Nicki Minaj Net Worth [Updated For Barbie]

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Net Worth:	$150 million
Profession/Career:	Rapper, singer, songwriter, actress, and model
YouTube Channel:	Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj)
College:	Did not attend
Full Name:	Onika Tanya Maraj
Date of Birth:	December 8, 1982
Generation:	Millennial
Place of Birth:	Saint James, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Height:	5’ 2”
Weight:	137 lbs

Frequently Associated With

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Who is Nicki Minaj?

Nicki Minaj, born Onika Tanya Maraj on December 8, 1982, in the bustling surroundings of Saint James, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, embarked on a journey that would lead her to become one of the world’s most recognized rap artists.

Nicki’s tryst with music began in the mid-2000s when she released mixtapes that began catching the attention of the hip-hop community. Her big break came in 2009, a year that marked her association with Young Money Entertainment, a subsidiary of the illustrious Lil Wayne‘s Cash Money Records.

Soon after, the world would sway to the beats of her debut album, “Pink Friday,” released in 2010. Songs like “Super Bass” not only became commercial hits but also emblematic of Nicki’s vibrant rapping style, complete with her signature use of alter egos, accents, and bold lyrics.

As the years rolled on, Nicki’s prominence in the music world only grew. Chart-topping hits like “Anaconda,” “Starships,” and “Moment 4 Life” solidified her position as a force to be reckoned with. Yet, her influence wasn’t just confined to the realm of music.

The world began to recognize Nicki as a fashion icon, an actress, and a businesswoman. She dazzled on the big screen with roles in films like “The Other Woman” in 2014 and even judged the talents of others in the twelfth season of “American Idol.”

Beyond her commercial successes, Nicki Minaj stands as a beacon of inspiration for many. In the male-dominated world of rap, she carved a space for herself, inspiring countless female artists in the process.

Nicki Minaj’s Net Worth

Nicki Minaj’s net worth is estimated to be around $150 million.

What we know about her:

Nicki Minaj made $12 million for a season of American Idol as a judge. However, she only served for one season, season 12, before she moved on.

Nicki was able to secure a multi-million dollar deal doing voiceovers for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, a role that was initially slated for Cardi B, because Cardi B was busy dealing with court matters for a felony and misdemeanor charge from a brawl back in 2018. Cardi B plead to third-degree assault and second-degree reckless endangerment, along with 15 days of community service. Not bad considering the fact that it was a felony charge, but her multi-million dollar loss became Nicki’s gain.

When Birdman was able to secure a deal with Universal, he split over $1 billion to his crew, including Nicki. Nicki came out with $350 million from that deal, directly out of Birdman’s pocket. In contrast, Lil Wayne and Drake got paid $500 million each.

Nicki Minaj lent her voice for Sugilite in the Steven Universe cartoon for a single episode. However, she is to this day still getting paid royalties for it. Fans have speculated that the reason she has not returned is that her voice-work is super expensive, which shouldn’t come as a surprise considering she makes world-renowned music with it.

For the song Anaconda, Nicki sampled Sir Mix-a-Lot’s “Baby Got Back” and put her own raunchy spin on it. However, she never asked for permission or wrote up an agreement to use his creation. He never received a check from her. After a legal court battle, it was decided that Sir Mix-a Lot is owed royalties from the song, as he had multiple copyrights to elements in that song. Nicki makes $0 in royalties from the song Anaconda, and all the while, Sir Mix-a-Lot is rolling in dough from the song’s massive success.

On a similar vein, she owed Tracy Chapman $450k for a copyright infringement case in which she sampled Chapman’s hit song “Baby, Can I Hold You Tonight” without his permission. She asked him repeatedly to let her do so, however, he turned down every request. He’s actually listed on an unofficial “do not sample” list for artists. It was settled for the mere reason that she could be making more money with her time touring and working rather than sitting in court.

We don’t know exactly how much Nicki Minaj got paid for her role in Barbie (some fans speculate roughly $5 million). However, we do know that it isn’t significant in comparison to her other sources of income, as she wasn’t the lead role. Margot Robbie’s salary as lead role was $12.5 million, which is relatively chump change for Nicki who received even less than that.

