Onika Tanya Maraj (born December 8, 1982), known by her stage name Nicki Minaj is an American rapper, singer, songwriter and actress. After success with three mixtapes released between 2007 and 2009, Minaj signed to Young Money Entertainment.
Minaj's debut studio album Pink Friday (2010) peaked at number one on the US Billboard 200 and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Its most successful single "Super Ba**" was certified 8× platinum and has sold over four million copies, becoming one of the best-selling singles in the United States. During this time, Minaj became the first female solo artist to have seven singles simultaneously charting on the Billboard Hot 100. Her second studio album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2012) topped the Billboard 200 and became one of the best-selling albums of that year. Its lead single "Starships" peaked at number 5 in the United States and became one of the best-selling singles of 2012. As of 2013, Minaj has sold over 5 million albums globally. Minaj also served as a judge during the twelfth season of American Idol.
Minaj is the first female artist included on MTV's Annual Hottest MC List, with The New York Times suggesting that some consider her "the most influential female rapper of all time. Her rapping is distinctive for its fast flow, use of alter egos and accents, notably British co*kney. Her outlandish and colorful costumes, wigs and clothing have given her recognition as a fashion icon. In April 2013, Minaj became the most-charted female rapper in the history of the Billboard Hot 100, with over forty-four appearances. She has endorsed Adidas, MAC Cosmetics, and Pepsi. Revisiting her roots in drama, Minaj has ventured into work as a voice actress in Ice Age: Continental Drift and will be making her acting debut in the 2014 film The Other Woman. She has earned seven BET Awards, four American Music Awards, two MTV Music Awards, an MTV Europe Music Award, five Billboard Music Awards and Billboard's 2011 Rising Star.