Nicki Minaj: The biggest Barbie in the world reminds everyone her numbers don't lie

There’s plenty of reasons to smile if you’re Nicki Minaj right now. New music on deck plus more records being broken, too? Super impressive and pretty mind-blowing, too.

Nicki Minaj is geeking out over her own success

With a fire project slated to arrive in the coming days, how about looking at the platinum and chart-topping success she’s had over the past decade? Say less.

‘That was my 2nd album. We’ve come a long way.
Thank you for your continued support 🙏🏽🫶🏽
Thank you to my record label & team/ djs/radio & streaming.
🎀11/22 is our Next Pink Friday🎀
We celebrate the 10 year anniversary of my 3rd album #ThePinkprint with never before released vinyls…plus
… hmmmm *thinks* 🤔💭♟️’

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Nicki Minaj: The rap diva celebrates her son Papa Bear's fourth birthday with priceless moments

New York rap diva Nicki Minaj showing big love to her mini-me? Pure big mama vibes. It’s all about celebrating her son Papa Bear’s fourth born day with some priceless moments.

Nicki Minaj celebrates her mini-me Papa Bear’s fourth birthday

It’s more than just a snapshot or emoji for her baby boy. Instead, Nicki hit up Instagram to share heartfelt words and a slew of family moments featuring herself, Papa Bear and husband Kenneth ‘Kenny’ Petty all living their best lives together.

‘Dear #PapaBear,

Happy 4th birthday, buddy. You’ve made mama & daddy so happy. Since you were in mama’s tummy, you gave me a whole new meaning to life. Hope. May God watch over you always & guide your path. No weapon formed against you will prosper. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.’

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Nicki Minaj: The rap superstar keeps reminding us her global impact is far from local

Is there any doubt Nicki Minaj can still win over more than just the North American crowds in 2024? Her appear is global and she continues to prove it touring the world and showing more than just receipts.

Nicki Minaj is 100 percent global with the footage to prove it

Ticket sales are one thing but seeing the self-proclaimed Barbie turning up during her worldwide tour run notably from from Austria? It’s a Rolling Loud type of flex and she’s proving it’s all types of Barbie State of Mind flexing.

‘#GagCityVIENNA ~ AUSTRIA 🇦🇹 over 60K ppl. Can’t even believe this is my life sometimes. To have ppl feel happy about songs you used to wish you never even recorded is such a full circle precious moment. I love you guys & I am soooo grateful to have been able to experience your energy live & in FULL EFFECT. Wishing you all the best. until next time, Austria 🫡♥️🇦🇹 #RollingLoud #GAGCITY #WORLDTOUR’

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Nicki Minaj: It's clear your favorite rap star Barbie is 100 percent worth seeing in-person

Needed even more reasons to see rap diva Nicki Minaj in-person? How about seeing how she’s glowing these days from jam-packed concerts and stages? Oh yes.

Nicki Minaj keeps slaying the stages on tour and wants you to know it

While the buzz alone is insane, it’s Nicki’s knack for posting up snapshots from her slay-filled stops on her cross-country touring goals. Kick back and embrace the awesomeness.

‘#GAGCITYCharlotte you are unforgettable. Thank you for the most BEAUTIFUL NIGHT!!!!!! Thank you for the MOST INCREDIBLE MEMORIES!!!!!! Promise me we’ll do this again real soon? 🙏🏽 I love you. 📸: by @chriscornejo_ 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷 New pieces arrived in #GAGCITY& I may have lost a couple lbs so we’ll make sure we have the BEST TAILORS for the next show. 😅 but I LOVED this new @versace DRESS & SHOES SOOOOO MUCH, I couldn’t wait to wear them! 🫶🏽🎀 Head to Toe Dolce & GAbarbie for the #BARBIEWORLD performance {@dolcegabbana I ADORE YOU & am SOOOO GRATEFUL FOR ALL THE GORGEOUS WORK YOU’VE done for this tour} . 💗 👩🏻‍🎤 PINK MOHAWK as a nod to the video, by MISS SHANEL @shanel_lord 🫶🏽’

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Nicki Minaj: The Queen Barbie refuses to let anyone ignore her 'Big Foot' Megan Thee Stallion song's doing numbers

It might not quite be what Drake ignited with his ‘Charged Up’ and ‘Back to Back’ anthems just yet but it’s going the same route for Nicki Minaj and her ‘Big Foot’ song. The hip-hop heavyweight has continued to step it up and geek out over the Megan Thee Stallion tune doing serious numbers.

Nicki Minaj is tooting her own horn for lighting up Megan Thee Stallion

Over the past few hours, Nicki has relied on the power of Instagram to showcase her stats. From landing on music charts to getting thousands of likes, Minaj keeps showing her strength in numbers.

‘#BigFoot just made APPLE MUSIC
hissTORY. Am I dreaming? I’m not even kidding. 🤭😭😭😂🤣😭
thanks guys!!!! Jumped from #5 to #2 now, as well. GO STREAM YALL 😝😘
love you 🎀 also #1 in over 31 countries on iTunes so to all of those countries: I LOVE YOU FOR LIFE 🫶🏽🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉’

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Nicki also made sure to provide clear context for why she isn’t falling back or letting Meg slide after getting referenced in a newly released ‘Hiss’ song.

