Nicki Minajis using her moment to advocate for mental health across the entertainment industry.
Members from her fan club, widely known as the “Barbz,” presented the award to the “reining queen of hip hop.” During her speech, however, she took the time to thank the “key people” who inspire her likeLil WayneandJAY-Z— and those who gave her “huge opportunities” likeKanye West,Rihanna,Beyoncéand more.
Then, Minaj, 39, turned the conversation over to mental health, beginning with, “I wishWhitney HoustonandMichael Jacksonwere still here.”
“I wish that people understood what they meant and what they were going through. I wish people took mental health seriously, even for the people who we think have perfect lives. I wishPop SmokeandJuice WRLDandNipsey Husslewere here.”
Nicki Minaj.Theo Wargo/Getty
She then paid tribute to people in her life, “RIPDaddy, my cousin Richard and my business manager Angela who I never got to say rest in peace to publicly.”
Before accepting the award, she delivered a crowd-pleasing performance of some of her greatest hits including “All Things Go,” “Roman’s Revenge,” “Monster,” “Beez in the Trap,” “Chun-Li,” “Moment 4 Life,” “Super Bass,” “Anaconda” and “Super Freaky Girl.” She lit up the stage in true Barb fashion and had the crowd standing and singing along. EvenTaylor Swiftencouraged a standing ovation as Minaj’s performance wrapped.
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Minaj joins an esteemed list of previous recipients that includesMadonna, Janet Jackson,Jennifer Lopez, LL Cool J andMissy Elliott.
“Nicki has broken barriers for women in hip-hop with her versatility and creative artistry,” Bruce Gillmer, President of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events, Paramount and Chief Content Officer, Music, Paramount+, said in a statement. “She has shifted the music industry and cemented her status as a global superstar with her crossover appeal, genre-defying style and continuing to be unapologetically ‘Nicki’.”
Nicki Minaj.Arturo Holmes/Getty
The star has been nominated for 17 VMAs over the years and has five wins under her belt, the first of which came in 2011 for best hip-hop video. She is nominated at this year’s show for best hip-hop.
Minaj performed on the main stage for the first time in 2012, and has since sung with everyone from Alicia Keys andAriana Grandeto Usher,Taylor SwiftandKaty Perry.
She released her latest single “Super Freaky Girl” earlier this month, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The 2022 VMAs are airing live Sunday night from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
source: people.com
