fbpx
Tuesday, February 11 2025

Indian Afro-Trinidadian Goddess

Nicki Minaj performs during the Power 99 Powerhouse 2013 concert at the Wells Fargo Center
Nicki Minaj performs during the Power 99 Powerhouse 2013 concert at the Wells Fargo Center

Although the world may know her as Nicki Minaj – an artist the New York Times refers to as “the most influential female rapper of all time,” what most people don’t know, is how Minaj came to be such a shining star.

Onika Tanya Maraj was born in Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago on December 8, 1982 to Carol and Robert Maraj.  Nicki, as we know her today, is a blend of Indian and Afro-Trinidadian ancestry.  Her father suffered from a severe drug and alcohol addiction in her formative years, forcing Minaj and her mother to immigrate to Queens, New York when she was only five.  Minaj graduated from LaGuardia High School, one that specialized in music and the visual and performing arts- in which she aspired to be an actress.  After being cast to a Broadway play, “In Case You Forget,” her acting career failed to take off, and Minaj worked at a plethora of service and administrative jobs that didn’t seem to fit her personality.

 

Minaj poses for a photo with rap sensations Lil' Wayne and Drake
Minaj poses for a photo with rap sensations Lil’ Wayne and Drake

Finally after joining a rap group called “Hoodstars,” her music career began.  Shortly after, Minaj began creating mixtapes like Beam Me Up Scotty, and achieved serious notoriety.  In August 2009, she signed a record deal with Young Money Entertainment, after being discovered by major rap artist Lil’ Wayne.  After signing with YME, she performed cameo songs with fellow rappers and performers in famous songs like “BedRock,” “Roger That,” and “Letting Go.”

 

Today, Minaj is the first and only female rapper to be featured on Forbes’ Hip Hop Cash Kings list, coming in fourth in 2013 behind Diddy, Jay-Z, and Dr. Dre.  Her total earnings consisted of approximately $15.5 million in 2013, a number that continues to rise alongside Minaj’s fame.  She’s been featured in seven songs on Billboard’s Hot 100, even before the release of her debut album.  There’s no denying this Third Culture Kid is a multicultural, multiracial, hip-hop/rap artist who shows no signs of slowing down, and is sure to leave a lasting impact on the world of music.

nicki-minaj-at-launch-of-nicki-minaj-collection-at-kmart-in-los-angeles_1

 

 

Previous

Global Review of Broadway's “Wicked”

Next

Greek Style Stuffed Peppers

About Author

Sydney Shalz

Growing up in a multicultural family, Sydney Shalz brings an interesting perspective to the table. Sydney first became interested in writing at a young age, and ever since, it has evolved into her passion, and hobby. She currently works in marketing at Colorado State University, and hopes to pursue a career in the field marketing in the near future.

6 comments

  1. I think you can definitely hear some of the influence of her multicultural background in her music. I didn’t realize how diverse she is!

  2. I agree with Emily Short, you can hear some of the influence of her background in her music, although I never thought to notice it before reading this article! 

Comments are closed.

Check Also

Verified by MonsterInsights