by Samantha Denäe

Hip-Hop’s biggest star, Nicki Minaj has been making her rounds with the media after the recent drop of her latest LP, The Pinkprint. As we’ve gotten to know [possibly] the real Nicki Minaj through her music, the larger-than-life figure has now come to terms with a painful breakup and has vowed to enjoy life this year – regardless of anyone has to say.

She recently sat down with Vogue to discuss feminism, rapping at 50, tracks off of her album, and her rumored boo, Meek Mill.

Check out a few excerpts:

Critics picked up on feminist themes on Pinkprint. What’s your relationship with feminism at the moment?
You know, I feel like certain words can box you in. I think of myself as a woman who wants other women to be bosses and to be strong and to be go-getters. I’ve always said that, since I came in the game, even when I was doing mixtapes. I don’t know. There are things that I do that feminists don’t like, and there are things that I do that they do like. I don’t label myself. I just say the truth about what I feel: I feel like women can do anything that they put their minds to. That’s really the truth—I started off with just a dream.

There are sexual things that I do that aren’t for a man. I feel empowered sometimes by being sexy and being comfortable enough to be sexy on camera—a lot of woman struggle with that. But there are some days that I don’t want anyone to see me. I’m just a regular girl. Some days I’m super strong; some days I’m super insecure. But I don’t really identify with any particular label. I just speak my truth and if people like it, they like it, and if they bash it, they bash it.

What stands out when you listen to it now?
When I listen to a song like “Grand Piano,” I’m proud of myself that I sang that song. I’m a rapper at the end of the day, but I sang a song like “Grand Piano” and people can feel every word. And it doesn’t sound like a rapper singing a song. It just sounds like a beautiful song. I’m always proud when I step out of my comfort zone and do songs like that.

You’ve been looking cozy with [rapper] Meek Mill on Instagram, and people are saying that you two are dating. Is he a part of the fun you’re having?

“Sometimes we hang out, and when we hang out, we have fun. [laughs] This is what I want to say about him: People think for some strange reason that we just started becoming friends recently. We’ve been friends for a very, very long time, and he’s been around for a lot of things that I’ve gone through. And that’s all I’ll say about that,” she says.

Like it or not, Ms. Minaj is having fun, letting go, and not caring what anyone has to say! And given all that she’s been through (that the public knows of) I’m sure it’s well deserved. Nicki has broken records, has a top-selling album, a growing empire, and a happy “single” but boo’d up life. Like she said it’s time for Onika…and from what we can see, Omeeka!

Go Nick! Read the full interview here.

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