Hip-hop celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023, marking five decades of cultural impact and musical innovation. From its Bronx origins in the summer of 1973, the genre has seen countless artists rise and reshape the landscape. Among these influential figures stands Nicki Minaj, a South Jamaica, Queens native who has carved out an unparalleled career in hip-hop. With over 100 million records sold and a staggering 132 Billboard Hot 100 charting songs, including three number ones, Nicki Minaj has solidified her status as an icon, consistently doing it her way.
Her commanding presence on the mic and undeniable charisma are legendary. Nicki’s ability to seamlessly transition between vocal personas – from her raw, New York-bred delivery to the playful Barbie and the outrageous Roman Zolanski – showcases a mastery of MC artistry. It’s more than just voice modulation; she expertly manipulates cadences, tempos, and rhyme schemes with the precision and flair of a pink Ferrari navigating the Van Wyck Expressway. And her signature? Crafting unforgettable, often audacious, lyrical nods to her collaborators within their own songs.
This unique blend of talent has made her the ultimate feature artist for over a decade. Like her Young Money counterparts Drake and Lil Wayne, Nicki elevates tracks to new heights. She possesses the rare ability to transform a good song into a great one and a solid track into an instant classic.
While her verse on Kanye West’s “Monster” is often cited as her breakthrough moment, this curated list reveals that Nicki Minaj has been consistently stealing the show on features since the beginning of her career. Dive into this selection of Songs With Nicki Minaj and witness the reign of the feature queen.
Yo Gotti feat. Nicki Minaj, ‘Rake It Up’
Yo Gotti Feat. Nicki Minaj, Rake It Up
Image Credit: Youtube
In 2017, Yo Gotti’s “Rake It Up” became an anthem, and Nicki Minaj’s feature verse took it to another level. Few artists could confidently rhyme “Chyna” with “Chyna,” but Nicki delivers a quadruple dose of the name with effortless swagger. She dominates Mike WiLL Made-It’s minimalist production, seamlessly switching between her demure Barbie persona and rapid-fire rhymes. Paying homage to her roots, she shouts out her home borough, “rep Queens like Supreme, ask Webb and Nitty, ask Bimmy and Joe.” This track exemplifies Nicki’s ability to inject personality and lyrical prowess into any collaboration, making it a standout among songs with Nicki Minaj.
Beyonce feat. Nicki Minaj, ‘Single Ladies’
Beyonce and Nicki Minaj perform Single Ladies at TIDAL X: 1020 Amplified
Image Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for TIDAL
Sharing a track with Beyoncé is no easy feat; her star power can be overwhelming. However, on the remix of the global smash “Single Ladies,” Nicki Minaj not only held her own but amplified the song’s energy with her emphatic delivery and natural charisma. Staying true to Queen B’s empowering theme, Nicki asserts her independence, declaring, “I will never rent a tux for you.” This 2008 appearance served as an early indicator of Nicki’s future dominance as a sought-after feature artist, proving her ability to shine even alongside music royalty on songs with Nicki Minaj.
Diddy feat. Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, ‘Hello Good Morning’
Diddy, Nicki Minaj, and Rick Ross in Hello Good Morning music video
Image Credit: Youtube
Nicki Minaj’s verse on Diddy’s “Hello Good Morning,” featuring Rick Ross, is an early career gem that showcases her raw talent. She attacks the beat with relentless energy, like an 18-wheeler gaining momentum downhill. Venturing into her Roman Zolanski persona, she unleashes a boastful verse, famously stating, “I ain’t comin’ out for less than a 100 thou.” She concludes with a signature rapid-fire flow punctuated by a touch of patois, solidifying her versatility and making this feature a highlight amongst early songs with Nicki Minaj.
Young Thug feat. Nicki Minaj, ‘Danny Glover’
Nicki Minaj performing at the BET Awards
Image Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Young Thug’s unique, otherworldly style demands a collaborator who can match his eccentric energy. On his breakout single “Danny Glover,” Nicki Minaj rose to the occasion. She begins her verse by teasing new music before seamlessly blending into Thug’s unconventional soundscape. Her extended verse is packed with quintessential Nicki-isms, including the memorable lines, “When I come out of my mansion I sprinkle some bread to the pigeons,” and the playful jab, “Tell Justin Timberlake that I am comin for Jessica Biel.” This collaboration demonstrates Nicki’s ability to adapt and enhance any artist’s style, making it a standout in songs with Nicki Minaj.
