Nicki Minaj Declares "Pink Friday 2" as Her Best Album Ever
By Ajao ToluwalopeDec. 23 2023, Published 2:42 p.m. ET
On December 8, Nicki Minaj, the undisputed rap queen, returned with “Pink Friday 2,” nearly half a decade after the release of “Queen” (2018).
As we expected, this highly anticipated fifth album closed the year of Barbie-core with a bang.
Prerelease: Keeping Up With the Suspense
For “Pink Friday 2” Nicki Minaj decided to choose a different promotion than usual. The tracklist was not revealed until an hour before launch.
Additionally, not many promotional singles were released in the months leading up to the album’s drop. Before the album's release, Minaj released “Last Time I Saw You,” the album's only single. It radiates a pop-centric vibe.
In her recent Vogue cover shoot interview before the album dropped, she described the song as one about guilt – a subject often overlooked in music.
“It’s a song about guilt,” she explained. “And I don’t think people make a lot of music about the experience of guilt. But if you talk to any human being on earth about it, they would know exactly what you mean.”
Minaj hopes this song resonates with listeners, reflecting on the universal feeling of regret and the tendency to take loved ones for granted.
Aside from that little interview reveal, the suspense was stifling. What she only gave us was a teaser – a little leak – which she wasn't happy with, and called out streaming services after the said song started chatting. The leaked song was “Bahm Bahm.”
Rightfully, Nicki got mad that music fans got a sniff of it before the album finished cooking and she wouldn't be paid royalty for it.
J Cole, Drake, and Wayne are in “Pink Friday 2!”
Twenty-two tracks converged in “Pink Friday 2,” among which you will find the smashing sensation “Super Freaky Girl,” “Last Time I Saw You,” and “Red Ruby Da Sleeze.”
“Bahm Bahm” and “Nicki Hendrix” are not missing. Remember, Onika had also premiered "Nicki Hendrix” live on Instagram during some live broadcasts. At the time, it made a lot of rounds on TikTok and Instagram.
Guess what? Both tracks are now live on “Pink Friday 2.” The extensive track list sees the participation of big names on the American scene, giving listeners various genres. These include:
- the gospel singer Tasha Cobb Leonard;
- the rappers J Cole, Drake, and Wayne;
- as well as the dancehall artists Skillibeng & Skeng.
In the introductory track, you will also hear Billie Eilish singing. The way "When the Party's Over," which was produced by her brother, was interpolated into the beat of "Are You Gone Already.”
During various interviews, Nicki Minaj has stated how pregnancy and motherhood affected the album's recording. Now you can understand why the album took so long, and the release was postponed several times.
For her, it is also a full-circle moment: a sort of return to the album that, thirteen years ago, made her one of the most appreciated rappers globally.
It’s also no surprise that Nicki has named “Pink Friday 2” as her best album of all time on X (formerly Twitter) — followed by “The Pinkprint.”
“But I truly respect all gag city resident opinions. What the albums mean to you is your own truth based on where you were in your own life,” she added.
Now, all you have to do is play “Pink Friday 2” and enjoy the return of the queen of the rap game.
Happy listening!
