(Photo: Courtesy of ESPN The Magazine)

ESPN The Magazine tapped Nicki Minaj and Kobe Bryant to lead of one of three editions of the publication's annual "Music Issue," all of which leaked online early Tuesday (Jan. 21) according to Vibe.com.

Minaj's cover shows the smiling Young Money Barbie seated atop a speaker next to Bryant. The 31-year-old rapper rocks a colorful Galliano look that she previewed on Instagram last week under the caption "headed to a top secret mission."

Two additional covers showcase more sports and music pairings with Kendrick Lamar and Los Angeles Clippers baller Chris Paul, and Eminem alongside Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson. 

Inside, the magazine offers up a special Super Bowl XLVIII "preview spectacular" as well as an in-depth look at Janet Jackson's infamous nip-slip during her halftime performance with Justin Timberlake back in 2004.  

The issue hits stands this Friday (Jan. 26).  

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