Tag Archives: nicki-minaj

Will.I.Am Responds To VMA ‘Blackface’ Criticism

MC says costume for Nicki Minaj pre-show performance wasn’t meant to be racially charged. By Mawuse Ziegbe Will.I.Am and Nicki Minaj perform during the 2010 VMA Preshow Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage Nicki Minaj made a colorful MTV Video Music Awards debut when she rocked the pre-show in a bubblegum-pink wig and shimmery purple catsuit. But it was the hue of her onstage collaborator Will.I.Am ‘s getup that really got viewers talking. After Minaj and her dancers took the stage decked out in Jetsons-chic bodysuits for her smash “Your Love,” Will joined Minaj for a rendition of their cheery hip-pop track “Check It Out.” When the Black Eyed Peas frontman hopped onstage, ushered in by two plumes of thick white fog, the MC was rocking all-black everything, with the exception of a few Barbie-pink accents, including fingerless gloves, a shiny midnight-colored plastic hairpiece and jet-black face paint. Apparently some viewers took offense to the producer’s outfit, especially the dark makeup, which, to some fans, was reminiscent of the antiquated, racially charged practice of blackface. After fans blasted the rapper online, he took to Twitter to defend the look as artistic expression and not an embrace of the controversial maquillage typically used to lampoon African-Americans. “1st. just because I where all black including head mask as expression and emphasize my outfit, it shouldn’t be looked at as racial,” Will tweeted . “Let go of the past. there are far more important things 2 bark about. (Jobs, health, education) not a black man wearing all black everything.” The Peas frontman insisted the face paint was a harmless costume choice and that fans concerned with the image Will’s look projected should focus on larger issues. “Are you guys serious? my outfit set ‘black people back 100 yrs’ choose your twits wisely,” Will typed . “No education sets people back, no jobs, bad health.” What did you think of Will’s outfit? Were you offended by the look? Let us know in the comments. The Moonmen have all been handed out and the stars have gone home, but there’s plenty of MTV Video Music Awards news, interviews, behind-the-scenes scoop, party reports and more still to come, so keep it locked on MTVNews.com. Related Videos VMA 2010: Performances On The 2010 VMA Red Carpet VMA 2010: Most Talked About Moments Behind The VMA Performances Related Photos Behind The Scenes At The 2010 VMAs Related Artists Will.I.Am Nicki Minaj

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Will.I.Am Responds To VMA ‘Blackface’ Criticism

Nicki Minaj Has ‘Swag’ Like Lady Gaga, Choreographer Says

Laurie Ann Gibson says Minaj has ‘the components that I saw about three years ago in Lady Gaga.’ By Kelley L. Carter Nicki Minaj at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images Could Nicki Minaj be the next Lady Gaga ? Laurie Ann Gibson certainly thinks so. Choreographer extraordinaire Gibson worked with Gaga to create the dance chemistry in Gaga’s MTV Video Music Award-winning “Bad Romance” video and also put together Minaj’s VMA pre-show dance routine for her song “Check It Out,” with will.i.am. Minaj, who was dressed in a pink-and-purple spacesuit and coiffed with a cotton-candy-colored wig, impressed her live audience with her dance moves. Accompanied by two dancers in matching outfits, Minaj stood stock-still like a futuristic superhero for the song’s intro before wiggling her hips into the Gibson choreographed moves. Gibson, who MTV viewers will remember from Sean (Diddy) Combs’ “Making the Band,” told MTV News that Minaj has the makings of a superstar. “What I love about Nicki is she has the eye of the tiger and she is fearless,” Gibson said. “These are the components that I saw about three years ago in Lady Gaga. I thought, ‘This is going to be fantastic.’ Her swag is amazing.” And just what was that robotic movement we saw Minaj do during her performance? “The idea is that we’re Barbies landing from outer space,” Gibson explained. “It’s doll-like. It’s amazing.” Gibson is working on a reality show with Ryan Seacrest that will feature her life as a creative director and choreographer. She says the show will appear on E! sometime in the near future, and it will follow her climb to become a female version of Combs, her mentor and collaborator. The Moonmen have all been handed out and the stars have gone home, but there’s plenty of 2010 MTV Video Music Awards news, interviews, behind-the-scenes scoop, party reports and more still to come, so keep it locked on MTVNews.com. Related Videos VMA 2010: Most Talked About Moments On The 2010 VMA Red Carpet Related Artists Nicki Minaj

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Nicki Minaj Has ‘Swag’ Like Lady Gaga, Choreographer Says