‘Imagine being backed by a machine & going up against me, THEE MACHINE. Imagine spending money on a music video & full campaign only for an audio of a blank screen with just my RAPS to gets more views. A rap I made up joking on IG LIVE in mins 🎀 Broke APPLE MUSIC & YOUTUBE records. 🎀 NOW WE WAITING ON SPOTIFY!!!!!!! WHO WANNA PLAY WIT NICKI?!?? 🤣 Spotify ain’t gotta lie!!!!!! They REALLY STREAMING my music. 😎 #BigFOOT This is what happens when you think FAKE BOTS, PAID BLOGS & FAKE STUNTS will win the war in 2024 🎀 this is thinking you that bitch then running into THAT BITCH. #HeavyOnIt @tateko1 lets GOOOOOOOOOOO #GagCITY WHO MAD?!?!!!!!! Idc 😝🤣’

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Nicki Minaj: The 'Pink Friday 2' world tour keeps expanding

Do you need even more ways to keep tabs on rap star Nicki Minaj? Look no further than how the Pink Friday 2 world tour is shaping up with multiple second shows and cities getting added to the line-up.

Nicki Minaj’s ‘Pink Friday 2’ world tour keeps expanding

While the general onside for fresh dates doesn’t go down until this Friday, January 19, you can start geeking out now and plan out how many times - and spots - you plan on seeing the Queens, New York native dominating stages.

Due to incredible fan demand, Nicki Minaj has added second shows to her largest worldwide outing to date, Nicki Minaj Presents: Pink Friday 2 World Tour. Additional North America dates have now been added in Atlanta, Boston, Brooklyn, Chicago, Nashville, and Toronto along with global dates in Amsterdam, Cologne, Copenhagen, Glasgow, Manchester, Paris, and Stockholm.  

A total of 13 additional dates have been added, with even more regions expected to be announced throughout the year.  

NORTH AMERICA TICKETS: 

• Tickets will be available starting with a Citi presale (details below) beginning on Tuesday, January 16. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning on Friday, January 19 at 9am local time at NickiMinajOfficial.com.

• U.S. PRESALE: Citi is the official card of the Pink Friday 2 World Tour. Citi cardmembers in the U.S. will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, January 16 at 1pm local time until Thursday, January 18 at 9pm local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com. 

EUROPE/UK TICKETS: 

• Tickets will be available starting with an artist presale on Wednesday, January 17 at 9am local time. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning on Friday, January 19 at 9am local time at NickiMinajOfficial.com. 

Tickets for all other shows are available now at NickiMinajOfficial.com.

Nicki Minaj Presents: Pink Friday 2 World Tour is now her highest selling tour to date; with over 25 arena shows sold out just a few days into the official presale. Minaj sold 30,000 tickets alone for her tri-state hometown performances in Newark, New York City, and Brooklyn; with an additional date being added. Nicki has yet to announce any support or additional acts for the tour. 

Minaj continues to dominate 2024 with the monumental success of her latest album Pink Friday 2 which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 upon its arrival. With this stellar showing, she made history achieving “the most #1’s on the Billboard 200 by a female rapper ever!”Speaking to her enduring impact as one of the world’s most impactful superstars, she stands out as “the first female rap artist to land a #1 album in two different decades.”

Pink Friday 2 tallied total consumption of 228K-plus units and netted “her biggest streaming week ever” with 170 million album streams. Among other accolades, it has earned “the biggest female rap album debut of the 2020s and biggest female R&B/Hip-Hop Album Sales & Streaming Week of 2023” and “the biggest sales week for a female rap album on vinyl in the Soundscan era,” according toBillboard.
 
Moreover, it vaulted to #1 on the Top Album Sales Chart, the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart, and Rap Albums Chart. It ranks in the “Top 3 Hip-Hop Debuts of 2023” and “Top 10 Overall Debuts of 2023.” Plus, it’s her 7th Top 10 on the Billboard 200, the most top 10 albums for a female rapper in history. 

VIP:  The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium tickets and access to the Gag City Headquarters; Nicki’s VIP lounge with special pop-up activations, exclusive merch items, and more. For more information, visit vipnation.com.

