How Nicki Minaj Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Nicki Minaj—a timeline of influence.

Nicki Minaj, born Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, is a highly influential Trinidadian-American rapper, singer, and songwriter. Widely recognized as the "Queen of Rap," she's celebrated for her unique rap flow, clever lyrics, and musical versatility. Minaj is also known for her use of alter egos and is credited with revitalizing female rap in the mainstream during the 2010s. She remains a prominent figure in contemporary music and pop culture.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1981: "Super Freak" Release by Rick James

In 1981, Rick James released "Super Freak", which was later sampled in Nicki Minaj's 2023 song, "Super Freaky Girl".

1997: Aqua Releases "Barbie Girl"

In 1997, the Europop band Aqua released their single "Barbie Girl", which was later sampled in Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice's 2023 collaboration, "Barbie World".

1998: Reference to Lauryn Hill's Billboard achievement

Reference to Lauryn Hill being the last female rapper to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 since 1998 with her song "Doo Wop (That Thing)"

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2010: Minaj Discusses Her Artistry

In 2010, Nicki Minaj stated that she aimed to be a "balanced artist" and that animation and performance came naturally to her artistry.

2010: Minaj intends to subdue her sexuality in her work

In 2010, Nicki Minaj stated that she intended to subdue her sexuality in her work, wanting young girls to know that success shouldn't be based solely on sex appeal.

2011: Mattel Barbie doll creation

In 2011, Mattel created a Barbie doll inspired by Nicki Minaj's likeness for charity, which was auctioned on Charitybuzz with proceeds benefiting Project Angel Food.

2011: Minaj Discusses Early Career

In a 2011 interview, Nicki Minaj discussed how she stifled her playful and kooky side early in her career due to advice from someone spearheading her career, before deciding to just be herself after they parted ways.

2012: Called Most Influential Female Rapper of All Time

In 2012, Jon Caramanica of The New York Times called Nicki Minaj "the most influential female rapper of all time".

2014: Minaj's success acknowledged as exception for women rappers

In 2014, NPR's Erik Nielson recognized Nicki Minaj's success as an exception to the perceived decline of women in elite rap, highlighting her impact on the music industry.

2014: Reference to Iggy Azalea's Billboard achievement

Reference to Iggy Azalea being the last female rapper with a collaboration that had reached number one in the U.S. since 2014 with her song "Fancy" featuring Charli XCX.

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August 2015: Madame Tussauds Unveils Wax Figure

In August 2015, Madame Tussauds unveiled a wax figure of Nicki Minaj, depicting a pose from the "Anaconda" music video.

2015: Named World's Biggest Female Rap Superstar

In 2015, Vanessa Grigoriadis from The New York Times Magazine called Nicki Minaj "the world's biggest female rap superstar".

2016: Minaj featured in Time 100

In 2016, Time Magazine included Minaj in its annual Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world, recognizing her cultural impact.

2016: Named One of Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2016, Time named Nicki Minaj one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

2017: Billboard Ranks Super Bass

In 2017, Billboard ranked "Super Bass" as the second-biggest US Hot 100 hit by a female rapper of all time, behind Iggy Azalea's Fancy.

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2019: Minaj Receives Game Changer Award at Billboard Women in Music

In 2019, Billboard Women in Music honored Nicki Minaj with the Game Changer Award for her impact and influence in the music industry.

2019: Ranked Among Best Rappers of the 2010s

In 2019, Complex ranked Nicki Minaj eighth on their list of best rappers of the 2010s, calling her "the most important female rapper of this decade".

2020: Called Best Rapper of the Past Ten Years

In 2020, Nick Soulsby of PopMatters called Nicki Minaj the "best female rapper and the best rapper of the past ten years – no gender preposition required." Billboard also said she "redefined success for women in hip-hop" in the decade.

2022: Pink Friday Included in Rolling Stone's List

In 2022, the album Pink Friday was included in Rolling Stone's list of "200 Greatest Hip-Hop Albums of All Time" at number 31.

2023: Ranked as Greatest Female Rapper of All Time

In 2023, Billboard and Vibe ranked Nicki Minaj as the greatest female rapper of all time.

October 2024: Super Bass Music Video Views on YouTube

As of October 2024, the music video for "Super Bass" has surpassed 1 billion views on YouTube. Billboard also ranked it as the biggest Hot 100 hit of Minaj's career.

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2024: Ranked Among Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century

In 2024, Billboard ranked Nicki Minaj at number 13 on its "Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century" list. Her success as a female rapper "has been a landmark step towards gender equality in the rap industry."

2024: Recognized as Queen of Rap

In 2024, Billboard stated that Nicki Minaj "remains at the apex of the rap mountain 15 years after the release of her breakout mixtape, Beam Me Up Scotty".

2024: Pink Friday Named One of the Greatest Black Albums

In 2024, Vibe named Pink Friday as one of the "50 Greatest Black Albums of the Modern Era".

2025: Billboard ranks Minaj among top women artists of the 21st century

In 2025, Billboard ranked Nicki Minaj at number 16 on its "Top 100 Women Artists of the 21st Century" list, recognizing her significant contributions to music.