How Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne First Met
Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne are two of hip-hop’s most influential figures, with a rich history of collaboration that has significantly shaped the music scene, particularly throughout the 2010s. Their partnership under the Young Money label has opened doors for countless emcees who have followed in their footsteps.
Nicki Minaj’s Early Career
Nicki Minaj’s journey in rap began in 2002 when she joined the New York-based rap group Hood$tars, alongside Loustar, Svn-Up, and her then-boyfriend Safaree “SB” Samuels. After the group disbanded in 2005, Minaj set out to establish herself as a solo artist. She released three mixtapes in the late 2000s: Playtime Is Over, Sucka Free, and Beam Me Up Scotty (which saw a re-release in 2021).
The Discovery by Lil Wayne
As Nicki was gaining traction in the New York hip-hop scene, she appeared on The Come Up, a hip-hop DVD series created by Ԁirty Money Records, an independent label founded by rapper Ԁirty Money. Lil Wayne discovered Nicki Minaj through one of these DVDs. Recognizing her potential, he featured her in a subsequent edition titled “Wayne’s World,” which further solidified their connection.
“I f— with only the best,” Ԁirty Money remarked while sitting with a young Nicki during one of her appearances on The Come Up. “I f— with the best, so if she ain’t the best, I wouldn’t even be here right now.”
Wayne soon signed Minaj to his Young Money record label, under which she released her three mixtapes. The Sucka Free mixtape, in particular, prominently featured Lil Wayne.
Nicki Minaj’s Rise to Fame
Nicki Minaj’s debut album, Pink Friday, dropped in 2010, followed by Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded in 2012, marking her crossover into mainstream music. However, as she embraced more pop-oriented sounds, some began to question her credibility as a rapper, feeling she had shifted away from her original persona.
Despite this, Minaj has consistently demonstrated her rap prowess, especially in her collaborations with Wayne. Together, they’ve created numerous hits over the years, including “High School,” “Good Form,” “Truffle Butter,” “No Frauds,” and “Seeing Green.”
Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne’s Relationship Today
Today, Nicki Minaj is a married mother, having released music sparingly since her 2018 album Queen. Nonetheless, her bond with Lil Wayne remains as strong as ever. In July 2021, Minaj delighted her fans by featuring Wayne as a “special guest” on a highly-anticipated Instagram Live session. Their relationship, akin to that of siblings, continues to be filled with mutual respect and affection, proving that their connection is as solid as ever.
