Music

Nicki Minaj Is “Retiring” From Music And Her Fans Are Not Coping

Minaj has said she's stepping away from music to start a family. Some fans aren't buying it.

by Joseph Earp  6 September 2019
Nicki Minaj retiring photo

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It’s been true since the firebrand rapper first broke out, dominating her guest appearance on Kanye West’s ‘Monster’, and it’s just as true now: never underestimate Nicki Minaj.

One of contemporary hip-hop’s true revolutionaries, Minaj has never paid heed to the hoary cliches of the music business — even some of the ones she probably should have. She’s somehow managed to maintain dominance in an industry that she is constantly stirring trouble in, embarking on lengthy and public spats with artists like Miley Cyrus and Cardi B, and generally refusing to acquiesce her space on the mic till she’s said what she has to say.

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Then there’s the music. Minaj’s vicious and barbed bars are the cruellest in rap, and also the most thrilling. In her songs, as in her life, Minaj refuses to take direction from anybody. The result? The sound of one person expressing themselves fully, consequences be damned.

Well, looks like Minaj has no interest in bucking her reputation any time soon. Last night, with a truly surprising casual air, the rapper announced that she was retiring from the business.

“I’ve decided to retire and have my family,” she said, as if that was that. “Love you for LIFE.”

While, of course, this is wonderful for Nicki, it’s hard to imagine what contemporary music will sound like without her. Of course, it’s entirely possible that this announcement sounds somewhat more concrete than what it actually is. Won’t Nicki miss the mic? Shouldn’t we expect a return at some point?

After all, Minaj’s nemesis Cardi B started a family earlier this year, and pretty much hasn’t stopped touring. Anyway, even if she might eventually come back, that’s not helping her distraught fans.

Of course, for many of her fans, this is all the summation of a prophecy. Minaj always warned her followers that she would bow out with the crown and with the ring; looks like she’s done exactly that.