Nicki Minaj’s verse on “Monster” from Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy remains one of the most iconic moments in rap history. CyHi The Prynce, who was present during the recording sessions, recently revealed the behind-the-scenes process of how Nicki Minaj shocked him by rewriting her verse live in the studio at Kanye West’s request.
CyHi The Prynce Recalls Nicki’s Studio Performance
In a recent interview with HipHopDX, CyHi The Prynce detailed his surprise when he witnessed Nicki Minaj rewriting her verse on the spot. He shared, “Her first ones were hard… but she actually wrote that and rapped it.” CyHi was amazed by Nicki’s natural talent and the authenticity behind her performance, dispelling any rumors that someone else had helped her craft her verses.
He went on to describe Nicki Minaj‘s energetic and animated delivery in the studio, which mirrored her dynamic performance in the “Monster” music video. “She did that while she was rapping it… changing characters, moving, and being animated, just like in the video,” CyHi marveled. “I was like, ‘Damn, she’s talented.’”
Doubts About ‘Monster’
Even though Nicki Minaj delivered a legendary verse, Kanye West had doubts about whether to include “Monster” on his album. Nicki recalled how Kanye called her on the 7-year anniversary of the song’s release to reveal that Jay-Z had added a verse and Kanye was still undecided about its place on the album. During their conversation, Nicki convinced Kanye to keep it on the album, and she even shared her thoughts about the verse’s intensity. “He wanted me to add more of that growling monster voice and I felt it was overkill,” she admitted. However, Kanye stood his ground, and ultimately, “Monster” became a defining track.
The Legacy of ‘Monster’
The collaboration on “Monster” marked a pivotal moment in Nicki Minaj’s career. In her Instagram post from 2017, she reflected on the song’s impact and her breakthrough, becoming the first female rapper to perform at Yankee Stadium. Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Eminem all played key roles in shaping her rise, helping her secure her place in hip-hop history.
