Introduction
Nicki Minaj, born Onika Tanya Maraj, is a globally recognized rapper, singer, songwriter, and actress, celebrated for her bold personality, distinct fashion choices, and genre-defining music. Emerging in the late 2000s, she quickly became a trailblazer for female rappers, dominating charts and winning numerous accolades. Known for her vibrant alter egos, sharp lyrical delivery, and ability to blend rap with pop elements, Nicki has built a career that transcends music into film, business, and global influence.
Beyond her musical success, Nicki Minaj is admired for her unapologetic confidence and dedication to empowering women in the music industry. Her journey from Trinidad and Tobago to becoming the “Queen of Rap” is a testament to her resilience, ambition, and creative vision.

Today, she stands as one of the most influential artists of her generation, boasting millions of fans worldwide, a strong social media presence, and a legacy that continues to inspire new artists.
Who is Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj is a multi-award-winning rapper, singer, songwriter, and actress, originally from Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago, who moved to Queens, New York, during her childhood. Rising to fame through her mixtapes and later signing with Young Money Entertainment, she became known for her animated rapping style, fashion-forward looks, and chart-topping hits. Often hailed as a cultural icon, she has influenced music, fashion, and pop culture on a global scale.

Nicki Minaj Wiki
Field | Details |
Full Name | Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty |
Stage Name | Nicki Minaj |
Date of Birth | December 8, 1982 |
Age | 42 years (as of 2025) |
Birthplace | Saint James, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago |
Nationality | Trinidadian-American |
Profession | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Businesswoman |
Years Active | 2004 – Present |
Genres | Hip hop, Pop, R&B |
Record Labels |
Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records, Republic Records
|
Marital Status | Married |
Spouse | Kenneth Petty |
Children | 1 Son |
Notable Nicknames | The Queen of Rap, Barbie, Chun-Li |
Current Residence | Los Angeles, California, USA |
Biography
Nicki Minaj’s journey from a small island in the Caribbean to global superstardom is nothing short of extraordinary. Born Onika Tanya Maraj in Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago, she spent her early years immersed in a vibrant culture that would later influence her music and style. At the age of five, her family moved to Queens, New York, where she faced both challenges and opportunities that shaped her into the strong, determined artist she is today.
Her early passion for performing arts led her to attend the prestigious LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, where she studied acting. However, after facing early career struggles, she shifted her focus to music, honing her craft and building a reputation through a series of successful mixtapes.
Signing with Young Money Entertainment in 2009 became the turning point in her career. Her debut album Pink Friday (2010) catapulted her to fame, producing hits like “Super Bass” and solidifying her status as a mainstream powerhouse. Over the years, Nicki has consistently pushed boundaries, collaborating with top artists, breaking records, and inspiring millions with her unapologetic individuality.
Today, she is not only a celebrated musician but also a savvy businesswoman, fashion icon, and philanthropist. Her influence spans music, culture, and social media, making her one of the most significant figures in contemporary entertainment.
Social Media Accounts
Platform | Username | Followers / Subscribers (approx.) | Profile Link |
@nickiminaj | ~224 million | https://www.instagram.com/nickiminaj | |
TikTok | @nickiminaj | ~22 million | https://www.tiktok.com/@nickiminaj |
Twitter (X) | @NICKIMINAJ | ~28 million | https://twitter.com/NICKIMINAJ |
Nicki Minaj | — | https://www.facebook.com/NickiMinaj | |
YouTube | Nicki Minaj | ~27.7 million subscribers | https://www.youtube.com/@NickiMinaj |
Childhood and Background
Nicki Minaj was born Onika Tanya Maraj on December 8, 1982, in Saint James, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Her early childhood was spent with her grandmother while her parents settled in the United States.
At the age of five, she moved to Queens, New York, joining her mother and father. Adjusting to a new culture was challenging, but it also exposed her to a mix of Caribbean traditions and American influences.
Nicki’s early years were marked by a turbulent family life. Her father struggled with substance abuse, and her mother worked multiple jobs to provide for the family. These hardships made Nicki resilient and independent.
She developed an early love for performing arts, writing plays and practicing acting with her friends. Her creative spirit was nurtured during this time, and she began dreaming of a career in entertainment.
By her teenage years, Nicki’s confidence and determination stood out. Her bold personality and unique sense of style were already taking shape — traits that would later define her career.
Family Background
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Father – Robert Maraj (Gospel singer, worked in finance)
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Mother – Carol Maraj (Gospel singer, office manager)
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Siblings –
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Jelani Maraj (Brother)
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Micaiah Maraj (Brother)
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Ming Maraj (Sister)
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Brandon Lamar (Half-brother)
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Spouse – Kenneth Petty (Married in 2019)
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Children – 1 Son (Name kept private)

Relationships
Nicki Minaj’s personal life has often been a topic of media interest. She dated fellow rapper Safaree Samuels for over a decade before their split in 2014. Later, she had brief relationships with rapper Meek Mill and rumored connections with several other artists.
In 2018, Nicki reconnected with her childhood acquaintance Kenneth Petty. Their relationship quickly became serious, leading to their marriage in 2019. The couple welcomed their first child in 2020, whom Nicki lovingly refers to as “Papa Bear.”

