Nicki Minaj is a highly successful Trinidadian-American rapper, actress, singer-songwriter, and model with an impressive net worth of $150 million. She has become a household name thanks to her dynamic career in music and entertainment. Nicki Minaj’s rise to fame was powered by her groundbreaking mixtapes released between 2007 and 2009. Her debut album, “Pink Friday” (2010), was a massive hit, containing the quadruple platinum single “Super Bass.” This album helped her break records, including becoming the first female artist to have seven tracks on the Billboard Hot 100 simultaneously.
Following the success of her debut album, Minaj released a second album, “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded,” which was even more successful than its predecessor. She went on to release numerous more hit albums and singles, further solidifying her status as one of the most prominent artists in the music industry. With over 100 notable awards, including six American Music Awards, 10 BET Awards, and multiple MTV Video Music Awards, Minaj’s career continues to thrive. In 2017, she surpassed Aretha Franklin’s record for the most songs on the Billboard Hot 100 by a female artist, although it should be noted that many of Minaj’s tracks were as a featured artist, while Franklin’s were solo performances.
Nicki Minaj’s Early Life
Nicki Minaj, born Onika Tanya Maraj, entered the world on December 8, 1982, in Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago. She has a large family, with an older brother and sister, and a younger brother and sister. During her early years, she lived with her grandmother in Saint James. Her mother, Carol, moved to New York City to attend Monroe College when Nicki was just five years old. Carol brought Nicki and her siblings to Queens, New York, where she worked in payroll and accounting. Minaj’s father, who struggled with addiction and violent tendencies, burned down their family home in December 1987.
Nicki’s passion for performance started at an early age. She auditioned for the prestigious Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts and was accepted. While there, she dreamt of becoming an actress. After graduating, she was cast in an Off-Broadway play titled “In Case You Forget,” but she supplemented her acting career by working at Red Lobster in the Bronx. Her time at Red Lobster was short-lived, as she was fired for being rude to customers. Nicki would go on to be dismissed from numerous other jobs, admitting to having been fired from at least 15 positions due to her outspoken nature.
Nicki Minaj’s Career Breakthrough
Minaj’s big break came when she was discovered by rapper Lil Wayne. He quickly signed her to his Young Money Entertainment label. Nicki’s career took off with the release of her first mixtape, “Playtime Is Over” (2007). She followed it up with other successful mixtapes, including “Sucka Free” (2008) and “Beam Me Up Scotty” (2009). Minaj’s first major award came in 2008 when she won the Female Artist of the Year title at the Underground Music Awards. In 2009, she appeared in XXL Magazine, marking another milestone in her career.
Nicki’s debut studio album, “Pink Friday” (2010), was released under the Young Money Entertainment label and went on to sell 4 million copies globally. The album’s commercial success was largely due to the hit single “Super Bass,” which became a pop culture phenomenon. Her follow-up album, “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded,” came out in April 2012 and was certified Platinum. Minaj also gained widespread fame when she served as a judge on the 2013 season of “American Idol.” In December 2014, her third album, “The Pinkprint,” dropped, selling over 650,000 copies worldwide. Her fourth album, “Queen,” was released in August 2018 and debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200, eventually reaching Platinum status in the U.S. with over 1 million copies sold.
In 2017, Minaj surpassed Aretha Franklin’s long-standing record for the most songs on the Hot 100 for a female artist. Minaj has been nominated for 10 Grammy Awards, though she has yet to win. Throughout her career, she has collected more than 100 awards, including 6 American Music Awards, 10 BET Awards, and 4 Billboard Music Awards, along with several MTV Video Music Awards.
Endorsement Deals and Business Ventures
Apart from her musical career, Minaj has successfully built a business empire through various endorsement deals. She partnered with MAC Cosmetics in November 2010 to release a lipstick called “Pink 4 Friday,” designed to promote her album, “Pink Friday.” This collaboration marked the beginning of her influence in the beauty industry. Minaj also worked with Nokia to launch the Lumia 900 in Times Square in April 2012. In May 2012, she was featured in TV and internet ads for Pepsi’s “LiveForNow” campaign. Minaj’s other significant endorsement deals include campaigns for the Mac AIDS Fund’s Viva Glam with Ricky Martin in 2012, Roberto Cavalli’s spring/summer 2015 collection, and H&M’s 2017 holiday campaign.
Additionally, Minaj has a successful fragrance line that adds to her wealth. Her business ventures, along with her music career, contribute significantly to her $150 million net worth.
Nicki Minaj’s Career Earnings
Over the years, Nicki Minaj has earned substantial amounts from her music, tours, and endorsement deals. Below is a breakdown of her career earnings:
- 2010: $4 million
- 2011: $6.5 million
- 2012: $15.5 million
- 2013: $29 million
- 2014: $14 million
- 2015: $21 million
- 2016: $20 million
- 2017: $16 million
- 2018: $10 million
- 2019: $20 million
- 2020: $10 million
- 2021: $10 million
- 2022: $10 million
- 2023: $10 million
Her total earnings up to 2023 amount to $196 million before taxes.
Nicki Minaj’s Real Estate Ventures
For nearly a decade, Nicki Minaj was primarily a renter, without owning much real estate in the U.S. She lived in several high-end properties, including a mansion in Beverly Hills that she rented with Meek Mill in 2016. The property, which was once the site of Frank Sinatra’s residence, boasted 10,340 square feet, panoramic city views, and luxurious amenities such as a swimming pool and spa.
After their breakup, Minaj continued renting a mansion in Calabasas, California. However, in late 2022, she purchased a $19.5 million mansion in Hidden Hills, California. The 12,000-square-foot property was newly built and had not even made it to market before Minaj acquired it. This purchase marked a major milestone in Minaj’s real estate journey, as she transitioned from renting to owning luxury properties.
Nicki Minaj’s incredible career, personal resilience, and strategic business ventures have propelled her to the top of the entertainment industry, resulting in a net worth of $150 million. Her impact on music, fashion, and business continues to grow, making her one of the most influential artists of her generation.