Nicki Minaj Makes Colorful Entrance On VMA Pre-Show

Spacesuit-clad Young Money honey performs ‘Your Love,’ ‘Check It Out’ with will.i.am in solo TV debut. By Gil Kaufman Nicki Minaj performs during the 2010 VMA pre-show Photo: MTV News When you’re making a live solo performance debut on TV, you have to make it count. And Young Money honey Nicki Minaj is not one to pull up short . Which explains why she poured herself into a pink-and-purple spacesuit topped by a cotton candy-colored wig for the MTV VMA pre-show run of her new single, “Check it Out.” Accompanied by two dancers in matching outfits, Nicki stood stock still like a futuristic superhero for the song’s intro, then began to wiggle her world-famous hips over the song’s sample of the iconic MTV launch-pad tune “Video Killed the Radio Star.” Tossing in some high kicks and plenty of looks at her ample assets, Minaj held onto a railing ringing the stage and shook it slow as guest will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas strutted out to drop his verse. Dressed like a bondage cartoon character from the phantom zone, Will kicked it in a skin-hugging black leather suit with a Devo-like plastic high-top fade and white shades, pulsing back and forth alongside Minaj as the crowd shouted out their approval. “Dummies can’t touch me ’cause I’m floatin’ sky-high,” he rapped, as Nicki wore a sneer on her face and dropped into a double-time island patois with her hand on her hips. “The DunDun/ Yep, in London,” she rapped, shaking her head. “Competition/ Why yes I would love some.” But by the time she ended with a grimace frozen on her face, it was clear that Minaj had blown away any and all comers and set the stage for the night of unforgettable performances to come. What did you think of Nicki’s solo debut TV performance at the VMAs? Tell us in the comments! The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards are happening live, right now at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles! Keep it locked on MTVNews.com for the latest behind-the-scenes scoop, red-carpet interviews, photos, winner reactions and more. Related Videos VMA 2010 Exposed VMA Exclusives VMA 2010: Red Carpet Report Related Photos VMA 2010: Rehearsals Behind The Scenes At The 2010 VMAs Related Artists Nicki Minaj Will.I.Am

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Nicki Minaj Makes Colorful Entrance On VMA Pre-Show

Nicki Minaj Debuts Some Dance Moves In VMA Rehearsal

‘Making the Band’ choreographer backs up Young Money queen for pre-show performance. By Shaheem Reid Nicki Minaj at her VMA pre-show rehearsal on Saturday Photo: Rachel Goldner/ MTV News LOS ANGELES — Nicki Minaj is so popular right now she can shut down the scene anywhere she goes. On Saturday (September 11), her fans who happened to be downtown got a big surprise as Nick rehearsed her VMA pre-show performance , practicing “Your Love” and her brand-new single with Will I Am, “Check It Out.” Although Nicki’s performance was outside, fans, members of her entourage, various MTV crewmembers and anyone sitting in one of the J.W. Marriott hotel’s lounges could see Nick go to work. “Get it! Get it!” veteran choreographer Laurie Ann Gibson — who MTV viewers will remember from Diddy’s “Making the Band” — yelled after every Minaj “ow ow!” at the beginning of “Check It Out.” “Get it, girl!” Gibson encouraged again. Two female dancers started in front of the crowd and grooved to “Your Love,” then there was a reveal of the Young Money queen, who stood with her head down and arms folded. Wearing a pink tank top, black leather jacket and black leggings, Minaj moved forward and danced in sync with her backup ladies. Expect plenty of movement and plenty of energy come Sunday night. Nicki — who’s known for her lyrical acumen and facial expressions (she made those faces in rehearsal too!), but not for dancing — can hold down some steps. “Amaaaazing,” Gibson yelled at the end of another run-through. There were a few mechanical problems with a key piece of equipment for the stage that’s also an integral part of Nick’s reveal. However, the crew seemed to have the matter under control toward the end of rehearsal. During her last practice round, Nicki and her dancers switched up the entire beginning of the show. Instead of just playing “Your Love,” Nicki went right into “Check It Out.” There was also smoke that time and more applause from Nick’s biggest cheerleader today, Laurie Ann. After the rehearsal, Nicki walked through the lobby taking pictures and even giving a couple of hugs to fans. “Oh my God. She is so real!” one lady said after taking a pic with Nicki. The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday. The party starts with MTV News’ VMA Pre-Show at 8 p.m., followed by the main event at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote for Best New Artist from now through Sunday. Related Videos VMA 2010 Exposed Related Photos VMA 2010: Rehearsals Behind The Scenes At The 2010 VMAs Related Artists Nicki Minaj