PINK FRIDAY 2 WORLD TOUR DATES: 

Fri Mar 01 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena 

Sun Mar 03 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena 

Fri Mar 08 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena 

Sun Mar 10 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena 

Wed Mar 13 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center 

Fri Mar 15 – Inglewood, CA – Rolling Loud California*

Mon Mar 18 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center 

Wed Mar 20 – Atlanta, GA  – State Farm Arena

Thu Mar 21 – Atlanta, GA  – State Farm Arena – JUST ADDED

Fri Mar 22 –  Orlando, FL - Amway Center

Sun Mar 24 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena – JUST ADDED

Tue Mar 26 –  Charlotte, NC - Spectrum Center

Thu Mar 28 - Newark, NJ - Prudential Center

Fri Mar 29 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center 

Sat Mar 30 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden 

Mon Apr 01 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena 

Tue Apr 02 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena 

Thu Apr 04 –  Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center 

Fri Apr 05 – Hartford, CT – XL Center 

Sun Apr 07 – Raleigh, NC – Dreamville Festival*

Mon Apr 08 – Boston, MA – TD Garden - JUST ADDED

Wed Apr 10 – Boston, MA – TD Garden 

Fri Apr 12 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center 

Sat Apr 13 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum 

Wed Apr 17 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre 

Thu Apr 18 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena 

Sat Apr 20 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena 

Wed Apr 24 – Chicago, IL – United Center 

Thu Apr 25 – Chicago, IL – United Center - JUST ADDED

Sat Apr 27 – Minneapolis, MN - Target Center 

Tue Apr 30 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena – JUST ADDED

Wed May 01 –  Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center – JUST ADDED

Thu May 09 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center 

Sat May 11 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center

Sun May 12 – Austin, TX – Moody Center 

Mon May 13 - Oklahoma City, OK - Paycom Center 

Thu May 23 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome - JUST ADDED

Sat May 25 – Manchester, UK – Co-Op Live 

Sun May 26 – Birmingham, UK – Resorts World Arena 

Tue May 28 – London, UK – The O2 

Wed May 29 – Glasgow, Scotland – OVO Hydro – JUST ADDED

Thu May 30 – Manchester, UK – Co-Op Live - JUST ADDED

Sat Jun 01 – Paris, France – Accor Arena 

Sun Jun 02 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome 

Tue Jun 04 – Cologne, Germany – Lanxess Arena – JUST ADDED

Wed Jun 05 – Cologne, Germany – Lanxess Arena

Fri Jun 07 – Berlin, Germany - Mercedes Benz Arena

Sun Jun 09 – Paris, France - Accor Arena - JUST ADDED

Tue Jun 11 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena – JUST ADDED

Wed Jun 12 – Stockholm, Sweden – Tele2 Arena – JUST ADDED

*Festival Performance

Nicki Minaj: There's no holding back in this hilarious Q&A with Funny Marco

Laughs and laughs and laughs? You bet. Nearly a full-fledged hour of chemistry between Young Money rap heavyweight Nicki Minaj and ‘Open Thoughts’ host Funny Marco.

Nicki Minaj and Funny Marco have priceless funny moments together

It’s legit laughs from the start through the end of this conversation. Cringe but wild and must-see. Way too priceless.

Nicki Minaj: The Young Money queen glows on her new 'VOGUE' issue

New York rap heavyweight Nicki Minaj has some serious bragging rights these days. The hip-hop star has stepped up to show out and flex her beauty on the cover of VOGUE magazine.

Nicki Minaj is glowing bright from the new ‘VOGUE’ issue

Onika Maraj hit up her Instagram page to not only express her gratitude to VOGUE’s editor-in-chief Anna Wintour but provide some up-close looks at herself in the new magazine.

‘Anna, thank you. I can’t really find the words to sum up all these emotions right now, but gratitude is number 1 on the list. Thank you for making one of my WILDEST dreams come true. A beautiful & surreal experience from start to finish.

Sergio, THANK YOU & the entire team for making this such an enjoyable, iconic, unforgettable experience!!!!! @sergiokletnoy

We did it Joe! Thank you Joe!!!! @thecarozza

Vogue // @voguemagazine
Photographer: Norman Jean Roy // @normanjeanroy

Writer: Rob Haskell // @robertjhaskell

Fashion Editor: Max Ortega // @maxortegag

Hair: Lacy Redway // @lacyredway & Dionte Gray // @arrogant_tae123

Makeup: Raoúl Alejandre // @raoulalejandre

Entertainment Director: Sergio Kletnoy // @sergiokletnoy’

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Nicki Minaj: The 'Pink Friday 2' album artwork reveal is of course must-see

New York rapper Nicki Minaj knows it feels like forever since blessing the rap game with fire full-fledged albums. So it’s only right to get her day ones geeking out over a much-needed Pink Friday 2 album with some teaser artwork.

Nicki Minaj teases ‘Pink Friday 2’ album cover

While the world has to wait a bit longer before getting a listen to the new LP, Onika has hit up her Instagram page to share the upcoming album’s artwork. Nicki hit Instagram with the must-see visual fire.

‘#PinkFriday2
Album cover #1 of 2.

🎀Look By Vêtements @vetements_official
 Guram, I love you. Thank you.

Styling by @maherxjridi

Hair by @arrogant_tae123

MUA Creative Direction Pat McGrath @patmcgrathreal

Queen Pat, thank you for being apart of this. Omg. 👑

MUA by @hotlikefirre

Nails by @iridescentlynailed

Photos by  @charlie__chops

Charlotte, 🙏🎀♥️✨’

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Call of Duty: Of course hip-hop is getting love with a hard-hitting TikTok challenge

Who says Call of Duty isn’t about those TikTok goals, too? Turns out the biggest gaming franchise in the culture is putting proper respect on hip-hop’s 50th anniversary with a super fire TikTok challenge properly called the ‘Call of Duty Sounds: Open Verse Challenge.’

