J.R. Rotem speaks on producing Nicki Minaj's "Fly"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Hitmaker, J.R. Rotem is known for crafting hits for Sean Kingston and many other big stars. His most-recent hit was Nicki Minaj's new single, "Fly." The song was a part of Nicki's Pink Friday debut, but was released during the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.

J.R. Rotem explained how his relationship with Nicki Minaj formed, initially. Rotem admitted he was a fan, just like everyone else. One day, he reached out to Nicki Minaj and they began talking. Out of the gate, Rotem got her on a Jason Derulo track.

Explaining how he produced the track, J.R. Rotem said he laid the instrumental in a way that would display her vocals. He had her record the hook and left the verses blank. When he presented the track to Nicki, Rotem said it left her inspired to complete the track.

When thinking of a person to perform the hook, Nicki Minaj mentioned Rihanna and "Fly" was quickly recorded.

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Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass" highest-charting Female-led single since 2002

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Ever since she first rose to fame, Nicki Minaj has been breaking records. Signing with Young Money only helped to boost her image. When she released her debut album, Pink Friday, Nicki single-handedly returned femcees to prominence.

Nicki Minaj's wave has continued nine months following the release of her debut album. Her latest single, "Super Bass," debuted earlier this summer. The video was released last month and has been on all the top websites and television networks.

All of the promotion for the single has paid off, as the song has risen to number three on the Billboard Hot 100, the highest-charting single since Missy Elliott's "Work It" single in 2002.

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Nicki Minaj warns of New Album

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Ever since the release of Pink Friday, fans have been waiting for word about a new Nicki Minaj album. Only months after she released her debut, Nicki said she would release another album before the end of this year. However, when the album release schedule was released, her album was nowhere to be found.

Nicki Minaj released her debut album only one month before the end of the year. Her singles from the album were actually geared towards the summer. With the summer season already in motion, her songs are getting radio play. Nicki is currently preparing for the release of videos for "Did it on Em," "Fly," and "Super Bass."

However, Nicki Minaj said her focus will change once those songs are released. She has been recording, while on tour, and the songs will make up her new album. Nicki Minaj said fans will know more than enough about her next album before the end of September 2011.

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Nicki Minaj on Fame and Her Image

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Already one of the most popular rappers in the game, Nicki Minaj has risen to new levels of fame since Pink Friday's release. First, because of her looks, and also because of her affiliation, Nicki Minaj is watched following her every move. At times, it can be frustrating, but she realizes this is the life she chose.

Nicki Minaj sat down for an interview with Elle magazine and she talked about all of this. Living in the spotlight has prompted Nicki to watch the moves she makes. While she is known for being eccentric and making bold statements, Nicki Minaj only pushes so hard. If she did not, the media would have a field day.

For the most part, Nicki Minaj loves being famous. She likes the influence that comes along with her fame. Two years ago, Nicki could not have the influence on the people she has now and she uses this influence for good causes. But, the downside is not being able to have a personal life without everything being thrown into the media.

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Nicki Minaj talks New Album

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Only months after the release of Pink Friday, Nicki Minaj was already discussing her second album. While no one from her record label has mentioned a new Nicki Minaj album, she has been very vocal.

Following the success of her first album, Nicki Minaj has risen to the top of the game. Earlier this year, she said she felt like recording her second album. Since making that statement, several websites have taken her at her word.

Recently, Nicki Minaj decided to address some of these rumors about her new album. She has kept all of her information about the album private. But, Nicki did state she will have new fans from all over the place when the album releases.

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Nicki Minaj lands first starring Film Role

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Even before she signed with Young Money, Nicki made plans to take over the game. First, she planned to dominate rap and then move into Hollywood. The move may take place sooner than expected.

Nicki Minaj took Lil Wayne's place as the top collaborator in 2010. Before the end of the year, she established herself as a big-time solo act. Her debut album, Pink Friday, broke records.

Before her dreams became a reality, Nicki Minaj intended to transition over when she made it. Having made it so fast, Nicki Minaj may soon be starring on the big screen.

Recently, rumors stated Nicki Minaj would be starring in a new film, Charge it to the Game. There are several acting roles being offered to Nicki Minaj. Her team refused to speak on her possible role in this new film. With her popularity steadily rising, it is highly possible of Nicki Minaj to accept the role in the movie.

