In a surprising New Year’s Eve moment at Miami’s E11EVEN club, Nicki Minaj sent waves through her fan base by stopping midway through her 2012 smash hit, “Starships.” After performing a few lines, Nicki abruptly halted the track, announcing to the crowd, “I don’t perform that song no more, y’all! I don’t like it!” Her honest declaration reignited discussions around her complex relationship with some of her biggest hits.
Nicki’s ‘Starships’ Dilemma
Though “Starships” soared on the charts and became a 9x platinum-certified anthem, it has long been a song that Nicki has voiced regret over. At a 2020 Q&A panel, she candidly expressed her distaste for the song, along with “Anaconda” and “Your Love,” questioning why she ever recorded them in the first place. “I hate ‘Starships,’” she admitted. “Every time I hear it, I think, ‘Why did I do that?’”
The pop-driven single, which peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, even sparked conflict with radio personality Peter Rosenberg of Hot 97, who called it “one of the most sellout songs in Hip Hop history.” His remarks prompted Nicki to cancel her performance at the 2012 Summer Jam festival. Despite the rocky reception from critics, “Starships” became a defining part of Nicki’s career, even if it no longer aligns with her evolving style and brand.
Breaking Records with Pink Friday 2
In contrast to her discomfort with “Starships,” Minaj’s new album, Pink Friday 2, has been a historic triumph. Released on December 8—her 41st birthday—the highly anticipated sequel to her 2010 debut has broken records on the Billboard Hot 100, with 17 of its 22 tracks landing on the chart. This achievement makes Pink Friday 2 the female rap album with the most songs charted on the Hot 100, showcasing Nicki’s staying power in the industry.
Additionally, Pink Friday 2 topped the Billboard 200 with 228,000 album-equivalent units, marking her third No. 1 album—a new record for female rappers. Minaj now holds the most No. 1 albums among women in hip hop, surpassing Foxy Brown. This milestone is yet another testament to Nicki’s influence, marking over a decade of dominance in the rap world.
Looking Ahead for Future
Nicki’s choice to retire songs like “Starships” while pushing forward with projects that better reflect her vision shows her dedication to evolving as an artist. Despite stepping away from certain tracks, Nicki continues to make waves, reminding fans that her legacy is as much about her growth as it is about her past hits.