Nicki Minaj’s Early Life and Childhood

Nicki Minaj grew up in a world far removed from the glitz and glamour that she’s now synonymous with. Her family’s move to the United States wasn’t immediately marked by the American dream. Instead, Nicki found herself in the midst of a turbulent environment in Queens, New York.

With her father battling addiction and the resultant family strife that often came with it, life threw its weight on young Nicki’s shoulders. The family’s financial struggles added another layer of challenges, painting a picture of a childhood that had its fair share of adversity.

Yet, amidst the challenges, Queens became the crucible where Nicki’s artistic aspirations began to take shape. She nurtured a dream, one that was fueled by her surroundings, experiences, and her innate talent. The bustling streets, the eclectic mix of cultures, and the pulse of hip-hop that ran deep in the borough influenced her.

She attended the esteemed Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in Manhattan, New York, an institution known for honing young artistic talents. Here, she immersed herself in the world of performing arts, studying drama and honing her acting skills.

It was during these formative years that Nicki began to understand her artistic identity, experimenting with her voice, style, and personas. Her experiences in Queens, the challenges, the culture, and the rhythm of life there, became foundational in shaping her narrative and musical journey.

Nicki Minaj’s Rise to Fame

Nicki Minaj’s entry into the music industry is an intricate tale of grit and seizing opportunities at the right moments. While her ultimate success seems meteoric, it was underpinned by years of strategic maneuvers.

1. Mixtapes and Early Recognition: After trying her hand at acting with limited success, Nicki pivoted to music around the mid-2000s. She began by releasing mixtapes, which were a popular way for emerging rappers to gain attention at the time. In 2007, she dropped her first mixtape, “Playtime is Over”, which was followed by “Sucka Free” in 2008.

While these mixtapes showcased her distinctive style, it was the 2009 mixtape “Beam Me Up Scotty” that truly made waves in the hip-hop community. With tracks like “I Get Crazy”, she began to get recognition for her lyrical prowess and her capability to adopt and morph between various personas.

2. Lil Wayne and Young Money: The buzz from her mixtapes was significant enough to catch the attention of Lil Wayne, a dominant figure in hip-hop. He saw potential in Nicki’s vibrant style and her raw talent, eventually signing her to his record label, Young Money Entertainment, in 2009.

This was a game-changing moment. Young Money, already home to artists like Drake, provided her with the platform and resources to transition from an underground rapper to a mainstream artist.

3. Breakthrough with “Pink Friday”: Under the Young Money banner, Nicki featured in several tracks, collaborating with label mates and other renowned artists. These features built up anticipation for her debut studio album. In 2010, she released “Pink Friday”.

The album was a massive success, with tracks like “Super Bass” achieving commercial acclaim and becoming cultural staples. The album’s blend of pop and hip-hop elements, combined with Nicki’s versatile rap and singing skills, solidified her place in the industry.

4. Building a Brand: Nicki’s larger-than-life persona, coupled with her musical talent, made her stand out. Her penchant for colorful outfits, wigs, and her theatrical alter egos like “Roman Zolanski” not only captivated listeners but also created a brand around her. Her music videos were events in themselves, often becoming talking points and trending topics.

In essence, Nicki Minaj’s breakthrough into the music industry wasn’t just a product of her undeniable talent. It was a combination of her strategic release of mixtapes, aligning herself with influential figures, harnessing the power of collaborations, and crafting a distinct brand identity that made her impossible to ignore.

Inspirational Quotes by Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj is not just known for her musical talents; she’s also recognized for her outspoken nature and the wisdom she often imparts through her interviews, songs, and social media. Here are some inspirational quotes attributed to Nicki Minaj:

“Your victory is right around the corner. Never give up.”

“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 believe that life is a prize, but to live doesn’t mean you’re alive.”

“You don’t have to feel the need to put somebody down to make yourself feel better.”

“True confidence leaves no room for jealousy. When you know you are great, you have no need to hate.”

“People will love you and support you when it’s beneficial. I’ma forgive, I won’t forget, but I’ma dead the issue.”

“I came to win, to fight, to conquer, to thrive. I came to win, to survive, to prosper, to rise.”

“Mind over matter; I don’t mind, and you don’t matter.”

“Some people have to put in the work. Others get to cut corners. We see it, but don’t say it. And that’s the karma that comes with it.”

“You have to know that as long as you love who you are — your morals, your values, that type of stuff — you’re OK.”