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.

Jermaine Dupri Defends His 'Stripper Rap' Comments

Nicki Minaj Pulls Out of Saudi Arabia Show

Nicki Minaj Says She and Her Boyfriend Got a Marriage License

Nicki Minaj Features Boyfriend in New Music Video 'Megatron'

Nicki Minaj Was NOT Dropped From Chris Brown's IndiGOAT Tour

'L&HH' Star Rah Ali Loses Child After Birth, Nicki Minaj Offering Support

Nicki Minaj Didn't Marry Boyfriend, Despite Calling Him 'Husband'

Nicki Minaj's Boyfriend Pleads Guilty To Driving On a Suspended License

Nicki Minaj's Upcoming Concert Venues Confident They'll Avoid Tech Issues

Nicki Minaj Forced to Cancel Concert, French Fans Savagely Chant 'Cardi B'

Nicki Minaj Show Canceled After Arena Can't Handle Tech, Still Meets Fans

BET Apologizes to Nicki Minaj for Unauthorized Tweet Trashing Her