In a candid conversation with Joe Budden on his Pull Up series, Nicki Minaj shared personal insights about her early career and the pressures she faced as a rising star in the hip-hop world. The self-proclaimed Black Barbie revealed how Lil Wayne’s jokes about her “small butt” played a significant role in her decision to get butt injections, a choice she now reflects on with mixed feelings.
Lil Wayne’s Influence on Nicki Minaj’s Body Image
Nicki Minaj disclosed that when she first entered the rap game, she was highly influenced by the culture surrounding her. Lil Wayne, who frequently surrounded himself with women with large, curvaceous figures, made comments that ultimately impacted Nicki’s self-perception. “Wayne would have a new chick in the studio every session… This is what you’re supposed to look like in the rap culture, and I don’t look like that,” she recalled.
While Nicki initially denied that Wayne directly made negative remarks about her body, she later admitted, “No, no. I’m lying. I think Wayne, I think they said stuff sometimes jokingly, but to a young girl or up-and-coming rapper, it matters.” Despite Wayne’s playful comments, Nicki Minaj emphasized how they affected her, even if they weren’t meant to be taken seriously. For someone just starting her career, comments from an influential figure like Lil Wayne can deeply impact one’s self-esteem.
The Pressure of Social Media and Body Image
Nicki also discussed how, during her early career, social media was beginning to shape public opinions about beauty and success. “Social media was just beginning when I started, so I was a lot of people’s guinea pigs,” she explained. As one of the first prominent figures to face the constant scrutiny of online platforms, Minaj felt pressure to conform to the beauty standards of the industry, which often emphasized curvier bodies. This societal pressure, coupled with her personal insecurities, led to her decision to enhance her figure through ass shots, a move she now sees as “insane” in hindsight.
A Call for Respect Towards Black Women
Throughout the interview, Nicki Minaj also expressed her frustration with how Black women are often ridiculed or demeaned, particularly in the public eye. During a separate Instagram Live with Joe Budden, she fiercely criticized men who feel entitled to comment on women’s bodies, highlighting incidents like the Fresh & Fit podcast, where a co-host disrespected Asian Doll. Nicki firmly stated, “Y’all feel like y’all can constantly disrespect Black women? Get the fuck outta here!”
Denial of Facial Surgery Claims
While Nicki has been open about her butt injections, she was quick to deny rumors surrounding her face. In a 2013 interview with Extra, Nicki asserted, “I’ve never had surgery on my face. When people see my makeup, they think all types of crazy things, but it’s makeup.”
