Challenges in the Life of Nicki Minaj in a Detailed Timeline
Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Nicki Minaj. A timeline of obstacles and growth.
Nicki Minaj, born Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, is a highly influential Trinidadian-born rapper, singer, and songwriter. Often hailed as the "Queen of Rap", she rose to prominence in the late 2000s with a series of mixtapes and is recognized for her unique flow, lyrical wit, versatility, and use of alter egos. Minaj is widely credited with spearheading the resurgence of female rap into the mainstream during the early 2010s, solidifying her position as a major force in contemporary music and pop culture.
December 1987: House Fire Incident
In December 1987, Nicki Minaj's father committed arson onto their house.
1995: Kenneth Petty's conviction
In 1995, Kenneth Petty, Nicki Minaj's husband, was convicted of attempted rape at age 16.
March 29, 2010: Released "Massive Attack"
On March 29, 2010, Nicki Minaj released "Massive Attack" featuring Sean Garrett, which was later dropped from the album due to poor performance.
February 2011: Lil' Kim's "Black Friday" Mixtape
In February 2011, Lil' Kim released the mixtape Black Friday, which referenced Minaj and included artwork depicting Lil' Kim decapitating Minaj, marking the start of controversies.
July 2011: Cousin's Murder
In July 2011, Nicki Minaj's cousin, Nicholas Telemaque, was murdered near his home in Brooklyn, an event she referenced in her songs.
August 7, 2011: Wardrobe Malfunction on Good Morning America
On August 7, 2011, Nicki Minaj experienced a wardrobe malfunction during a performance on Good Morning America, resulting in apologies from both ABC and Minaj.
October 2016: Postponement of Nicki Filming
In October 2016, Nicki Minaj stated that the filming of Nicki was postponed for undisclosed reasons.
2018: Altercation with Cardi B
In 2018, at a New York Fashion Week after-party, rapper Cardi B threw a shoe at Nicki Minaj and attempted to physically attack her, leading to a public feud and accusations of cyberbullying.
February 2020: Kenneth Petty Indictment
In February 2020, Kenneth Petty was indicted for failing to update his residence on the sex offender registry after moving to California.
December 2020: Minaj Surpassed by another Artist for Hot 100 entries
In December 2020, Minaj lost her record for the most Hot 100 entries by a female artist.
February 2021: Father's Death
In February 2021, Nicki Minaj's father, Robert Maraj, died in a hit-and-run accident in Long Island.
August 2021: Lawsuit filed against Minaj and Petty
In August 2021, Jennifer Hough filed a lawsuit against Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty alleging harassment, intimidation, and infliction of emotional distress.
September 2021: COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy
In September 2021, Nicki Minaj tweeted about her cousin's friend experiencing swollen testicles and impotence after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, leading to backlash and a denial from Trinidad and Tobago's health minister.
December 2022: MaximBet shutdown
In December 2022, MaximBet, a sports betting brand for which Nicki Minaj served as global ambassador, was shutdown.
April 2024: Alleged Assault Incident on Pink Friday 2 Tour
In April 2024, Brandon Garrett, then working as a day-to-day manager on Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday 2 tour, claims Minaj struck him multiple times after he had another employee collect her prescription. He also alleges that Minaj's former manager informed him he would not continue on the tour.
May 25, 2024: Minaj Detained at Amsterdam Airport for Marijuana Possession
On May 25, 2024, Nicki Minaj was detained at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam after marijuana was found in her luggage. She was attempting to board a plane to Manchester, England for a concert. She was fined and subsequently released the same day.
January 2025: Lawsuit Filed Against Minaj by Former Tour Employee
In January 2025, Brandon Garrett, a former tour employee, filed a lawsuit against Nicki Minaj alleging assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Minaj's lawyer denied the allegations.