The ‘Call of Duty Sounds: Open Verse Challenge’ is alive and rocking

Needed a reason to ignite your own TikTok account? Look no further than this new challenge encouraging newbies or even seasoned veterans to come together and geek out over the rap game culture with a fire verse.

Call of Duty is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop the only way it knows how….by going all in!! Sound effects in video games are repeated hundreds of times for players and they are ingrained in their subconscious. Call of Duty leaned into this insight and produced a one-of-a-kind hip-hop inspired track featuring multiple Call of Duty in-game sound effects that crescendos together into an epic war track. The song is brought to life through the brand’s first ever Open Verse Challenge on the Call of Duty TikTok featuring a unique beat sync video and invited creators Zaehd, Flawless and Kenny to drop a verse. 

Open Verse Challenge on TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8NNFVA2/

This activation is just one of the many ways Call of Duty is celebrating the 50 years of Hip-Hop. Earlier this month the team announced Snoop Dogg and Nicki Minaj as new operators for Season 05. Nicki will be Call of Duty’s first-ever self-named female Operator. Rapper 21 Savage will also have an operator debuting later this month.

Call of Duty: 21 Savage, Nicki Minaj and Snoop Dogg are suiting up for Season 05

Is there any first-person shooter messing with Call of Duty these days? Maybe even over the past decade? The franchise keeps going strong and with Season 05 launching Wednesday, it’s only right to geek out over hip-hop superstars 21 Savage, Nicki Minaj and Snoop Dogg joining in on the fun.

The ‘Call of Duty Season 05’ update is loaded for hip-hop heads

Whether you want to blast away at the opps with a pink gun or just love seeing 21, 21, 21 grace the screen in shooter mode, it’s all types of vintage and modern day rap culture vibes going down in 48 hours.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Warzone are about to get a ton of exciting new content, when Season 05 launches on August 2. Featuring Snoop Dogg, Nicki Minaj, and 21 Savage as Operators, as well as Oz, the new Operator modeled after Zoltan from Five Finger Death Punch, a returning Modern Warfare map and new Core Map for Modern Warfare II, the Vondel Champions Quest and Call of Duty 2023 worldwide reveal in Warzone, and much more, Season 05 is set to be epic.

Modern Warfare II Content:

• A Strike from the Past; Punta Mar Steps into the Present. A returning Call of Duty® 4: Modern Warfare® map and a brand-new location are the two Core maps at launch. Plus: two additional gunfight maps.

• New Core Map In-Season. Small, built for fast-flowing action, and based near Building 21, visit the DRC – Zone 1 research campus for rapid-paced chaotic core combat, coming mid-season.

• Wreak Havoc, grab the flag and Armor Up in three new Modes. A Multiplayer arena-style game mode arrives in Modern Warfare® II. Battle Maps get a Capture the Flag mode. Plus, it’s time to bring your Armor Plates, Loadouts, and Sniper Rifles to the Gunfight.

Warzone Content:

• Calling All Champions. The Vondel Champions Quest will begin in Season 05. Assemble the squad and prepare to put together a new plan for victory in Vondel.

• New Free Features in BR and DMZ. Two new vehicles across both modes; several new DMZ features, and the first details on the Reveal Event for Call of Duty 2023.

• Arriving at Reloaded: Hold Down the Fort, Prepared for Armored Royale. A section of Al Mazrah adds to the available Resurgence maps, and will be added to the existing rotation. That and the return of Armored Royale earmark the Season 05 midseason updates.

Across Both Titles:

• Task Force 141 and Shadow Company: Faction Showdown. Do your part to help TF141 or Shadow Company control the AO. Your efforts will reward you with exclusive items, including a Weapon Blueprint for challenge completion and a new Operator Skin for the winning side.

• Gear Up with Modern Weaponry. A fast-firing Assault Rifle and semi-auto Sniper Rifle sure to put a frown on the enemy’s face will be available in the Battle Pass. Plus, four more armaments throughout the season.

• Call of Duty celebrates 50 years of Hip Hop with Special Guests Snoop Dogg, Nicki Minaj, and 21 Savage. Get ready to light it up and get some free War Tracks spanning three decades of a culture that transcends music and gaming.

Call of Duty: Nicki Minaj is invading the best first person shooter franchise game ever

Call of Booty? Kidding, kidding - but seriously, getting Young Money’s Nicki Minaj into the Call of Duty world? Tough. Activision is doing some major teasing with one of the biggest hip-hop stars in the game with a look at Onika Maraj flexing her very own signature pink weapon.

Call of Duty and Nicki Minaj are doubling up

The video game franchise hit up its social media pages to show a glimpse of Nicki in the guns blazing world. Start the countdown?