Meek Mill feat. Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, ‘All Eyes On You’
Meek Mill, Nicki Minaj, and Chris Brown in All Eyes On You music video
Image Credit: Youtube
Beyond the tabloid headlines and Drake’s infamous “Back to Back” diss track, Nicki Minaj and Meek Mill’s relationship was a genuine pairing of two prominent East Coast rappers. “All Eyes On You,” featuring Chris Brown, captures a moment in time when, as Nicki raps on the Dreams Worth More Than Money single, “he was the realest, I was the baddest, we was the illest.” Nicki’s 16-bar outro showcases her often-underappreciated storytelling ability, offering a glimpse into their relationship and adding depth to this track among songs with Nicki Minaj.
Rae Sremmurd feat. Nicki Minaj, ‘No Flex Zone’
Rae Sremmurd performing onstage
Image Credit: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for American Express
On Rae Sremmurd’s “No Flex Zone” remix, Nicki Minaj brought a trio’s worth of personality to a duo’s track. She delivers a masterclass in cadence, switching flows and rhythms with unpredictable brilliance throughout her verse. The lyrical content is pure Nicki – confident boasts like, “runnin’ this game for five years, guess that’s why my feet hurt.” Her ability to command attention and inject dynamism makes this remix a powerful addition to any playlist of songs with Nicki Minaj.
Gyptian feat. Nicki Minaj, ‘Hold Yuh (Remix)’
Nicki Minaj at MAC Cosmetics event in New York City
Image Credit: Jamie McCarthy/WireImage for MAC Cosmetics
It’s always captivating to witness a global superstar embrace their roots. In 2010, Nicki Minaj jumped on the remix of Gyptian’s reggae hit “Hold Yuh,” proudly representing Brooklyn and Queens’ West Indian community, of which she is a part. Her verse showcases her versatility, hinting at a potential career in reggae music. For those who only know Nicki from pop anthems like “Starships,” this feature is a refreshing surprise, revealing her diverse musical talents and solidifying its place amongst notable songs with Nicki Minaj. Her star power was already evident, as her verse arguably extended the song’s popularity for years.
2 Chainz feat. Nicki Minaj, ‘I Luv Dem Strippers’
2 Chainz and Nicki Minaj in I Luv Dem Strippers music video
Image Credit: Youtube
Nicki Minaj and 2 Chainz formed one of the most dynamic duos of the 2010s. “I Luv Dem Strippers” is an early collaboration where Nicki boosted 2 Chainz’ debut album with a fiery verse. She reps Young Money, Rich Gang, and playfully calls out Tyga’s then-girlfriend, Blac Chyna. While a male MC might have sparked internal label drama for such a move, Nicki’s unapologetic attitude and boundary-pushing persona have always been part of her appeal. This track highlights her fearless approach and stands out as a memorable collaboration in songs with Nicki Minaj.
Yo Gotti feat. Nicki Minaj, ‘Down In The DM’
Yo Gotti and Nicki Minaj at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards
Image Credit: Christopher Polk/Getty Images
In 2016, Nicki Minaj was at her peak as a feature killer. She hopped on Yo Gotti’s already popular “Down In The DM” and injected even more energy with an extended, characteristically raunchy verse. Opening with the bold line, “your dick ain’t good enough to be stylin’ on me,” Nicki maintains the momentum, humorously bashing “fuckboys” in her DMs while longing for a man who can “give me more head than Peggy Bundy.” This feature is a prime example of Nicki’s ability to amplify a track’s virality with her signature blend of humor and unapologetic sexuality, making it a must-listen amongst songs with Nicki Minaj.
Drake feat. Nicki Minaj, ‘Up All Night’
Nicki Minaj and Drake performing at Hot 97 concert in 2010
Image Credit: Johnny Nunez/WireImage
“Up All Night” offers a glimpse into the early stages of Drake and Nicki Minaj’s superstardom. While they hadn’t yet accumulated their countless accolades, their raw talent and charisma were undeniable. Even early in her career, Nicki rapped with the confidence of an artist who knew her presence elevated any song. In this straightforward track, she largely forgoes vocal theatrics and boasts about her early success, declaring, “made a million off a mixtape.” This collaboration captures the nascent stages of two hip-hop giants, making it a significant entry in songs with Nicki Minaj.
