Album Review: Nicki Minaj - Queen
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As a big fan of Nicki Minaj I wasn't excited for this new album. Prior to the release of Queen, I liked Chun-Li and Rich Sex, but I wasn't feeling Bed. The tracks she's featured on have been alright, but I needed Nicki to drop something special.
Nicki kicks the album off with Ganja burn, an afro-pop track where she raps about people criticising her, and those who compare themselves to greats. "You made one dope beat, now you Kanye? You got a nigga named JAY, now you 'Yoncé?" The title of the track Ganga burn, could mean Nicki is burning all the weeds out of her life that prevent prosperity in her career.
The second track features Eminem and Labrinth. It starts with Labrinth singing over piano chords, nothing that great - until Nicki spits. The track becomes aggressive, and Nicki brags about the power she has, the deals she's made, and how she about to kill anyone who tries to copy her style. Eminem's fourth verse is also faster than his Rap God verse.
Barbie Dreams could be one of my favourite tracks on the album. Nicki pays homage to Biggie Smalls, delivering her take on the song “Just Playing (Dreams)”. Unlike Biggie, who rapped about his attraction to popular female R&B singers, Nicki decides to roast prominent male artists and athletes in her version. It’s all in good fun though, as most of the rappers Nicki puts down are friends and collaborators, a few of which are even featured on the album Queen, including Lil Wayne, Swae Lee.
"Drake worth a hundred milli, always buying me shit, But I don't know if the pussy wet or if he crying and shit."
"And I would've had Odell Beckham banging the cake 'Til I saw him hoppin' out of cars dancing to Drake"
"Had to cancel DJ Khaled, boy, we ain't speaking, Ain't no fat nigga telling me what he ain't eating"
The other tracks i'm feeling are Rich Sex, Thought I Knew You, Chun-Li, LLC, Good From, and Coco Chanel.
Overall, the album feels like Nicki's mixtape days. I love how she's spitting fire on the verses. I'd prefer if there was less singing and more up-tempo tracks, but it's better than what I was expecting. Would it be Nicki's best album? I can' say just yet. I'm just glad she's back in the game.
https://open.spotify.com/album/2acDkDTWdNFie1HjcFa4Ny?si=ex-45OZLSiSo-wQDRs-TIA