‘Nicki Minaj is coming to Call of Duty 💖’

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Nicki Minaj: The new 'Pink Friday 2' album drops this November

Time flies by when you’re having fun, right Nicki Minaj? Turns out the Young Money rap star is gearing up for a major release with her Pink Friday 2 album getting locked in for a November drop.

Nicki Minaj’s ‘Pink Friday 2’ album drops this fall

Whether you’re pumped about Thanksgiving or tons of major NBA plus NFL games later this year, you can now added Onika Maraj’s much-needed studio effort arriving November 17.

‘Dear Barbz, I’ve been trying to find the right time to tell you this for a few days. Due to some really exciting news that I’ll share with you guys @ a later time, I’ve shifted the album date just a tad bit. Trust me, it’ll be WELL WORTH THE WAIT…but since I AM shifting the date just a tad, I’d like to give you guys a tiny SIP of some more album tea so that I don’t have to get cussed out 🙁 so…here it goes: 🎀
MY NEW ALBUM WILL BE RELEASED ON 11.17.23-

🎀 and she shall be called:
Pink Friday 2 🎀

🥹 I love you guys so much. I am so grateful for the years of support & love you guys have given me. At times maybe I didn’t even deserve all that you have poured into me. Nonetheless, you. will. love. this. album. I will give tour deets closer to that time, but obviously the tour will start around the first quarter of 2024. I’ll also share the REAL album cover at a later date.
💖🦄🙏🏽’

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Nicki Minaj: Everyone's favorite Barbie is showing off all the moms in her life

Mother’s Day is way bigger than just Onika Maraj. Rap superstar Nicki Minaj has taken a moment to dish on the various women in her life and how much they mean to both herself and husband Kenneth ‘Kenny’ Petty.

Nicki Minaj has endless love for the moms in her life

The Young Money superstar hit up Instagram and shared much more than must-see photos and footage. She also shared some heartfelt captions about the ride or die ladies.

‘All I can think about is how sleep deprived my husband & I were. And how I wouldn’t trade even one minute of the journey to becoming your mom.

🌸🌸🌸
3 diff moms in this slide. Papa, one day I hope you’ll know how lucky you are to have them.

🌸🌸🌸
Happy Mother’s Day Mommy. Thank you for bringing me to church with you when I was a kid.

🌸🌸🌸
Happy Mother’s Day to my husband’s mother who helped us soooo much in the first year so we could get a few hours of sleep sometimes.

🌸🌸🌸
Happy Mother’s Day to my husband’s grandmother whom he adores.

🌸🌸🌸
And to you. The mothers who have no clue how you’re going to “figure it out”. Wishing you blessings & peace. You will ABSOLUTELY figure it out. I promise. You’re a
super-hero🙏🏾💞💞💞

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Zendaya is officially the most Googled African American woman

It’s bigger than ‘Euphoria’ for Zendaya these days. A new report reveals the likes of Beyoncé and even Serena Williams all fall behind the stunning actress as being the most Googled African American woman of the year.

Zendaya has bragging rights over Beyoncé and Serena Williams

Big facts? Zendaya is leading the way while the iconic Serena Williams follows closely behind in second. While not the one or the two, Queen Bey and even Michelle Obama secure spots in the Top 10. The full-fledged report comes courtesy of ThatSister.

The research conducted by black social commentators ThatSister analyzed Google search data for over 100 of the most influential African American women since January 1st 2022 to determine which woman was the most talked about of the year.

The study revealed Zendaya as the most Googled African American woman of the year with 2.71 million average searches each month of 2022, in America. Zendaya has had an incredibly successful year after appearing in the hit movie, Dune as well as playing the lead in HBO’s series Euphoria. Her relationship with Spider-Man co-star, Tom Holland has kept the star in the headlines throughout the year alongside her numerous acting achievements.

Despite not being an official American citizen and not being included in the official ranking as a result, Rihanna was Googled a notable 1.77 million times each month this year on average, slightly lower than Zendaya. Rihanna hit the headlines with the birth of her first child with partner and rapper A$AP Rocky as well as the announcement that she would headline the 2023 SuperBowl Halftime show.

Tennis sensation, Serena Williams received the second highest number of Google searches in America throughout 2022. Williams announced her departure from Tennis in August 2022 which sent shockwaves across the country and world alike, leading to searches for the star averaging at 1.65 million per month throughout the year.

 Meghan Markle is the third most Googled African American woman this year. Markle has been Googled 1.56 million times per month this year. Meghan Markle and her husband, Prince Harry made headlines recently with the upcoming release of their Netflix tell-all documentary.

Beyoncé was Googled 1.20 million times per month across America in 2022, making her the fourth most talked about African American woman of the year, largely due to the release of her seventh studio album, Renaissance, dropping in July.

Former First Lady, Michelle Obama ranks fifth, having been Googled 1.19 million times per month on average – slightly behind Beyoncé. Michelle Obama recently release her new book, ‘The Light We Carry’.

Jada Pinkett-Smith ranks sixth, being Googled 1.16 million times per month across the country. Pinkett-Smith found herself in the headlines after her husband, Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock during the Academy Awards 

Oprah Winfrey is the seventh most Googled African American woman of the year. Winfrey has been Googled 1.15 million times per month in America. 