Nicki is known for being fiercely protective of her family’s privacy, especially her son, and she often shares heartfelt moments on social media while keeping certain details away from the public eye.
Physical Appearance
Attribute | Details |
Height | 5’2” (157 cm) |
Weight | ~137 lbs (62 kg) |
Hair Color | Naturally black (often dyed in vibrant colors) |
Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Body Type | Curvy |
Skin Tone | Light Brown |
Distinctive Features | Bold makeup, colorful wigs, unique fashion style |
Educational Background
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Attended Elizabeth Blackwell Middle School 210, Queens, New York.
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Graduated from LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, New York City – majored in acting.
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Trained in classical acting and drama.
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Initially pursued an acting career before shifting focus to music.
Daily Routine
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Early morning wake-up for personal time and meditation.
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Gym or light workout sessions.
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Breakfast with family.
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Studio time for recording music or writing lyrics.
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Business meetings and brand collaborations.
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Social media engagement with fans.
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Evenings spent with her son and husband.
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Nighttime vocal practice or listening to new beats.
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Relaxation and skincare routine before bed.
Awards
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6 American Music Awards
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12 BET Awards
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7 BET Hip Hop Awards
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5 MTV Video Music Awards
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4 Billboard Music Awards
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Multiple Guinness World Records for chart achievements
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First female solo artist to have seven songs simultaneously charting on the Billboard Hot 100
Path to Success
Nicki Minaj’s journey to fame began in the mid-2000s when she released a series of mixtapes, including Playtime Is Over (2007) and Beam Me Up Scotty (2009). Her unique style, rapid-fire flow, and alter egos made her stand out in the male-dominated rap industry.
Her big break came when Lil Wayne discovered her talent and signed her to Young Money Entertainment. Her debut album Pink Friday (2010) was a commercial success, with hits like “Super Bass” catapulting her into global stardom. She continued to dominate charts with albums such as The Pinkprint and Queen, solidifying her as one of the most influential female rappers of all time.
Hobbies and Interests
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Songwriting and rapping
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Acting and voice-over work
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Fashion styling and design
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Traveling to tropical destinations
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Collecting luxury shoes and handbags
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Cooking Caribbean-inspired dishes
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Engaging with fans on social media
Personality
Nicki Minaj is known for her fierce confidence, unapologetic attitude, and unmatched work ethic. She is a master of self-reinvention, blending bold fashion choices with diverse musical personas. Her strong sense of identity and resilience in the face of criticism have made her a role model for millions. Despite her larger-than-life image, she has a warm, playful side and is deeply devoted to her family and loyal to her fans — the “Barbz.”
Interesting Facts About Nicki Minaj
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She was born in Trinidad and Tobago and moved to the U.S. at age 5.
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Her birth name is Onika Tanya Maraj.
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Worked as a waitress before her music career took off.
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Trained in acting at LaGuardia High School.
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Known for multiple alter egos, including Roman Zolanski.
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Has her own fragrance line.
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Was a judge on American Idol in 2013.
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Holds several Billboard chart records for a female rapper.
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Released songs in multiple genres including pop, R&B, and dance.
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First solo female rapper to perform at the Grammy Awards.
Net Worth & Income Sources
Nicki Minaj’s estimated net worth is around $150 million.
Her income sources include:
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Music sales and streaming revenue
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Concert tours and live performances
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Brand endorsements and collaborations
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Acting and voice-over roles (Ice Age: Continental Drift, The Angry Birds Movie 2)
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Fragrance and merchandise lines
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YouTube ad revenue from her official channel
Conclusion
Nicki Minaj’s rise from a challenging childhood to global superstardom is a story of talent, perseverance, and fearless self-expression. She has broken barriers for women in hip-hop, inspired a generation of artists, and built a multifaceted career spanning music, fashion, and business. Whether on stage, in the studio, or connecting with fans, Nicki continues to reign as a powerful voice and cultural icon.
FAQs
1. What is Nicki Minaj’s real name?
Nicki Minaj’s real name is Onika Tanya Maraj.
2. Where was Nicki Minaj born?
She was born in Saint James, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
3. When is Nicki Minaj’s birthday?
Her birthday is on December 8, 1982.
4. How tall is Nicki Minaj?
Nicki Minaj is approximately 5’2” (157 cm) tall.
5. What was her debut album?
Her debut album was Pink Friday released in 2010.
6. Is Nicki Minaj married?
Yes, she married Kenneth Petty in 2019.
7. Does Nicki Minaj have children?
Yes, she has one son, born in 2020.
8. What is Nicki Minaj’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated to be around $150 million.
9. What are Nicki Minaj’s most famous songs?
Some of her biggest hits include “Super Bass,” “Anaconda,” “Starships,” and “Chun-Li.”
10. Has Nicki Minaj won a Grammy?
As of now, she has been nominated multiple times but has not won a Grammy Award.
11. What are Nicki Minaj’s alter egos?
Her alter egos include Roman Zolanski, Barbie, and Chun-Li.
12. Did Nicki Minaj act in movies?
Yes, she appeared in The Other Woman and voiced characters in animated films like Ice Age: Continental Drift.
13. What is Nicki Minaj’s fanbase called?
Her fans are called the “Barbz.”
14. What label is Nicki Minaj signed to?
She is signed to Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records, and Republic Records.
15. How did Nicki Minaj get discovered?
She was discovered by rapper Lil Wayne after he heard her mixtapes.
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