The queen, Nicki Minaj is back. Though it’s been five years since her last solo project Nicki has remained busy within the music industry. She secured multiple platinum-selling features and dropped many successful singles, but fans wanted a project. Nicki delivered in a big way.
Taking time to provide a home for her son became a priority in her life. Yet, Nicki has made it clear over the years that she was still at the top of her game. The features and singles were for her fans. They also provided great looks for different artists but she was showcasing what was to come. On December 8th, 2023, Nicki Minaj released Pink Friday 2.
In the most recent installment of the project, Pink Friday 2: Gag Reflex, the album features a plethora of artists. The list includes the likes of Lil Wayne, Drake, J. Cole, Future, Monica, Keyshia Cole, 50 Cent, Lil Uzi Vert and more. She did not hold back.
Nicki opens the album with “Are You Gone Already,” It is an ode to the love of her son and a remembrance of her father, who never got to meet her son. Nicki has always been known as a top-tier rapper, this song is softer side as she showcases the range of her voice. As she sings, the words bring a sense of melancholy to listeners. Her voice paired with the sample of Billie Eilish round out a fantastic introduction to the album.
As the album transitions to “Barbie Dangerous,” the rapper in Nicki comes alive. She’s barred up going from topics of motherhood to how newer rappers are trying to bite her style. She makes it clear that even while being a mother, her pen is still sharp. The single bar nod and sample using the infamous “Notorious Thugs” elevates the song. “FTC” goes in-depth about rappers suggesting that she lost it. She doubles down that not only has she not fallen off but she demands respect. And she’ll take it if it isn’t given.
“Beep Beep” is a quick nod to any man who would disrespect Nicki. “Fallin 4 U,” is a bait and switch as she opens with a story of falling in love and then transitions to taking shots at competition. The song is a lyrical representation of the past few years of her life. She experienced a home filled with love while knowing what’s going on outside. She makes it clear that she is the reason that so many newer female artists have gotten so many looks. Many believe that the song has directed shots linked to the fallout between her and fellow artist, Latto.
Nicki Minaj provides a glimpse into married life in “Let Me Calm Down.” She acknowledges that it is not always easy but that through disagreements love is still present. J. Cole’s verse is meant as a message of appreciation for his marriage. In it, he discusses his flaws and how it is his wife who deserves the utmost respect and praise for dealing with him.
Nicki and Lil Wayne have fun on “RNB” and the addition of Tate Kobang chorus holds its own with two giants. “Pink Birthday” showcases Nicki’s sexy side as she wants her man to enjoy his birthday and she can provide the joy. Even Drake’s verse on “Needle” is a song to get people on the dance floor. “Cowgirl” is sexy as well but Nicki makes it clear what it takes to get her. “Everybody” rounds out the middle of the album with another track to get people moving.
Nicki separates herself further from the competition with “Big Difference” and throws more shots that seem to be directed at Cardi B. Nicki even goes back-to-back flexing on “Red Ruby Da Sleeze” but the stand-out element is the usage of Lumidee’s “Never Leave You (Uh Oooh, Uh Ooh.” Nicki shouts out a lot of legends on the track but the bar that leaves its mark is the one shooting down allegations of her using a ghostwriter.
Nicki dives deeper into her Trinidadian roots on “Foward From Trini” and doesn’t hold back showing love to the Caribbean by adding Skeng and Skillibeng to the track. “Pink Friday Girls” is reminiscent of Nicki’s days running the pop genre. “Super Freaky Girl” is given a second life as it was initially released in 2022 and attained great success. “Bahm Bahm” is an addition that allows Nicki to work out her lyricism and change of flow all in one song.
“My Life” provides context to what Nicki thinks about having opposers in the world and how it takes self-control to not always lash out. The story behind “Nicki Hendrix” is interesting as it was originally recorded for her last album, Queen. After previewing the track on Instagram, the song found a home on Pink Print 2. The song features Future and together, the duo serenade each other.
“Blessings” continues forward with Nicki singing as she expresses the power faith has over her. The addition of Tasha Cobbs Leonard amplifies its message. Placing this song before “Last Time I Saw You” gives it more power as she discusses the loss of her father in the latter.
In the outro of the project, “Just Memories,” Nicki raps and sings as she recounts the experiences of her youth. She discusses her emotions before her first show, how labels laughed her out of rooms, how this encouraged her to hone her craft, how her career was almost derailed for defending herself, how she respects the people she came up with, and how she never let her boss down.
The extended project boasts powerful songs with 50 Cent, Keyshia Cole, and Monica but the true essence of the project is completed within twenty-two tracks.
Pink Friday 2 length is normal in the age of streaming but it provides listeners with everything that Nicki Minaj is. In it, one will find bars, ballads, humility, joy, aggression, and heart. In the end it all ends with her son. And begins again.
Stay tuned to Respect My Region for more content like this and be sure to stream Pink Friday 2: Gag Reflex.
