Nicki Minaj: Complex Cover Story Interview

Nicki Minaj covers Complex magazine for their 10th anniversary issue, and the full Q&A feature is available for reading. The April/May 2012 issue hits stands April 3.

Remaining one of hip hop’s more polarizing figures, the Jamaica, Queens native continues to spark discussion throughout the hip hop and pop music worlds, as her meteoric rise to fame is not without detractors. Astounding industry accolades are tempered by critical rebuke of some of her releases, outlandish performances and Minaj’s overall over-the-top style. Hip hop purists often bemoan her ventures into a more pop/dance landscape, rather than sticking to her rap roots.

The Q&A doesn’t do much to delve into this, focusing more on how Minaj views her artistry, her self-proclaimed perfectionism and a seemingly relentless work ethic. The interview touches briefly on questions surrounding her management, as well as how she views the evolution of Nicki Minaj, the brand. While there is nothing particularly groundbreaking in the interview, it does help reinforce the argument that there is something of a method behind the perceived madness of Nicki Minaj. Despite the public’s general love/hate relationship with the star, as we mentioned in naming her one of our 2010 year-end 5 Reasons Why New York Hip Hop Doesn’t Suck, “to us, her infectious animation, energy, creativity and yes, lyricism, quickly elevated Nicki Minaj to the status of guilty pleasure,” and to many, this clearly remains the case.

None of the controversy seems to be slowing Nicki Minaj down however. Aside from the Complex cover story, she continues to receive major media coverage, including a feature in Vogue and a cover of Allure, and Minaj has also recently announced a major European tour, to begin June 8 in Sweden.

Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded is slated for an April 3 release, and is expected to feature collaborations with Drake, Lil Wayne, Nas, Cam’ron, Chris Brown, Beenie Man and Rick Ross.

Read the full Q&A at Complex.com.