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Nicki Minaj Debuts Some Dance Moves In VMA Rehearsal

Nicki Minaj, Ke$ha, Jason Derulo Are Dreaming Of VMAs

The Best New Artist nominees talk about what a Moonman would mean to them. By James Dinh Nicki Minaj Photo: Frederick M. Brown/ Getty Images On Sunday (September 12), Jason Derulo, Nicki Minaj, Ke$ha, Justin Bieber and the Broken Bells will vie for the Best New Artist title at the 2010 Video Music Awards . But what does the Moonman mean to these industry newbies? MTV News caught up with a few of the nominees to find out.

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Nicki Minaj, Ke$ha, Jason Derulo Are Dreaming Of VMAs

Drake, B.o.B Lead Celebs’ Picks For Best Hip-Hop Video VMA

Nicki Minaj, Gucci Mane, Lil Twist and more weigh in. By Mawuse Ziegbe, with reporting by MTV News staff Drake performs at the OVO Festival on Sunday Photo: Stephen Fernandez/ Splash News The Best Hip-Hop Video category at Sunday’s MTV Video Music Awards will pit a blue-chip lineup of MCs against one another. The collaboration-heavy field includes B.o.B (featuring Hayley Williams) with “Airplanes,” Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Eminem with “Forever,” Eminem with “Not Afraid,” Jay-Z and Swizz Beatz with “On to the Next One,” and Kid Cudi (featuring MGMT and Ratatat) with “Pursuit of Happiness.” The category includes nods for two legends, Em and Hov, who boast acclaimed late-career albums, but the recent focus has been on two big-in-2010 newcomers: Drake and B.o.B. Atlanta upstart B.o.B, whose “Airplanes” duet was also in the running to be crowned MTV’s Summer Jam of 2010, has made a lot of noise with his melodic singles and chart-ruling LP, B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray. But Drake has had fans rioting, screaming and weeping in anticipation of his debut, Thank Me Later, and even bloggers fell back when it came to posting leaked songs, out of respect for the Toronto MC . So who will take it? When MTV News hit up a slew of celebs, the stars seemed split over which lyricist should walk out of the VMAs with a shiny new Moonman for his mantle. “Definitely would like to see Drake take it, ’cause he’s a good friend of mine, and definitely B.o.B, because he’s hometown,” said fellow ATL spitter Gucci Mane. “I would like to say … B.o.B for the hometown and Drake on the strength [of his skills]. He’s a talent.” “They’re both really good, but B.o.B’s just more my style,” said Kendall Knight of Big Time Rush. “Drake’s the man; he represents Canada. But B.o.B’s really cool.” “My brother Drake, he has to win. It’s Young Money, he gotta win that one,” Drizzy’s Young Money cohort Lil Twist insisted. “Shout-out to B.o.B, but Drake gotta win that one.” Disney actress Keke Palmer said she’s been cool with Drake since their child-star days, but she’s also feelin’ newbie B.o.B. “I love Drake. Whenever I did something in Toronto, I used to go visit him on the set of ‘Degrassi.’ Then I love B.o.B because I met him and he’s so cool and we’re friends,” Palmer said. “I don’t know what to do, because I love both of them.” Rapid-fire Chi-Town lyricist Twista was all about the gritty knock of Hov’s contending video. “I like all [of those] songs, but that “On to the Next One” with Jay-Z and Swizz Beatz is crazy,” Twista smiled. “That’s my jam right there.” Sarah Hyland of the Emmy-winning hit “Modern Family” said, “I love Eminem. His new album [ Recovery ] is amazing.” Nicki Minaj may hook up a range of artists with a colorful feature, but she proves that, in the end, she stays loyal to her hip-hop family. “Do you even have to ask that? My baby Drake … he does this,” Minaj said. “Young Money.” Regardless of who takes it Sunday, Gucci pointed out that just being recognized is a dope distinction. “From Kid Cudi to everyone you named on that list, big ups and respect,” Gucci noted. “It’s an honor to be nominated.” Who do you think will win Best Hip-Hop Video at this year’s VMAs? Let us know in the comments below! The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday. The party starts with MTV News’ VMA Pre-Show at 8 p.m., followed by the main event at 9 p.m. ET. Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote for Best New Artist from now through Sunday. Related Videos Behind The Scenes At The 2010 VMAs Gearing Up For The 2010 VMAs! Related Photos VMA 2010: Behind The Scenes At The Promo Shoot Related Artists Drake B.o.B

