The highly anticipated debut album, “Pink Friday,” by Nicki Minaj is here and I’m really disappointed. I’m personally not a hardcore rap fan. However, I will listen to the occasionally mainstream songs, but I’m totally out of the loop when artists like Big Sean are mentioned.
So how did I find myself at Target on November 23 buying Ms. Minaj’s first album, well the answer is simple. Limewire was shut down; and, I heard Hot 97’s Angie Martinez’s interview with Nicki Minaj, the week before. During the interview, Minaj addressed various topics other than her album, like her non-romantic relationship with Drake, her sexuality, and the rivalry between her and Lil’ Kim. That interview was really informative and intimate, from genuine moments between Minaj and her fans to the breakdown of her album.
Anyways, I was hoping songs like “Monster,” “Shakin’ It for Daddy,” and “Bottoms Up” would be on “Pink Friday,” but they were not. I know her appearances on those songs were just features, but those are the songs that got me and a lot of her non-Barbie fans interested in her.
Overall, I would rate Pink Friday, a six out of ten because I really feel there was that “Nicki Minaj” zeal missing. I like her weird quirks and multiple personas. I suppose I was expecting a female version of Eminem.
However, I was pleased with the featured artists selection. I love the variation of the songs from “Roman’s Revenge” featuring Eminem, to “Last Chance” featuring Natasha Bedingfield. My favorite songs on this album are “Fly,” featuring Rihanna, “Moment 4 Life,” featuring Drake and “Last Chance.”
The first time I heard the album I ran through the whole thing; and on the second and third runs, I was skipping mainly one song, “Did It On ’em,” which has a great beat, but isn’t really for me. Will I be playing this album in my car frequently? Probably not. Do I regret purchasing Pink Friday? A bit, but I know Nicki Minaj will release another album that tops this one.