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Nicki Minaj working on "Pink Friday" follow-up

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

While still promoting Pink Friday, Nicki Minaj is thinking about her future. Recently, when discussing her upcoming projects, she hinted about being back in the studio. Four months ago, Nicki released her debut album, Pink Friday.

The album was the first major release by a female rapper in years and was heavily promoted. Due to all of this promotion, the album has been a commercial success. Critics praise Nicki Minaj for bringing lyricism back to hip hop.

Pink Friday has broken nearly every record posted by female rappers over the past few years. Nicki Minaj is proud of her accomplishments, but she wants more. Despite her success, doubters think she is only a fad.

Even with a high-profile feud and winning, Nicki Minaj has doubters. She says her next album, which could be released this year, will put all of the critics to rest. Nicki also hinted at giving a true diss record to Lil' Kim on the album.

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Nicki Minaj very excited about Touring with Lil Wayne

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

For the first time since signing Drake and Nicki Minaj, Young Money will be at full strength. With Lil Wayne in prison for most of last year, the crew still dominated. But, Lil Wayne is now free and the stars are working on their follow-up albums.

The focus was intended to be on Drake while Lil Wayne was behind bars, but Nicki Minaj stole the show. She landed herself collaborations with Usher and Ludacris before the start of spring. In the summer, she released her hit, "Your Love."

Ever since the release of "Your Love," Nicki Minaj became the focal point of Young Money. High profile disses from Lil' Kim did not hurt her image, either. When she released Pink Friday, Nicki Minaj became the first female rapper in years to set various records.

Lil Wayne was proud of his team and was not shy about letting them know. Now that he is out of prison, he has major plans to keep their winning streak going. Wayne wants them to all go on tour now that they are all together. Nicki Minaj is glad Lil Wayne is out and is a personal fan of his. For the first time in her career, she will be touring with him and Nicki is very excited about that.

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Nicki Minaj sets record with "Pink Friday"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

With all of the attention on her, Nicki Minaj continues to break records in the hip hop game. Many credit Nicki Minaj for saving the nearly extinct female rap game. There are many who praise Nicki for this, and some, Lil' Kim, who despise her for this. Even with the negative attention, Nicki Minaj continues to break records.

Last month, Pink Friday hit the top of the Billboard Hot 200, the first album from a female rapper to do so since Eve in 1999. The month before, Pink Friday went platinum. Nicki Minaj was the first female rapper to go platinum in well over a decade, as well. Even though her album was released in November, it has consistently sold well.

Fourteen weeks have now passed and Pink Friday has remained in the top ten each week. Nicki Minaj has now broken the record for consecutive weeks in the top ten for a female rapper. It seems she breaks a new record each week and has been doing so well before she released her album. Last summer, her "Your Love" single reached the top of the rap charts, becoming the first female rapper since Eve to top those charts.

As the year goes on, Nicki Minaj hopes she can break new records.

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Lil' Kim calls Nicki Minaj out over Album Sales

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Before signing to Young Money, Nicki Minaj's claim to fame was making $1 million off her mixtape. Her popularity led to her being signed by the label. Nicki Minaj was able to ride her own momentum in promotion for her Pink Friday album.

Following the release of Pink Friday, Nicki Minaj became the first female rapper, since Eve in 1999, to have a number one album. In addition to having the top spot, the album is also platinum. Despite her popularity, Lil' Kim has not gone platinum in years.

However, she did proclaim her Black Friday mixtape would become the second to generate $1 million. One day after the release, Lil' Kim said the mixtape had sold 113,000 copies. Upon hearing of this, Nicki Minaj called Kim a liar.

With their war of words reaching an unexpected height when Lil' Kim said their beef was not real, Lil' Kim has dissed Nicki Minaj's sales. Recently, Lil' Kim admitted her sales were not as high as she had said, but she is not the only rapper going around and adding numbers to her sales. Lil' Kim said Nicki Minaj has done the same thing with her mixtapes and her album.

Lil' Kim said the representatives at PayPal are estatic about Black Friday's sales. She also boasted of how the "Black Friday" video has over 2 million hits. Shifting her attention back to Nicki Minaj, Lil' Kim said she is wack, her album sucks, and she is a hater.