Rappers Nicki Minaj and Cardi B rank eighth and ninth respectively. Nicki Minaj was searched 1.12 million times per month across the country. Cardi B was searched 940K times per month throughout the year on average.

Whoopi Goldberg, host of The View, completes the top ten, being searched 648K times per month in America throughout the year.

Nicki Minaj's getting her respect at the 2022 MTV VMAs

New York rap superstar Nicki Minaj is staying extra busy these days working on new music, juggling her marriage goals with those parenting duties plus appearing at Drake’s OVO Fest for a much-needed Young Money reunion. But is there any bigger salute to what she’s provided the rap game for over 10 years than receiving the Video Music Awards’ Vanguard Award at the MTV ceremony this month?

Nicki Minaj’s well-earned Vanguard Award is coming

Barbz around the world, you may start the countdown. The hip-hop icon will receive the official Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award and also take the stage for the first time since 2018 for a live performance Sunday, August 28 from the Prudential Center. Her accolades speak for themselves.

• The 17x nominated and 5x “VMAs” winner, who took home her first Moon Person for Best Hip Hop Video in 2011, is nominated this year for “Best Hip Hop.”

• “Nicki has broken barriers for women in hip-hop with her versatility and creative artistry,” said Bruce Gillmer, President of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events, Paramount and Chief Content Officer, Music, Paramount+. “She has shifted the music industry and cemented her status as a global superstar with her crossover appeal, genre-defying style and continuing to be unapologetically ‘Nicki’.”

• Minaj’s next single, “Super Freaky Girl” will be released on August 12.

• Previous Vanguard Award recipients include Madonna, Janet Jackson, LL Cool J, Jennifer Lopez and Missy Elliott. David Bowie, The Beatles and director Richard Lester shared the honor at the first-ever VMAs (1984).

• Nicki Minaj’s many memorable moments from previous “VMAs” include:

• Minaj made her “VMAs” main stage debut in 2012, rapping a surprise verse on Alicia Keys’ “Girl on Fire” and returned with a trifecta of performances in 2014, first taking fans to the Amazonian jungle with “Anaconda,” then teaming up with Ariana Grande and Jessie J for a show-stopping performance of “Bang Bang,” and finally, “She Came To Give It To U” with Usher.

• In 2015, Nicki again performed a trio of songs, first “Trini Dem Girls,” before bringing Taylor Swift on stage for “The Night Is Still Young” and “Bad Blood.” She reunited with Ariana Grande in 2016 for “Side To Side,” and in 2017, joined host Katy Perry for a performance of “Swish Swish.”

• Nicki’s most recent “VMAs” appearance included an unforgettable rap medley from her album Queen, featuring songs “Majesty,” “Ganga Burn,” “FEFE” and “Barbie Dreams” at the 2018 show.

• Beyond her can’t-miss performances, Nicki always dazzles the “VMAs” red carpet with trendsetting fashion and hairstyles, creating immediate viral frenzies across social media and media worldwide.

Nicki is known for doing big things - specifically - at the VMAs. She’s conquered everything from multiple awards to donning eye-opening fits at the annual summer event.

• Following her first win in 2011, she continued domination in the “Best Hip Hop” category, picking up wins for “Anaconda” (2015) and “Chun-Li” (2018).

• Minaj also took home “Best Female Video” in 2012 for “Starships.”

• Most recently, she picked up a Moon Person in 2019 for “Best Power Anthem” (“Hot Girl Summer”).

“I’m receiving the Video Vanguard Award at the 2022 #VMAs! You DO NOT !!!! I REPEAT!!!! You do NOTTTTTT want to miss my performance – Sunday August 28 at 8p on @MTV 😫🙏🏽🎀💕🫢🔥🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄”

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Nicki Minaj is adding her Barbie twist to Maxim

New York rapper Nicki Minaj continues to prove it’s deeper than rap. The hip-hop superstar has stepped up to let the world know they can do more than catch her outside - you can also keep tabs on her grind over at popular men’s lifestyle publication Maxim.

Nicki Minaj secures the bag at Maxim

Onika has hit up her Instagram page to deliver the massive news. While details are still coming together, the self-proclaimed Barbie has revealed her new role at the magazine and its betting side.

“I am so proud & excited to be the newest @MaximBetUSA investor, advisor and first global ambassador & creative director of @maximmag ‼️‼️‼️🎉🎉🎉

Make way for the Queen of lifestyle sports betting 👑💰

Get ready for the biggest & best BARBIE experiences, parties, merch & MORE 🎀🫶🏽

Check out the link in my bio 🦄”

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Nicki Minaj's using thirst to sell merch and I'm not complaining

Granted, it ‘is’ a Woman Crush Wednesday but did Nicki Minaj really have to do it on ‘em like this? Truth be told, this section is really dedicated to full-fledged news stories like ‘Snowfall’ being renewed for a sixth and final season or what’s going on with Tory Lanez in the Megan Thee Stallion case, but it’s too much of an ass-tounding opportunity to put Onika Maraj back on top.

