Where Does Nicki Stand? Comparing Her Albums with Other Hip-Hop Greats
By Ajao ToluwalopeAug. 12 2023, Published 3:35 p.m. ET
Man, it felt like a lifetime— a five-year hiatus for Nicki Minaj. And, boom, the hip-hop queen (at least that's how she wants to be addressed) returned in December 2023 with a new album release. She calls it what? “Pink Friday 2.” Yeah, more like a second version of the first which went platinum not once, not twice… but thricccee!
With this, the 41-year-old is aiming for her first Billboard 200 No. 1 album, according to Billboard, and maybe validate her self-proclaimed title of the queen of rap. But let's be real for a sec… Where does she stand among hip-hop's other queens (and, maybe, kings)? I checked things out myself. And guess we need to start prepping her royal throne.
Nicki Minaj Compared With Active Female Hip Hop Stars
Here's the lowdown on how she fares with the rest of the divas in hip-hop – active and legends: Nicki Minaj Missy Elliott Lauryn Hill Lil Kim Megan Thee Stallion Cardi B
How She Stands Among Hip-Hop Icons
Now, let’s size the Trinidadian rapper up against some heavyweights: Jay Z Eminem Kanye West Drake Nicki Minaj Kendrick Lamar
Nicki stands tall among the female titans of hip-hop. While her stats might not match the kings in sheer numbers, her impact on the industry and her dedicated fanbase cement her position as a true queen of rap.
It’s no surprise that her mentor, Lil Wayne, named her the greatest Young Money artist of all time — beating out himself and Drake. He went on to add that Nicki was the greatest female rapper of all time. “When the greatest rapper of all time believed and still believes in you. I sure did lean on your confidence and you sure were ALWAYS there,” she wrote to Lil Wayne in response. “Til this day, when I send you something, you send a verse back. [Lil Wayne], we love you so much. We thank you so much. Long live the BAR! Bar for Bar. No pun intended.”
