Nicki Minaj, born Onika Tanya Maraj on December 8, 1982, in Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago, is a Trinidadian-American rapper, singer, and songwriter with a net worth of $150 million.
She stands as one of the most influential female figures in hip-hop, having garnered numerous awards and accolades for her music.
Additionally, she embraces the role of motherhood to a son, fathered by her husband Kenneth Petty.
Kenneth Petty, a music industry professional, holds the title of Nicki Minaj’s baby daddy.
He crossed paths with Minaj during their teenage years in Queens, New York.
Although they briefly dated then, their connection waned over time until their reconnection in 2018.
The couple exchanged vows in 2019 and celebrated the arrival of their son in 2020.
In this piece, we will delve deeper into Nicki Minaj’s life, career, and family, highlighting her standout performance at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards.
Who is Nicki Minaj’s Baby Daddy, Kenneth Petty?
Nicki Minaj’s baby daddy is her husband, Kenneth Petty.
He is also the father of her son, who was born in September 2020.
Kenneth Petty and Nicki Minaj were childhood friends and dated when she was 16 years old.
They reconnected in 2018 and got married in 2019
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Nicki Minaj’s Early Life
Having moved to Queens, New York, at the age of five with her family, Nicki Minaj faced a challenging upbringing.
Her father grappled with addiction to drugs and alcohol, and at one point, their house was consumed by flames.
She attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, an institution that fueled her passion for acting and singing.
At the tender age of 12, she penned her initial rap composition, propelling her towards a career in music upon high school graduation.
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Nicki Minaj’s Career
In 2007, Nicki Minaj unveiled her inaugural mixtape, “Playtime Is Over.”
It wasn’t long before rapper Lil Wayne, captivated by her talent, extended a contract under his label, Young Money Entertainment, in 2009.
Collaborations with artists like Drake, Kanye West, and Rihanna further solidified her presence in the music scene.
Her debut album, “Pink Friday,” emerged in 2010, commanding the Billboard 200 chart and giving birth to the chart-topping single “Super Bass”, which achieved diamond certification from the RIAA.
This was followed by “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded” in 2012, featuring more pop-infused tracks such as “Starships” and “Pound the Alarm.”
Minaj’s third release, “The Pinkprint,” arrived in 2014, marking a return to her hip-hop roots.
It featured hits like “Anaconda,” “Only,” and “Truffle Butter.”
Her fourth offering, “Queen,” hit the shelves in 2018 and showcased collaborations with:
- Eminem
- Ariana Grande
- The Weeknd.
Beyond music, Minaj ventured into acting, voice acting, fashion, and cosmetics.
Her filmography includes roles in movies such as:
- “The Other Woman,”
- “Barbershop: The Next Cut,”
- “The Angry Birds Movie 2.”
She also introduced her own fragrance line, clothing brand, and headphone label.
Minaj’s status as one of the highest-selling music artists of all time is underscored by over 100 million records sold worldwide.
She has clinched eight American Music Awards, five MTV Video Music Awards (including the 2022 Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award), and many more.
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Nicki Minaj at the VMAs 2023
Headlining and performing at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, Nicki Minaj made a striking entrance in a light pink bridal ensemble complete with a veil.
She introduced the first performers, Lil Wayne and Olivia Rodrigo, injecting humor by playfully admitting to a footwear mishap.
During her solo performance of “Last Time I Saw You,” Minaj transitioned to a black bikini layered over a sheer dress.
She concluded her act with a teaser for a new song, accompanied by pulsating lights, garnering praise from both fans and critics.
Later, she joined forces with Lil Wayne, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Doug E. Fresh for a tribute to hip-hop’s 50th anniversary.
Her solo renditions of “Itty Bitty Piggy” and “Red Ruby Da Sleeze,” as well as her participation in the “Walk This Way” finale, added an electrifying close to the show.
Minaj clinched the award for Best Hip-Hop with “Super Freaky Girl,” which also secured a nomination for Video of the Year.
Additionally, she presented Taylor Swift with the Best Direction award for “You Need to Calm Down,” expressing gratitude to her fans for their unwavering support and expressing delight in her role as host.
Nicki Minaj Baby
On September 30, 2020, Nicki Minaj welcomed her first child with Kenneth Petty in Los Angeles.
Although the baby boy’s name remains undisclosed, Minaj tenderly shared a photo of his tiny foot on October 21, 2020, commemorating her one-year wedding anniversary with Petty.
Minaj has been resolute in shielding her son’s privacy, opting not to reveal his visage to the public.
However, she treats her followers on Instagram to fleeting glimpses, affectionately referring to him as “Papa Bear.”
Videos capturing his laughter, crawling, and sweet utterances of “mama” have also graced her feed.
In reflecting on motherhood, Minaj describes it as the most enriching role she has ever assumed, professing her gratitude for the blessing of motherhood.
She notes that it has imbued her with greater forgiveness and a heightened sense of optimism.
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Is Nicki Minaj Married?
Nicki Minaj is happily married to Kenneth Petty, whom she first encountered at the age of 17 in Queens.
While their initial romance was brief, their paths diverged for a number of years before fate orchestrated their reunion in 2018.
By December of that year, they were prepared to share their relationship with the world.
The couple exchanged vows in a private ceremony on October 21, 2019.
Minaj joyfully revealed the news on her Instagram, presenting matching “Mr. and Mrs.” mugs alongside “Bride and Groom” baseball caps.
Subsequently, she embraced the name Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty on her social media platforms.
Minaj has unabashedly expressed her love and devotion for Petty on multiple occasions.
She commends his profound understanding of her as a person and identifies him as her soulmate.
She has also staunchly defended him against criticism stemming from his past, asserting that he has evolved beyond his earlier self.
Nicki Minaj’s Net Worth
As of 2023, Nicki Minaj boasts an estimated net worth of $150 million.
Her wealth stems from a diverse array of sources, including music sales, lucrative tours, endorsements, and entrepreneurial ventures.
This distinction crowns her as the wealthiest female rapper worldwide and positions her among the highest-earning celebrities.
Minaj’s track record includes the sale of over 20 million albums and 125 million singles on a global scale.
Tour earnings from endeavors such as:
- The Pink Friday Tour ($14 million)
- The Pink Friday: Reloaded Tour ($20 million)
- The Pinkprint Tour ($22 million)
- The Nicki Wrld Tour ($14 million)
Endorsement deals with notable brands like:
- Adidas
- Pepsi
- MAC Cosmetics
- Beats by Dre
- H&M, T-Mobile
- Mercedes-Benz
Her foray into personal product lines encompassing perfume, apparel, headphones, and wine further attests to her entrepreneurial acumen.
It’s reported that she commands a fee of $500,000 for a featured verse in a song.
Beyond her impressive financial portfolio, Minaj owns an assortment of properties in key locations such as Los Angeles, New York, and Miami.
Her luxury vehicle collection comprises esteemed models like:
- The Lamborghini Aventador
- Bentley Continental GT
- Maybach 62S
- Range Rover
- Rolls-Royce Phantom.
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Conclusion
Nicki Minaj stands as an emblem of triumph and influence within the realm of female hip-hop artists.
With a net worth of $150 million, she navigates the worlds of music, family, and entrepreneurship with aplomb.
Her partnership with husband Kenneth Petty has culminated in the arrival of their cherished son, affectionately referred to as “Papa Bear.”
The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards bore witness to her exceptional talents, as she undertook the dual roles of host and performer, captivating audiences with her signature charisma.”
