Nicki Minaj

Born –­ December 8, 1982
St. James, Trinidad and Tobago
Birth name –­ Onika Tanya Maraj

Singer, Rapper, wig collector.

Born in a suburb of Trinidad and Tobago's capital, Port of Spain, to working-class parents.

Lived with Grandma until mom took her to New York when she was five.

Graduated from LaGuardia High, worked at Red Lobster, dreamed of becoming an actress.

Began rapping in a group called "Hoodstars," then uploaded her own music to Myspace back when Myspace was cool. CEO of Dirty Money Entertainment signed her and she changed her name from Nicki Maraj to Nicki Minaj.

Signed with Young Money Entertainment and saw commercial success with the release of her album "Pink Friday" in 2010.

Became an "American Idol" judge for the 2012 season despite some player-hatin' from the Mariah Carey camp.

LATEST STORIES
  
Nicki Minaj vs. Xtina -- Who'd You Rather?

Nicki Minaj vs. Xtina
Who'd You Rather?

With their blonde wigs and beautiful bronzed skin, Nicki Minaj and Christina Aguilera looked like singing sisters in L.A. the other day.Question is ...More Who'd You Rather? MC Hammer vs. Psy… READ MORE >

President Obama to Mariah Carey & Nicki Minaj -- STOP THE FIGHTING!!

President Obama to
Mariah Carey & Nicki Minaj STOP THE FIGHTING!

President Barack Obama has a message for Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey -- GIVE PEACE A CHANCE!!!!!The war at the "American Idol" judges' table was escalated all the way to the Commander In Chief… READ MORE >

- 247 days ago
Jennifer Hudson -- 'American Idol' Feud is Total Bull Crap!

Jennifer Hudson
'American Idol' Feud ... is Total Bull Crap!

Jennifer Hudson knows a thing or two about "American Idol" ... which is why it's very interesting that she's calling total BS on the war between Mariah Carey vs. Nicki Minaj. "I don't believe it,"… READ MORE >

- 247 days ago
Nick Cannon -- Mariah's Feud with Nicki Minaj Is 'No Big Deal'

Nick Cannon
Mariah's Feud with Nicki Is 'No Big Deal'

Nick Cannon is doing his husbandly duty to downplay the beef between his wife, Mariah Carey, and her "American Idol" judging partner Nicki Minaj ... telling our photog the whole thing has been… READ MORE >

- 256 days ago
Steven Tyler Calls Bulls**t on Mariah Carey/Nicki Minaj Feud

Steven Tyler
Calls Bulls**t on Nicki/Mariah Feud

Steven Tyler thinks the entire Nicki Minaj/Mariah Carey beef is being orchestrated by the show for ratings ... and as a former judge on the show, he's one to know. Our photog spotted the… READ MORE >

- 256 days ago
'American Idol' -- You Be the Judge

'American Idol'
You Be the Judge

"American Idol" could be a big hit ... apparently much to the dismay of producers who are trying to tame Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj. So we gotta ask ...  READ MORE >

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Nicki Minaj -- Bitchy to Mariah Carey For Years

Nicki MInaj
Bitchy to Mariah For Years

Nicki Minaj was supremely disrespectful to Mariah Carey 2 years before she exploded on the set of "American Idol" this week ... TMZ has learned.Nicki and Mariah teamed up in 2010 for a music video… READ MORE >

- 257 days ago
Mariah Carey's Posse -- Cops, Bodyguards, Umbrella Holder

Mariah Carey's Posse
Cops, Bodyguards, Umbrella Holder

Mariah Carey got a full police AND umbrella escort on her way out of an "American Idol" photo shoot in Baton Rouge yesterday -- 'cause the only thing more harmful than angry rappers are those damn… READ MORE >

- 258 days ago
Cee Lo Green -- Mariah Carey & Nicki Minaj's Beef Is BOGUS

Cee Lo Green
Mariah & Nicki's Beef IS BOGUS

"The Voice" judge Cee Lo Green is calling BS on Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj's fiery feud -- telling TMZ, we're in L.A. ... practically EVERYTHING is fake in this town.Cee Lo had just finished… READ MORE >

- 258 days ago
Nicki Minaj vs. Mariah Carey -- Who'd You Rather?

Nicki Minaj vs. Mariah Carey
Who'd You Rather?

Nicki Minaj and "Her f*cking Highness" Mariah Carey have been ferociously going at it on the set of "American Idol."Question is ...More Who'd You Rather? Ryan Lochte vs. The Situation Donatella… READ MORE >

- 258 days ago

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