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Lil' Kim previews new Nicki Minaj diss song

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Last month, Lil' Kim announced she would be taking her beef with newcomer, Nicki Minaj, to a new level. Ever since the early summer of 2010, Kim had been dissing her. But, in late October, Nicki Minaj finally responded and the beef was on.

Lil' Kim recorded her "Black Friday" song, an obvious dig at Minaj's debut album, Pink Friday. She was so serious about "Black Friday" that she even filmed a video for the song. Last month, she revealed an entire Black Friday mixtape was on the way.

Currently, Lil' Kim is promoting the second single off the mixtape, which is "Warning." Sometime this week, the full track will be available, but she decided to release a snippet of it today. The song is in the beat of Nicki's "Did it On 'Em."

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Nicki Minaj makes big Valentine's Day plans

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Since her color is pink and pink is the color of love, Nicki Minaj has made some major plans for Valentine's Day. The Queens femcee has partnered with 1-800-FLOWERS for her own collection. The collection will be called "the Pink collection."

Nicki Minaj will be endorsing several flower arrangements from the company. Winners of the flower arrangements endorsed by Minaj will win download cards for some of Nicki's heat. She feels it will be the best way to celebrate Valentine's Day.

Recently, Nicki Minaj celebrated becoming the first female rapper to have a number one album since Eve. There had been a twelve year gap in female rappers topping Billboard. The songs available will be "Save Me," "Right Thru Me," and "Moment 4 Life."

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Nicki Minaj is finally #1 with "Pink Friday"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

After nearly a year's worth of publicity and high profile disses from Lil' Kim and Khia, Nicki Minaj is finally on top of the game. Her debut album, Pink Friday, has risen to the top of the charts after being out for nearly three months.

The last time a female rapper topped the Billboard Hot 200 albums list was in 1999 when Eve released her debut album. In an odd turn of events, Eve recently said she is trying to abandon her old image. Nicki Minaj is growing into hers.

Nicki Minaj has received all kinds of publicity and has been credited for saving the female rappers. Fans had been waiting for a new album from Lil' Kim. But, her label issues stopped her album from being released.

The timing was right for a new artist to emerge in the game and Nicki Minaj was able to take advantage. She is now enjoying the fruits of her labor with the top album on the charts, at least for this week.

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Nicki Minaj launches "Pink Friday" app

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Since bursting into the game, Nicki Minaj has maintained her focus on expansion. Currently, the Young Money rapper is celebrating the platinum success of her Pink Friday debut. For almost a year straight, Nicki Minaj has been dominating the game.

But, it has not been all smooth for Nicki Minaj. Last summer, veteran rapper, Lil' Kim began dissing her. After six months of being a verbal punching bag, Nicki Minaj responded. Now, Lil' Kim is recording a full mixtape of disses aimed at Nicki.

In response to Lil' Kim's news, Nicki Minaj has striken a deal with iTunes. She will be launching a new app called "My Pink Friday." The app will keep fans updated on everything Nicki Minaj. It will also include a dictionary that includes definitions of Nicki's words.

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Lil Wayne assists Nicki Minaj on "Roman's Revenge (remix)"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

For most of 2010, Nicki Minaj has been the only female voice in the rap community. She was already popular on the mixtape scene over the past two years. But, Nicki Minaj shot to international fame after doing "My Chick Bad" and "Lil' Freak."

Soon, Nicki Minaj was back in the headlines when Lil' Kim dissed her for not paying homage. Ironically, Nicki Minaj stated multiple times that she admired Lil' Kim. But, this did not stop her idol from beating up on her throughout the summer.

Lil' Kim called a truce in October 2010 and said she was moving on with her career. Right when Lil' Kim called a truce, Nicki Minaj hit back. She released "Roman's Revenge" with Eminem and re-ignited the feud.

Nicki Minaj said her only regret with Pink Friday was not being able to feature Lil Wayne. Recently, he fixed the situation when he recorded a verse for the remix of the song. His verse avoids dissing Lil' Kim, but he continues his lyrical assault, which began late in 2006. There have been rumors of a remix to this song ever since Lil Wayne came out of prison. Yesterday, Lil Wayne ended the speculation and put it down.

