Preston Smith
It’s been a long three and a half years since Nicki Minaj’s last album, The Pinkprint, but she resuscitated us all last Friday, August 10, 2018, when she dropped Queen. Sporting nineteen songs, the Queen of Rap’s fourth album is one for the books. Each song is a standout, culminating in what could be the best entry into Nicki’s discography yet.
Compared to her last album, the number of featured artists is low – but it works in her favor. Instead of sharing the spotlight on every song, Nicki shines on each and every track. Where features are included, they are done so respectfully and in ways that only add to the magic that Nicki put into the album.
These features include the return of Eminem and Ariana Grande. “Roman’s Revenge” is a classic at this point, making fans always want another track with these two artists. Here we get it in the form of “Majesty,” which also features Labrinth in a charming chorus. “Majesty” sees Eminem and Nicki both spitting bars like never before, proving they are undoubtedly two of the best in the rap game. On the other hand, Ariana sings her heart out on the sensual “Bed,” adding another iconic collaboration between the two.
“Chun-Li” and “Barbie Dreams” are classic tracks meant for those who ever doubted that Nicki could write and rap her own songs. “Chun-Li” finds a confident Nicki knowing her worth – and it resonates in the listen as you can’t help but rap along and be confident when you hear it. “Barbie Dreams” sees her creativeness coming out, where she spits lines about a bunch of other rappers in the game.
One of the highlights of The Pinkprint was hearing Nicki sing more, and her beautiful voice returns on Queen. “Come See About Me” is an emotional ballad about giving Nicki a chance, while “Thought I Knew You,” which features The Weeknd, sees the two singing back and forth about a relationship. Her classic singing and rapping together return in the lead song, “Ganja Burn,” where she goes hard during her verses and slows her enchanting voice down for the chorus.
Honestly, when you listen to her new album, you can tell Nicki Minaj put her entire heart and soul into the crafting of each song and the entire project. It’s her return to music, and what an epic one it is. Her sound remains special to her, and that combined with her flow, lyrics, and love make this an album you don’t want to miss out on.
Queen can be purchased on iTunes or streamed on Spotify, Apple Music, and everywhere else you buy and stream music. You can also keep up with her @NICKIMINAJ on Twitter here and on Instagram here.
Are you loving Nicki Minaj’s new era? Comment below and tweet us @Fuzzable with all of your love for the Queen of Rap!