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Drake, B.o.B Lead Celebs’ Picks For Best Hip-Hop Video VMA

Jay-Z Will Not Replace Mathew Knowles as Beyonce’s Manager

Knowles denies rumors that he will no longer manage Beyonce’s career. By James Dinh Beyonc

Nicki Minaj To Perform For MTV 2010 VMA Preshow

Minaj will make her solo TV debut during live show at 8 p.m. ET. By MTV News Staff Nicki Minaj Photo: Michael Caulfield/ WireImage Another crucial member of the Young Money crew will be in the house next Sunday during the MTV Video Music Awards . The crew’s resident bad girl, Nicki Minaj , will give her first-ever televised solo performance during the preshow of the big event. The festivities kick off at 8 p.m. (live ET/ tape delayed PT), with Minaj warming up the party with a performance of her hit single, “Your Love.” And starting on Tuesday (September 7), Minaj will kick off a Twitter contest in which 10 fans will win a front-row seat to watch her performance. For information on the contest, follow both @NickiMinaj and @MTVTJ. Winners will be announced on Friday, September 10.

Nicki Minaj bio

Biography for Nicki Minaj Birth name Onika Maraj Born December 8, 1984 (1984-12-08) Origin New York City, New York, United States Genres Hip hop, RB, pop Occupations Rapper, singer Years active 2004–present Labels Dirty Money, Young Money Entertainment, Universal Motown Associated acts Young Money Onika Maraj (born December 8, 1984), better known by her stage name Nicki Minaj, is a Trinidadian American rapper and singer.In August 2009, Minaj signed to Young Money Entertainment with dis

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Nicki Minaj bio

Nicki Minaj And Drake End Twitter Marriage

‘My husband Drake and I have decided to have our marriage annulled,’ Minaj tweets. By Mawuse Ziegbe Drake and Nicki Minaj Photo: Getty Images Well, that was fast. Hip-hop’s favorite e-spouses, Nicki Minaj and Drake, are no longer together. Only a day after announcing their union on the social-networking site , Minaj tweeted that she and Drizzy have called it quits. “Dear Barbz, My husband Drake and I have decided to have our marriage annulled. We’ll maintain joint custody. Luv, HB,” the Young Money Barbie wrote on Saturday. When asked by Twitter fan MissBrownBear who they were sharing custody of, Minaj “All our SONS.” Hip-hop fans began buzzing on Friday when both MCs wrote on their Twitter pages that they had wed. “Please refer to @nickiminaj as Mrs. Aubrey Drake Graham and dont stare at her too long. She’s finally mine. :),” Drake tweeted. Minaj also wrote “Yes, its true. Drake and I tied the knot.” While the duo’s tweets made headlines, the missives were apparently just in good fun. Minaj’s announcement comes after reps for the artists denied that they had ever made it to the altar. Regardless of their marital status, Minaj and Drake have always been tight . Last year, Minaj said that she and her Young Money labelmate are “super-close.” “Before all of this started, I would tell him, ‘You’re a star.’ And he’d be like, ‘You’re a star.’ And we’d kinda been each other’s biggest fans,” Minaj told MTV News. “To see his dreams come into fruition, it makes me very happy.” Earlier this year, Drake said on MTV2’s “Sucker Free Countdown” that “I’ve always really, actually, really had a crush on her, always really loved her, and she’s always just looked at me as, like, her little brother.” However, Minaj said that Drake was playing up their relationship for the entertainment factor and denied rumors that the MCs are more than just friends. “Drake does not have a crush on me,” Minaj said later on “Sucker Free.” “Drake knows how to get you guys’ attention.” Many fans were disappointed by Minaj’s announcement that she and Drizzy are not married. TreyGivesMePPP tweeted to the rapper, “barb you just broke my heart! DRICKI FOREVER!” fashioning catchy portmanteau for the duo. But Minaj gently reminded her followers that they will have to share her eventually. “Barbz 1 day mommy will have to fall in love,” Minaj tweeted . “Don’t b selfish.” What do you think about Nicki Minaj announcing that she and Drake are not married? Let us know in the comments below! Related Photos Drake’s Style: From A To Drizzy Nicki Minaj’s Wildest Looks Related Artists Drake Nicki Minaj

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Nicki Minaj And Drake End Twitter Marriage