V cover
Minaj appears on the cover of the Winter 2014/2015 issue of V magazine. She talks about taking risks, her album The Pinkprint, and on influencing women.
I love women who take control, who set standards, and who believe in themselves enough to lead the way in terms of their career. I’ve done that. When I win and when I lose, I take ownership of it, because I really am in charge of what I do. There are a lot of strong male rappers, who’ve influenced me a great deal in terms of my skill, my flow, and my business-savvy side. But at the end of the day, I still want to inspire women.
Billboard cover
Minaj appears on the cover of a November 2014 issue of Billboard magazine. She talks about her time at American Idol, staying competitive, and the criticism of her Anaconda video.
Everything we see that’s labeled as beautiful is very skinny. In the song I kind of say, ‘F— them skinny girls.’ But it’s all love. I consider myself a skinny girl. I went overboard with the video to show that I’m not going to hide. And those big-booty dancers I have, they’re not going to hide. Black girls should feel sexy, powerful and important too.
L’Uomo Vogue cover
Minaj is featured on the cover of L’Uomo Vogue magazine. When asked about the future of her career in the enclosed q&a Minaj replies:
At first no one took me seriously. In the world of rap, women are usually relegated to the choir. I want to build my empire. In my field, I have always seen men do it from Diddy to Dr. Dre to Jay Z. Now it’s a woman’s turn.
Fader cover
Minaj is featured on the cover of Fader magazine’s fall fashion issue. During a Q&A inside the issue Minaj is questioned about how creating pop music has changed her career.
I felt like my pop music made me have to retell my story. My credibility as an MC—I never thought I would have to explain that. I thought it was so evident that I belonged here [in hip-hop]. Looking back now, I love that I was pushed to reinvent myself because when I sit back and I really look, I need hip-hop, and hip-hop needs me.
Dazed cover
Minaj is featured on the cover of Dazed magazine’s autumn/winter issue. The issue features a double cover of Minaj, one a reality shot, the other a fantasy shot. Inside the issue Minaj poses for an 18-page photo shoot taken by photographer Jeff Bark.
ESPN cover
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inaj is featured on the cover of The Music Issue of ESPN Magazine with Bryant.
Marie Claire cover
Minaj is featured on the cover of Marie Claire magazine and is the first rapper to ever be featured on the cover. Minaj is also questioned in the magazines Q&A section about her career, future and advice for her fans.
I was on a world tour, a big feat for a female rapper. For the first time, I allowed myself to feel proud of where music had gotten me, and I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. You feel the need to pay it forward, which starts with analyzing yourself with a true desire to grow. I was praying every day, ‘You know what, Lord? I want to be a mom one day, and I want to start becoming the woman who I want to parent my child.’ I wanted all of the feelings of entitlement to leave me, because some people have this life for a year or five or 10 – and a lot of them lose it. I didn’t want to become a person who wasn’t enjoying the moment.
Teen Vogue cover
Minaj appears on the cover of the June/July 2013 issue of Teen Vogue magazine. She talks about high school, Hollywood, and staying positive.
I used to read the bad things people said about me. Then I asked myself, Why am I reading that when I have millions of people saying great things? You cannot give negativity power.
Teen Vogue cover
Minaj is featured on the cover of Teen Vogue’s June/July issue. Inside the issue is a Q&A in which she is asked why she no longer listens to critics.
I used to read the bad things people said about me, then I asked myself, ‘Why am I reading that when I have millions of people saying great things?’ You cannot give negativity power. I tell teens, if you’re having a problem, there’s nothing wrong with deleting your social media. If people keep taunting you and you keep reading it, it’s poison.
Elle cover
Minaj is featured on the cover of Elle magazine. Minaj answers questions inside the issue about her new image for the cover, her childhood and how all women should command respect.
When I saw myself with barely any makeup at, it was such a like, I’m so, so attached to my pink lipstick, it’s hard. I feel that it’s become a part of me. To go in front of the camera, without pink lips or big ol’ crazy lashes you know, nothing I felt naked. It was scary! So this photo shoot was a real accomplishment in my eyes.
Allure cover
Minaj appears on the cover of the April 2012 issue of Allure magazine. She talks about her younger fans, her hair when she was nine, and her plans of world domination.
I also can put on a very cartoonish voice. So sometimes children may not know what I’m saying, but they like the sound of it, and they think I sound like some weird character.
Vibe Magazine cover
Minaj gives an interview for Vibe Magazine. In the interview she talks about her second album Pink Friday: Roman’s Revenge and her experience as a female rapper.
It’s not hard to get your way when it’s your way or the highway. People either follow suit or they’re not around. I don’t really like the sound of that, ‘cause that sounds like a temper tantrum. I’m just very black and white when it comes to my business. There’s really no gray area. I really don’t have a lot of small talk with people I work with. It’s pretty much let’s get the job done. In the beginning, if people didn’t know me they’d probably assume I wasn’t smart or wasn’t business savvy. But once you sit and talk to me, it’s a different story.
Paper Magazine cover
Paper Magazine features Minaj on the cover of their Spring Fashion Issue. The issue also features an interview on Minaj’s fashion experience and new album.
The album is like a collage of all my emotions. I am not sticking to any particular style. I am doing what I feel without restrictions. So it’s very free and very me.
Wonderland cover, interview
Minaj appears on the cover of Wonderland Magazine, with an article inside were Minaj discusses her role as a woman in the industry, her career and album.
Yeah, I’m definitely a control freak. Absolutely! You gotta take control of your career and your image who else should take control of it, right?