Drake feat. Nicki Minaj, ‘Make Me Proud’
Drake and Nicki Minaj on Saturday Night Live
Image Credit: Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images
Outshining Drake on a collaboration is a rare feat, but Nicki Minaj arguably achieved it on “Make Me Proud.” She matches Drake’s double-time flow with her own animated, rapid-fire delivery, letting listeners know, “done did the pop tours, I’m the realest deal.” She then seamlessly transitions to harmonizing before concluding the verse with a more measured pace, relying on her charm to carry it home. Any one of these approaches would have made for a solid verse; combining all three creates a classic, cementing its place as a standout amongst songs with Nicki Minaj.
Big Sean feat. Nicki Minaj, ‘Dance (A$$) (Remix)’
Big Sean and Nicki Minaj in Dance (A$$) music video
Image Credit: Youtube
For a song titled “Dance (A$$),” anything less than a high-energy, standout verse from Nicki Minaj would be unexpected. Just as Jay-Z wouldn’t deliver a mediocre verse on a song called “Brooklyn Billionaire,” Nicki brings her A-game to this remix. She playfully reciprocates Big Sean’s flirty energy from the original track, even playfully demanding residuals at the end of her verse. However, the most memorable moment is her self-deprecating humor about her own physique, joking about “ass shots” and holding a note for an entire bar after rhyming “dashiki” with “Waikiki.” This bold and skillful performance makes it a fun and unforgettable entry in songs with Nicki Minaj.
Beyonce feat. Nicki Minaj, ‘Flawless Remix’
Beyonce and Nicki Minaj perform Flawless Remix at TIDAL X: 1020 Amplified
Image Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for TIDAL
Beyoncé’s “Flawless” solidified her status as not just a pop icon, but a formidable rapper in her own right. A remix would require a collaborator who could match her star power and lyrical prowess. Nicki Minaj took on this challenge and delivered one of her finest verses. Opening with the audacious line, “like MJ doctor, they killin’ me…propofol,” just three years after Michael Jackson’s death, Nicki immediately grabs attention. She then matches Beyoncé’s energy with characteristic bars like “slap these hoes on they ass, like we birthing bitches,” before switching gears into a rapid-fire flow that reinforces her position not just as one of the best female rappers, but one of the best rappers, period. This iconic collaboration is a must-hear amongst songs with Nicki Minaj.
Trey Songz feat. Nicki Minaj, ‘Bottoms Up’
Trey Songz and Nicki Minaj in Bottoms Up music video
Image Credit: Youtube
While technically a Trey Songz single, “Bottoms Up” sonically embodies the late 2000s/early 2010s dominance of Young Money on radio. Kane Beatz’s production, with its synth-heavy melodies and smooth 808s, feels perfectly at home in the YMCMB catalog. Perhaps that’s why Nicki Minaj sounds so comfortable on this Passion, Pain & Pleasure single. Nicki is arguably the best at shouting out her collaborators within her feature verses. She playfully starts by asking Trey for some Rosé before launching into a feverish verse with lines like, “I don’t say, ‘Hi,’ I say, ‘Keys to the Benz,’ and shouting out Anna Nicole Smith with, “Do you like my body? Anna Nicki.” Young Money, mirroring Lil Wayne’s leadership, cultivated artists who could elevate any track into a major event. “Bottoms Up” is a nostalgic reminder of an era when artists called on Nicki not just for a feature, but to make the song. This track epitomizes the power of songs with Nicki Minaj.
Kanye West feat. Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Bon Iver, ‘Monster’
Kanye West and Nicki Minaj performing Monster at Hot 97 concert in 2010
Image Credit: Johnny Nunez/WireImage
Hip-hop often uses sports metaphors, but unlike sports, music lacks a formal playoff system for rising stars. Instead, moments happen organically that change everything. For Nicki Minaj, that moment was “Monster.” On this track, the then-up-and-comer not only shared the stage with three rap Hall of Famers but, in many opinions, outshone them, marking the official beginning of her journey to icon status. The hallmark of an iconic verse is its anticipation – the moment when listeners, whether at stadiums, bars, or karaoke nights, instinctively prepare to unleash every single word. Nicki’s extended verse on “Monster” perfectly embodies this, showcasing everything that makes her exceptional: the theatrical character shifts, the braggadocio of “50K for a feature, no album out,” the audacious invitation to Kanye and Amber Rose for a ménage à trois, and the undeniable technical lyricism throughout. Nicki Minaj’s “Monster” verse isn’t just the best verse of her career; it’s arguably the verse of the 2010s, and the ultimate example of why songs with Nicki Minaj are always worth listening to.
