultural phenomenon, blending humor, sexuality, and body positivity into an unforgettable hit.
2. Super Freaky Girl
“Anaconda” paved the way for “Super Freaky Girl,” Nicki Minaj’s latest chart-topping sensation. With “Super Freaky Girl,” Nicki reaffirms her status as the queen of sampling. Echoing the raunchy lyrics and catchy rhythms of “Anaconda,” “Super Freaky Girl” is equally bold and infectious.
Drawing a parallel to Gwen Stefani’s iconic spelling lesson in “Bananas,” Nicki playfully teaches listeners how to spell “freak” while defining what it means to embody the term. Memorable lyrics include, “I got a princess face, a killer body, samurai mind,” and “On applications I write “pressure” ’cause that’s what I apply.”
Fueled by an incredible Rick James sample and killer wordplay, “Super Freaky Girl” debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the week ending August 27, 2022. This achievement marked Nicki’s first solo number-one 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 triumphant return to form and a testament to Nicki Minaj’s enduring relevance and star power.
1. Super Bass
Taking the top spot at number 1, it has to be “Super Bass,” the song that catapulted Nicki Minaj into mainstream consciousness and captured hearts worldwide. Originally released on April 5, 2011, as a deluxe edition track on Pink Friday, “Super Bass” quickly transcended its album status and became a global smash hit. Simply put, it’s “pelican fly.”
On this Diamond-certified track, Nicki raps about infatuation and attraction to “boys with the boomin’ system” and “boys with the polos.” 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 is undeniably hopeful, optimistic, and subtly romantic with a touch of edginess. It’s the kind of song that’s so universally appealing that even Joseph Gordon-Levitt can’t resist dancing to it.
“Super Bass” has solidified its place as one of the defining pop-hip-hop anthems of the early 2010s, and even today, it feels timeless. Nicki Minaj has achieved incredible heights throughout her career, but “Super Bass” serves as a powerful reminder that she was a master of her craft from the very beginning. It’s the quintessential Nicki Nicki Minaj song and rightfully claims the number one spot on our list.
Explore more Nicki Minaj music and discover new favorites on Live365.com.
