Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Nicki Minaj releases new album 'Queen' one week early

The rapper announced the news on Apple's Beats 1 radio 

Jacob Stolworthy
Saturday 11 August 2018 10:03 BST
Comments
Nicki Minaj raps alongside fake Haim on Saturday Night Live

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Nicki Minaj has dropped her brand new album a whole week earlier than expected.

The rapper unveiled the 19-track record Queen on Apple's Beats 1 radio where she gave a song-by-song analysis of her new work.

One such track, “Barbie Dreams,” has been singled out for featuring criticism of rappers including the likes of Drake, DJ Khaled and her ex Meek Mill.

In Minaj's analysis of the track, she described it as lighthearted fun.“You guys know “Barbie Dreams” is not a diss, right?” she said. “It’s just some funny s***, I love them. I said things about people who I know can take a joke and won’t be emotional about it.“

She added: “Reading the reactions to “Barbie Dreams” is f***ing hilarious. Everyone is saying how disrespectful [it] is, and that’s why I love it.”

The new album follows singles “Barbie Tingz” and “Chun-Li” which were both released in April. Its release was originally slated for 15 June before being pushed to 17 August due to clearance issues over a sample of a Tracy Chapman song.

It's her first record since 2014 release The Pinkprint. You can listen to Queen on Spotify and Apple Music now.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in