Nicki Minaj’s using thirst to sell merch - no complaints

The hip-hop superstar hit up her Instagram page to share a snapshot of herself completely allowing her lower backside get all the attention before seeing it’s all about the top.

“Look @ my ankle
Look @ my wrist
This ☝️ a pack. This ☝️ a brick
That☝️a OPP. That ☝️a LICK.
This ☝️ for POP.
This ☝️ for JUICE.
I am the ☝️
B!tch you a ✌🏾

NickiMinajOfficial.com 🎀”

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Nicki Minaj's 8 jaw-dropping Apple Music 1 Q&A reveals

Young Money’s Nicki Minaj has a lot to talk about these days with her must-hear ‘Do We Have A Problem’ single getting immediate rotation love. The hip-hop star links with Apple Music 1’s Zane Lowe to dish on the new collaboration plus a bunch of other topics.

From talking about not rushing out new music to going back in her hard raps bag of tricks, Onika Maraj doesn’t hold back - at all. To help you get through this epic interview, we’ve put together 8 jaw-dropping reveals from the conversation. Make sure to keep scrolling to check out the interview.

1. Nicki Minaj Tells Apple Music About Collaborating With Lil Baby on “Do We Have A Problem?” and “Bussin”...

He and I had recorded the "Bussin" record and I didn't feel like he LOVED it and we both didn't feel like it really matched with him. And so weeks went by and I stumbled upon this, 'Do We Have A Problem?" beat and just with the beat alone, I felt like, yo, this is more of a little Baby vibe. So P happened to be in LA. He was just about to leave. I said, "P, oh my goodness." He was about to leave in the morning. I said, "Please come to my house and listen to this record." I didn't even tell him what it was for. I just said, "I just need you to come here and hear this." He came by. I said, "Now, listen, I know I wanted Baby to be on the first record." I said, "But I'm leaning toward this." I said, "I want to give Baby the first offer, just respectfully to say, hey, I told you guys you would be on the first single, but I might change it to this record. Do we have a problem? Now, if you want to be on this song, of course, I would be more than happy to have you, but I wouldn't ask you to do that." You know what I'm saying? I wouldn't impose, but I wanted to just give you the opportunity that I told you and that you have a choice to decide.” And P was like, "Oh my God, I know Baby going to like this more because it was more melodic." Baby is known for his melodies. So he goes, "I think Baby going to like this more." P liked it more. And then sure enough, when Baby heard it, he did like it more. And then, and then we couldn't decide so we said, you know what, let's put both of the records out.

2. Nicki Minaj Tells Apple Music About The Rare Circumstance of Collaborating With Lil Baby on Two Songs…

I normally don't do those things with anybody outside of the Young Money fam right? I mean, it's not a lot of rappers that I have a lot of different records with. So yeah, with Lil Baby, it was surprising for me too. I didn't think they would even want to put out both songs. It was like, I'm thinking he was just going to be like, I like this one, so let's scrap the other one. But they was like, let's go with both.

3. Nicki Minaj Tells Apple Music Why She Takes Her Time Releasing Music…

I never like to over saturate or overdo myself in the culture and the industry, period. I just believe in, let people miss you. You know what I'm saying?

4. Nicki Minaj Tells Apple Music About Restoring Order and Bringing It Back To Rap With Her New Music…

I felt like, yo, the people not only want you, but they need you. I feel. When you are a leader in anything you do, when things are going helter-skelter, you got to come back and put some order. And that's what I felt I was doing with this, just bringing it back to rap, records, gutter shit, just where people can play it and they can sing along to it with their dude. And you know what I'm saying? You just get that natural essence of rap again.

What I love in Bussin, me and Baby just doing back and forth and it's like, we were joking. Even when he was here, we was like, oh, I can't. I was telling him, I said, "I know when this come on in the club, all of the baddest bitches and they with their dude, the dude going wanna say what Baby saying and a girl wanna say what I'm saying, because it make both of them feel like they that person. You know what I'm saying, that confidence that comes across. And so I knew it was time because we're missing that right now.

5. Nicki Minaj Tells Apple Music How Becoming a Parent Led To Focus More on Music And Letting Go of What Doesn’t Matter

What I was putting a lot of emphasis on a lot of the time, I think, in the couple years leading up to this was stuff that didn't matter in the big scheme of things. And I think that this got me back to focusing on just making rap music and enjoying the process of that. You know what I'm saying? Instead of worrying about all this other bullshit, instead of worrying about social media, instead of worrying about who got to say what, instead of worrying about, did I offend this person, that person? None of that now.

That's all I feel right now is just interacting with my fans. When I first came in, I just used to have fun with my fans. Make music, have fun doing that. Even with, Do We Have A Problem, I remember, the melody came into me to put a little singing melody at the end or whatever. And then something was like, no, don't do that. what if people say, why did she put singing on this? And then I said, "Man, fuck all that." I'm just going to do me. If you like it, you like it. If you don't, that's fine too. You know what I'm saying?I'm not going to force nobody. I'm not going to try to convince nobody to like me. That's not what I'm supposed to do. I'm just supposed to create my music and give it to the people who want it. And that's all I'm doing from now.

