Nicki Minaj: Make it "Pink Friday" Every Day

Nicki Minaj at first glance seems like she's trying to be the black rapper Lady Gaga, but there is a lot of likeable character under her quirkiness and her talent comes through making her an original. I decided to check out her album "Pink Friday" after hearing her verse on the Kanye West song "Monster." The following notes are what I thought of each song on the album, with the last three tracks being found on the deluxe edition. "Pink Friday" is getting a thumbs up from me.


"I'm The Best": A rapper has to get their swagger on, but she does it with grace speaking out on mistakes she made in her past before getting to where she is or where she is going. What ammo will peple have to shoot her with if she's taking it all wide open and badass? On this track she sounds like the female Jay-Z at times.

"Roman's Revenge": This song also features rapper Eminem. I did not like Nicki's delivery of her first verses and then with the dungeon dragon chorus I thought this song was on its way to the bad side of weird, but then Eminem blazes on and saves it. Eminem speeds the rap up and when Nicki hops back in she matches his pace and the song goes to the great side of weird, made me smile, and entertained me full-on.

"Did It On'em": A fairly negative song lyrically in terms of looking down on people, some who may have held her back, some who may have thrown jealous drama her way, and apparently poor people are gross too. However, her rhymes over the low rumble of bass is a perfect match and real smooth to listen to.

"Right Thru Me": Rap seduced into being a pop song, the break in her voice during the chorus lines is semi-addictive. You are in danger of getting this song stuck in your head whether you like it or not. I am more in the not crowd, but it's not exactly bad though either.

"Fly": Rihanna is also featured on this song. Nicki claims to represent an entire generation in this song, but that falls pretty short as a statement in my opinion and I also found the lyrics on this song to be a little weak. Rihanna's parts are cookie-cutter, she always adds production value, but this song is still bargain bin pop.

"Save Me": The lyrics are decent pop song stuff, but the beat and music is fluff and makes me want to crush butterflies. (whatever that means.)

"Moment 4 Life": This song also features the artist Drake. If you check out the video for this song you're going to find out Nicki Minaj is one weird duck. Decent song, but the transition from rap to the pop chorus is a little off to my ears and I did not like Drake's addition to the song.

"Check It Out": will.i.am. Is also featured on this song and the beat and lyrics are all cut up and auto-tuned Black Eyed Peas style accordingly. She drops the auto-tune and raps some, but this song is crap.

"Blazin": She switches up speeds on her verses and it shows off her talent well, good stuff. Kanye West drops in and his verses are not bad, even though I am not a fan of his flow, he does not ruin the track, but it does leave one wishing Nicki had the last words aside from the chorus.

"Here I Am": A song about vulnerability and empowerment, but the beat and sounds kind of steal the thunder in a way and swallow the song for me, forgettable overall.

"Dear Old Nicki": A personal song as she sings to her self from the past, a neat concept. It's okay, kind of basic, I'm more into the wild, nutty pizazz side of this lady.

"Your Love": The vibe of this song takes me back to rolling around in the car with an East Saint Louis ex who was into R & B, tuning it full blast on my radio. It's more of a negative type of memory and normally I like songs to take me back there, but it's even better if I can tap into that vein of pain while enjoying the song, but this one's not really doing it for me. The vibe starts me there, but doesn't hold me and I get off before the ride goes all of the way.

"Last Chance": This song also features Natasha Bedingfield. Solid track, but not going on my own personal repeat any time soon, but if you're a big fan I'm sure it will get plenty of play time, worthy enough for a single.

"Super Bass": This is a good song, VERY radio friendly, but geared more towards a female listening audience.

"Blow Ya Mind": A Nicki anthem about being Nicki I guess, rap fused with a rock chorus, not really a grand slice of the pie, but some might eat it up. The prison break alarm sirens are kind of fun in the beat and her repetitive, profanity powered chant late in the song is cool.

"Muny": Her voice is spot on all through the song, her rap is tight, but the actual lyrical content is not all that interesting.