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Hip-hop has a strong affinity for creating sequels, with artists like Jay-Z, Eminem, Future, Kid Cudi, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, and Method Man all feeling compelled to release follow-ups to their most beloved works. This trend may hint at a desire to revive past success, as seen with Nas revisiting his 1994 album Illmatic with 2001’s Stillmatic after a poorly received previous album. However, this is not the case with Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday 2, as she has been teasing its release since 2019.
While opinions may vary on Minaj’s recent releases, her career is not struggling in any way. Listening to her collaboration with Ice Spice, Barbie World, may test your patience and make you question why you are still listening – especially with the use of Aqua’s hit song Barbie Girl – but the numbers speak for themselves. With 371 million streams on Spotify alone and popularity in countries like Honduras and Hungary, it’s clear that Minaj is a successful artist. In fact, she holds the record for the most US Top 10 singles by a female rapper with 23. She certainly does not need any help in the commercial department, as she confidently states in her lyrics on FTCU: “I tell them I’m selling albums, my videos will be viewed. Spotify doesn’t lie, they are truly streaming my music.”
However, the presence of Barbie World could possibly indicate Minaj’s intention to categorize her fifth album as a continuation of her debut. While Pink Friday did incorporate elements of mainstream pop, with samples from the Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star” and Minaj’s singing instead of rapping, it also featured fierce opening tracks such as “I’m the Best,” “Roman’s Revenge,” and “Did It on ‘Em,” showcasing Minaj’s true hip-hop roots and her skill as an incredibly talented and delightfully unpredictable MC.
Minaj’s commercial success has largely been attributed to her popular pop tracks such as Starships, Anaconda, Bang Bang, Bed, Barbie World, and Super Freaky Girl. These songs have become defining moments in her career and continue to be fan favorites. On her album Pink Friday 2, Minaj also includes a few other pop songs like Everybody, which samples Junior Senior’s hit “Move Your Feet”. While these songs have the potential to be successful, they stand out as exceptions on an album that focuses more on moody vibes, innovative production, and Minaj’s impressive rap abilities.
The initial section of the original Pink Friday features a series of intense and dark hip-hop tracks. “Beep Beep” has a trap-like sound that feels like it was recorded in a dungeon. The production on “Fallin 4 U” is impressive, with unexpected bursts of distorted vocal samples and synths that disrupt the rhythm. These tracks are all solo performances by Minaj, allowing her to showcase her lyrical prowess. When guests do make an appearance, they are top-tier artists. “Needle” brings together Drake and Sza, with Sza’s vocals being featured through a voicemail. J Cole contributes a smooth verse to “Let Me Calm Down,” which has a more creative and spacey sound compared to traditional hip-hop ballads. However, these guest appearances never overshadow Minaj, who remains the star attraction. In “Nicki Hendrix,” even Future’s Auto-Tuned vocals blend into the electronic background, creating a captivating and dynamic sound.
Pink Friday 2 manages to keep Minaj’s numerous wild alter egos under control – a feat worth noting, as this album showcases her growth and maturity. The opening track, “Are You Gone Already,” echoes the same emotional state as her brief announcement in 2019 about retiring to focus on her role as a wife and mother. Over a sample from Billie Eilish’s “When the Party’s Over,” she reflects on the time she has spent away from her three-year-old son, whom she affectionately calls “Papa Bear.” She also grapples with thoughts of middle age (as the album is released on her 41st birthday) and the recent loss of her father in a hit-and-run accident two years prior. The theme of motherhood resurfaces on “Blessings,” where gospel singer Tasha Cobbs Leonard makes an appearance against an oddly ominous beat, adding a touch of darkness to the otherwise sentimental track.
Despite her maturity and potential for sentimentality, Nicki Minaj is quick to fiercely dismiss her competitors, cleverly showcase her talents (such as channeling Big Poppa and Papa Bear), and boast about her own vagina. On the track “Just the Memories,” she reveals moments of self-doubt, with lyrics loosely inspired by Bunny Brown’s reggae cover of Johnny Bristol’s “Memories Don’t Leave Like People Do.” However, she quickly regains her confidence and brags about her accomplishments. While Pink Friday 2 may have its flaws, it still provides ample evidence to back up Minaj’s claims and makes them more than just empty boasts.
Source: theguardian.com
