Born December 8, 1982 in Trinidad and Tobago, Nicki Minaj began her life in anything but a normal way. After experiencing trauma as a child, Minaj made it her goal to rise above her parents’ mistakes and become extremely successful.

Her career began off on a bit of a bumpy road, but as the years went on, Minaj grew into a talented artist. As Minaj released more music, her name was heard and loved by many. Minaj’s music relays the message to young girls to be confident and not let anyone stop them from loving who they were born to be. So, here are five of Nicki Minaj’s songs that both entertain and inspire all who listen. 

#5 – “Anaconda”

“Anaconda” broke the internet when it first came out, mostly because of the explicit music video, but as the saying goes, any press is good press. “Anaconda” spent 29 weeks on Billboard’s Chart for Hot Rap Songs and peaked at #1. Minaj usually talks about women’s empowerment, and this song is no different. In her line, “Come through and check him in my automobile,” she is the one who owns the car, not the guy. As sung in the song, “One in my purse, ‘cause I came dressed to kill.” Minaj known for her extravagant looks, and she lets it be known through this song.

#4 – “Beez in the Trap”

The media is always looking for ways to make people turn on Nicki Minaj, to this Minaj says “They ain’t saying nothing,” a message which really resonates with people. Being talked about poorly by the press can really affect people’s mental health, but not Minaj’s. She is a strong woman who overcomes any challenge set before her. Essentially, the things people say to and about her have no meaning. In “Beez in the Trap”, Minaj also says these hurtful words are “nothing” because compared to everything she has had to struggle with in life, they really are nothing.

Contrary to popular belief, when singing about “beez in the trap” the “beez” are really just short for “to be”, and “the trap” is another term for Minaj’s money. Essentially, this song reminds her fans that people will talk, but that at the end of the day, it will not affect them because they are in charge of their life and they choose the course they want to take.

#3- “Fractions”

“Fractions” was released not too long ago along with the re-release of Minaj’s mixtape, Beam Me Up Scotty, a project that marked her return to work after having her son, Papa Bear (“Papa Bear” is a nickname; Minaj has not revealed his given name yet). In this song, Minaj takes back her crown as the queen of rap. Although she has paved the way for many women in the rap industry, many of them still look down upon her. To this, Minaj says, “It’s them weak bars thinkin’ that she dissin’ for me, I graded ya homework…it’s incomplete.” With “Fractions”, Minaj asserts her dominance in the game, and saying competitors can try to “get her”, but they never will. The rest of her song focuses on flexing the items, including a Ferrari, Lamborghini and a guest house, she has been able to afford due to a successful career. 

#2- “Super Bass”

“Super Bass” is about a man to whom Minaj is attracted. She describes this man and how she is falling madly in love with him as a warning to other girls to back away from him. The lyrics “Boy you got my heartbeat runnin’ away, beating like a drum and it’s coming your way” suggest the man Minaj is referring to makes her feel secure; she likes him and wants to show the admiration to the world. Minaj carries herself with a lot of confidence, and her poise is clearly featured in her songs, “Super Bass” in particular. Her music is a way to inspire young girls to be who they want to be without letting anyone stop them or get in their way.

#1- “Only”

“Only” is an extremely artistic way for Minaj to defend herself from the accusation of not being loyal to any men. The lyrics “Had to show b****es where the top is, ring finger where the rock is…couldn’t test me even if their name was pop quiz” mock these accusations, and the sexist attitudes from fans about what a woman is “supposed” to do. Minaj gets a point across: she is a strong woman who does not depend on a man to make her happy.

Now, these lyrics may not have been the best way to get her message across because she comes off very seriously, but it is important for listeners to realize her lyrics are sarcastic (for the most part). Despite the controversy regarding the seriousness behind the lyrics, “Only” is still a musical masterpiece that will be hard to top.