6. Nicki Minaj Says An Album Is Around The Corner and That She Has “A Lot of Surprises” Lined Up For Fans…

Nicki Minaj: So the album is coming very soon, obviously. That's why I started putting out music. Like I said before, from now on, every Friday, it will be called Pink Friday. I do have a lot of surprises lined up for the fans leading up to the album, but we want to definitely get the album out there quickly. I will say that. I would like to give them a taste of a little bit more music before the album comes out, but we think that it's time.

Zane Lowe: The two Lil Baby songs will be on the record?

Nicki Minaj: Well, I would say that I would only put one song with Little Baby on it because that's expensive real estate, that album. So we'll see. I think that as time goes by, I'll see what the fans really resonate with and we'll decide then.

7. Nicki Minaj Tells Apple Music About Features on the Album, That She’s Not Thirsty To Throw Names on an Album, and That The Project is “Core Nicki Minaj”...

I tend to like to invite people at the very, very end so that I see what record really needs someone else. I don't want to just put features on just for the sake of throwing a bunch of rappers on my album. I'm not doing that. I want to wait until the last maybe two weeks and then I'll say, all right, this sounds like it needs a verse from XYZ.

As of right now, there is a solo song that I cannot wait for my freaking fans to hear. I actually was contemplating dropping it with, Do We Have A Problem originally, but we'll see. There is a guy I think that would blend really well on this particular song or it might just remain solo. I'm not thirsty to just throw names on the album. I think what's most important is that the fans are going to feel like, oh my goodness, yes, this is real. This is core Nick Minaj and it's about to be turn up time because obviously, the goal is to get out there and see my fans again. You know what I'm saying? I hate that COVID has happened to this world, but the goal is always to get some music out so you can go and visit your fans.

8. Nicki Minaj Tells Apple Music About Missing Interacting With Her Fans in the Real World and Why Social Media Is No Substitute...

Yeah, of course it's a big priority because that's where I started off. I started off doing clubs with two, 300 people to see my fans. And I always, I don't know, got a rush of that energy, being able to see them and literally touch their hands. And so because of that, I always, no matter what stage I am in my career, I always think, okay, it's time to get up out there and see my fans and take pictures of my fans and get their voice and their energy. There's nothing like that because you'll be on social media, you can stay on social media all day and it's not the real world. It's just not. People say a bunch of stuff to go viral and to get attention, but that's just not the real world. When I go out there, I'm touring, and I've been from country to country, to country. It's just love, you know what I'm saying? And it's excitement and most people, right now especially, they just want to have fun. They just want to enjoy life. People are leaving us so soon, so people just want to enjoy life right now.

Nicki Minaj delivers 5 jaw-dropping gems in new Hot 93.7 Q&A

Young Money’s Nicki Minaj doesn’t always do interviews but when she does, they’re always memorable. The self-proclaimed Queen of Rap comes through with a thought-provoking and eyebrow-raising chop up session with Hot 93.7 Hartford’s DJ Buck & Friends show.

With nearly 20 minutes of Onika Maraj talk, we couldn’t help but highlight five of the biggest gems she dropped. Check them out below and catch the entire discussion at the bottom.

1. What she considers to be the key to staying on top [03:00]

“What I will say is that, never take for granted, and I think this started happening a few years ago and now people are seeing. Never take for granted how in tune your audience really is. Never think that people don’t peep everything. It will always come back. When people talk at the end of the day, it will always come back to just talent. Just talent, right? I think that talent plus drive, and then that x-factor with me was the genuine, genuine, authentic relationship that I built with my fanbase at an early stage of my career... I think now when people come into the game, they give a bunch of people a name and say those are my fans and that’s that. And those people, they’re not really connecting to you... So I may not always drop the best song, may not always say or look the best, or whatever. But my people, they connect with me because of that very beginning stage. I think that has a lot to do with it.”

2. New artists don't ensure their verses are fire, because they have social media to put out gimmicks [05:40]

“People have other ways of going viral, so what’s the sense of them going hard on their actual craft?”

3. Motherhood is a blessing; Doesn't want her son to go into music [09:15]

“When I look at my son, sometimes when I’m stressing about something, I look at my son and I realize, ‘what you mad at? Look at what God blessed you with. This is the ultimate blessing of the universe. There’s no greater blessing. There’s none. You can’t think of one greater blessing that the universe gives us as human beings.’ So I will just say that it’s been a great experience. I'm learning a lot, I’m laughing a lot…”

"I'm not letting him rap. I'm not letting him do nothing about no music."

4. Upcoming album close to Pink Friday 2.0; Less overthinking, more having fun [11:20]

“I would say this album will be the closest thing we’ll ever get to ‘Pink Friday’ 2.0…”

5. If more acting is in her future; The film Salt and Angelina Jolie were inspirations behind the "Do We Have A Problem" music video [17:40]

“There’s a movie I might be doing soon."