Nicki Minaj covers the latest issue of Billboard Magazine. She discussed building her empire, Beyoncé, and more. Read highlights and see more photos below.
On being a boss: “I’m on 15 to 25 conference calls every few days strategizing with my team. I think a lot of artists sit back and have it done for them. Sometimes as women in the industry—if you’re sexy or like doing sexy things—some people subconsciously negate your brain. They think you’re stupid.”
On staying relevant: “It’s corny when rappers feel like they’ve made it and they don’t have to prove themselves anymore. You should always be competing. You should always be trying to show that you’re the best. My album is going to be important to hip-hop.”
On what she learned from her mother: “My mother always had this attitude that she didn’t take no for an answer. So I guess that carried on to me.”
On “American Idol”: “Thank God I did that show. At least I was able to show my true self, speak and have a mind.”
On “Anaconda”: “Everyt
On Beyoncé: “There’s something about her work ethic that always made me feel like no matter how hard stuff gets, I’m not allowed to complain. Some women give me the feeling that where there’s a will, there’s a way.”