In a breathtaking cover shoot for Vogue’s latest issue, Nicki Minaj, the iconic rapper and artist, takes center stage. The 40-year-old artist, photographed by Norman Jean, graces the cover in a cream-hued satin dress, adorned with a ruched accent on one hip and a draped neckline.
The accompanying interview delves into various facets of Nicki’s life, offering readers a glimpse into her experiences with motherhood, her music career, and personal growth. Sharing insights into her journey into motherhood during the isolating days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nicki discusses both the challenges and joys that come with being a new mother. She affectionately refers to her son as “Papa Bear,” emphasizing the profound happiness he has brought into her life.
Contrary to her initial belief that starting a family might diminish her passion for making music, Nicki reveals that motherhood has not dampened her artistic fire. “I think that deep down inside, I believed that once I had a family, I would just lose the desire to make music,” she shares. “But what happens is that you find out you have to work.”
Opening up about the complexities of parenthood, Nicki acknowledges the unexpected challenges she faced. “I’m not going to lie, things got testy between us. Because of our history, I think we knew we’d get past it,” she reflects, highlighting the uncertainties and anxieties that come with raising a child.
The conversation also touches upon Nicki Minaj’s highly anticipated new album, “Pink Friday 2,” set to be released on December 8. This sequel to her debut album marks her return to the music scene after five years. According to her mix engineer, Aubry “Big Juice” Delaine, the album offers a fresh and exciting sound, akin to a greatest hits collection with all-new songs. As Nicki prepares to make a powerful comeback, fans can expect a blend of nostalgia and innovation in her latest musical endeavor.
Because I’ve known my husband for so long, there’s an ease we have with each other. We make each other laugh. We’re silly. And we’re always reminiscing about some old story. If it was a guy that I met as Nicki Minaj, I think I’d feel like they liked me because I’m Nicki Minaj, and what if I don’t look like Nicki Minaj every day? And that, combined with pregnancy, would probably have made me crazy.
On body positivity, and promoting mental health awareness:
just looked at a video that I posted on Instagram when I was 25, and I would fucking pay to look like that right now. But today I can say that I’m at peace with who I am and how I look. I have to say this as a Black woman, though. I’ve made certain choices for my son, to not give him sweets and candy and juices, because of illnesses like diabetes that run in our community. I’m not in favor of body positivity if it means unhealthy bodies. That’s bull. It’s not believable, so let’s stop pretending. Recently I had to get a breast reduction, and actually, I love it. I used to want a bigger butt, and now I look back and realize how silly that was. So—love your curves, and love your non-curves. There’s nothing wrong with any of it.
