Name Is Kanem

Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, most notably known as Nicki Minaj (aka Nicki Lewinski, Nicki The Ninja, Nicki The Harujuku Barbie, Roman) is a force to be reckoned with and a pivotal figure in the rap game 15 years into her career still, and as leader within female Hip-Hop she continues to break barriers even today. This point was proven further to be true on Thursday, 11/9, when American Vogue featured the legendary rap star on their December cover of the print publication, marking her as the first black female rapper to grace an American Vogue cover. While this is her first in America, this will be her third overall Vogue cover to add to the collection as Nicki also has graced the covers of Vogue Arabia & Vogue Japan.

The direction for the December spread sees the Trinidadian-born emcee in a more natural, bare, stripped-down light with a tone of maturity and mother-like confidence that sets the tone for not only the interview, but for this era of Nicki’s as well. There is none of the gimmicks or outlandish stylings that some may have become accustomed to from Nicki in her earlier days, nor is there a push for her to be avante garde or innovative. There is even a notable lack of props within the spread, as the photos are simple but effective, which fits perfectly with the American Vogue aesthetic. It also showcases Nicki in some of the leading names in fashion, including Marc Jacob’s, Alexander McQueen, and Ferragamo to name a few. It’s fitting as the rapper is not only known for her hard hitting lyrics but also her notable style, fashion forward looks (especially in her music videos), and setting trends. Need I remind you how of her impact, when wearing a pair of pink Crocs, caused a 4,900% spike in sales for the brand, in the colorway? Okay then.

Touching on the interview, Nicki Minaj talks about everything from her upcoming album Pink Friday 2 to her life since birthing a child and even substance abuse. Much like the tone of the photoshoot she seems to bare it all and show a more sensitive, almost exposed side of her that hasn’t been seen before, not even on her infamous podcast “Queen Radio”. It is within this interview that one can definitely take away a different viewpoint of the NY rapper and why it is she carries herself the way she does, despite the critics and naysayers. She talks about future endeavors and balancing working while being a mother, even noting a story of a fellow mother who thought she had it all until she felt guilty for only pouring into her children and self-superiority. The mother then started working, only to feel guilty for not being apart of her children’s lives more as well. It’s a lengthy read, but one that spans the totality of Nicki’s life, dreams and goals, and one that will have you relating to her more than you think.

Along with the Vogue cover and interview for the December print publication, Vogue also published a “73 Questions With…” interview interview with the rap star as well, where she shows the more animated personality that we all know and enjoy. In the interview she goes over a multitude of topics, however one that definitely stood out to me is that Ms. Petty is not a fan of any of her Met Gala looks previously worn. This is a bit ironic as the Met Gala theme for 2024 was just announced the day before (it’s “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion”) so it will be interesting to see if she makes an appearance next year at all. But let me know your thoughts on the spread + interview. Did you think the pictures captured Nicki’s beauty? And will you be taking a look at her 73 Questions interview? Until next time…