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Nicki Minaj says she will Jump on Lil Wayne's "6'7"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

In the middle of speculation about a sextape featuring Nicki Minaj leaking to the internet, she is staying focused. Ever since she hit it big this year, the media has been all over her. Despite what the media says, or Lil' Kim, Nicki has continued to rise in the game.

Fresh off the release of her Pink Friday debut album, Nicki is focused on maintaining her buzz. Next year, she hopes to put out another album. But, she has to keep her name in the public eye in the meantime. Nicki Minaj plans to collaborate with other artists while working on her next album.

The first post-album collaboration for Nicki Minaj will be with her boss, Lil Wayne. Recently, he released "6'7" as the first single from Tha Carter IV. Nicki Minaj announced via Twitter that she would record a verse that would be used for the remix. There is no set date of when all of this will happen, but it will be sometime in the New Year.

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Nicki Minaj talks "Pink Friday" and Almost Being Kicked out of Young Money

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

With her debut album, Pink Friday, right around the corner, Nicki Minaj has decided to change things up. Because of her unique style and her body, Nicki Minaj has been one of the biggest acts this year. As her album looms closer, the anticipitation continues to build.

Nicki Minaj has had all of the attention early in her career. She now feels it is time to use her attention to help others. Pink is not only the theme of her album, it is also the theme of breast cancer awareness. Because of this, Nicki Minaj has decided to use the popularity of her album to spread awareness.

Long before Nicki Minaj was able to shift her popularity around, she was almost kicked off Young Money. Last year, she signed to the label, but it was not until December that her recordings were made public. The reason behind this is because Lil Wayne was not a very big fan of Nicki's because she was not lyrical enough.

Lil Wayne was very close to having Nicki Minaj removed from Young Money because she could not keep up with either Wayne or Drake. To Nicki, this was a personal challenge and she stepped her game up. The next time she was heard by Weezy, he was so impressed with her that he made her his to priority outside of the rising Drake. Ironically, right after Drake released Thank Me Later, Nicki Minaj was making more news than he was and now the spotlight is all hers as she prepares to release Pink Friday.

Nicki Minaj plans to release her album on November 23, the same day Kanye West and Lloyd Banks release their respective albums.

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OFFICIAL COVER: Nicki Minaj - "Pink Friday"

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Nicki Minaj embraces Female Power

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Many people have wondered about Nicki Minaj and her style in the past. Since she took over hip hop during the summer of 2010, Nicki feels more comfortable speaking on her style. She jumped into a game dominated by males, so she had to do something to make her stick out.

For starters, Nicki Minaj has used her body and the "Black Barbie" persona to win fans over. But, in her concerts, she often says inspirational things to women. As time has gon on, there are more women coming to see Nicki than men. A great number of these ladies appear to be attracted to Minaj.

In order to appease her newfound fans, Nicki Minaj plays into the whole lesbian persona. At many of her concerts, Nicki said she has to hug on women and a lot of them want her. Only willing to go so far, Minaj plays the game, for a little while. Ever since she made it big, there have been rumors of Nicki Minaj being a lesbian and a lot of the rumors have come from this type of behavior.

In other news, Nicki Minaj's debut album, Pink Friday, will be released on Young Money on November 23, 2010.

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Nicki Minaj talks "Pink Friday" debut

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Having been on the mixtape scene for three years, Nicki Minaj made her entrance into the game last year. Ever since joining Young Money, she has completely revived the female rap game. Earlier this year, Nicki collaborated with Ludacris, Usher, and many others, along with feuding with Lil' Kim.

It is hard to believe Nicki Minaj has yet to release an album with all she has done. Her single, "Your Love," was released right at the start of summer and is still receiving heavy radio play. Despite being the hottest rapper in the game, Nicki Minaj is nervous about the release of her debut album.

With Pink Friday coming before the end of this year, the female rap game is focusing on Nicki. For this album, Minaj has the pressure on her and needs to bring her A-game. Even with the accomplishments so early in her career, Nicki Minaj feels the weight of every future female rapper in the game. She feels if she does not do as well as expected, Young Money will not sign more female rappers.

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