Nicki Minaj wears Jacket, Pants, Hat, Earrings, Marc Jacobs; Bustier, Kenzo; Rings, David Yurman. Photographed by Emma Summerton for Vogue Arabia September 2018
It’s hard to believe that it was only two years ago that Nicki Minaj starred on her first ever Vogue cover as the cover star for the Vogue Arabia September 2018 issue. Photographed in New York by Emma Summerton, the Trinidadian-American artist spoke to Editor-in-Chief Manuel Aranut about quitting social media, healing heartbreak, and bouncing back stronger than ever to reclaim her crown.
While she did take a hiatus from social media – retuning at the end of January 2020 – her popularity in the music industry remained a constant, with the rapper reigning supreme with her fourth album, Queen, which, within a few hours of the album’s release, reached number one in more than 85 countries.
As well as being an award-winning rapper, Minaj is also a successful actor, philanthropist and businessperson with her own line of fragrances as well as collaborations with beauty brands including MAC. As the recent mum-of-one celebrates her birthday today (December 8) we look at some of Nicki Minaj‘s best quotes to live by.
On Dealing With Haters
“It’s important to know that you’re an amazing person. You have to know that as long as you love who you are – your morals, your values, that type of stuff – you’re OK.”
On Thriving Through Adversity
“There’s nothing more beautiful than a smile that has struggled through tears.”
On Embracing Life
“Life is a prize, but to live doesn’t mean you’re alive.”
On Reaching Your Potential
“It’s a great feeling to not box yourself into anyone’s limitations or ideas or judgments.”
On Achieving Success
“You wanna know what scares people? Success. When you don’t make moves and you don’t climb up the ladder, everybody loves you because you’re not competition.”
On Being Vulnerable
“Being powerful or strong doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t be vulnerable and it doesn’t mean you don’t cry, it just means that you’re comfortable enough with yourself to be whoever you are.”
On Persevering
“Your victory is right around the corner. Never give up.”
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