The Evolution of Nicki Minaj

Happy Birthday, Nicki!

Nicki Minaj @NickiMinaj - Tweet: "lmao, French's HORRIBLE Jamaican accent!!!! he had us cryin -----> RT @MinajsBum: @NICKIMINAJ funniest moment on set?#FreaksVideo"Nicki Minaj shares fun moments and answers questions from fans about her onset experience with rapper French Montana for their new video, "Freaks." (photo: John Ricard / BET)
Trini Gyal, Queens-bred - Born in Trinidad, raised in Queens, Onika Tanya Meraj spent much of her life in New York. Graduating from the esteemed LaGuardia High School, known for their performing arts program, she was trained as a drama major, which would prepare her for a creative music career as Nicki Minaj. (Photo: Public Domain)
Rap Beginnings - Starting her rap career as part of a group called Hoodstars, Nicki eventually broke off to do her own thing and was discovered by Fendi, CEO of Dirty Money Entertainment. After signing to his label and changing her name from Nicki Maraj to Nicki Minaj, she began to gain respect for her budding talent. (Photo: jamesdelgattofilms)
Playtime Is Over - The artist began releasing mixtapes like Playtime Is Over, Sucka Free and Beam Me Up Scotty to attract more attention to her flow. She caught the attention of TV networks like BET and MTV, plus some major media outlets. Her efforts would not go unnoticed. (Photo: Young Money)/content/dam/betcom/images/2011/05/Shows/2011-BET-AWARDS/051911-shows-bet-awards-perform-nicki-minaj-6.jpg

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Trini Gyal, Queens-bred - Born in Trinidad, raised in Queens, Onika Tanya Meraj spent much of her life in New York. Graduating from the esteemed LaGuardia High School, known for their performing arts program, she was trained as a drama major, which would prepare her for a creative music career as Nicki Minaj. (Photo: Public Domain)

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