In an wide-ranging interview for XXL's 20th anniversary cover story, Nicki Minaj reflected on her career. One of her biggest achievements: breaking Aretha Franklin's previous record for the most Hot 100 hits by a female artist back in March of this year.
When Minaj was asked what she thinks her role in hip-hop has been, she responded, "My role in hip-hop has been super unique because when my first album came out, there had been so much time where there wasn't a female rap album out that went platinum. There wasn't a big female rap presence right before I got in. So, my role was reintroducing the female rapper to pop culture."
She continued, "I don't think we got that much credit. I think female rappers have always been dope and influential, but I think I sort of came in at a time where big business was paying attention, so I was able to capitalize off of a lot of deals and business ventures."
When asked who she thought were some of the most important hip-hop artists from the past 20 years, Minaj began by naming artists who have influenced her own style, naming Lil Wayne, Jay Z, Foxy Brown, and Eminem. She also mentioned Nas, Lauryn Hill, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Eazy-E, Slick Rick, and of course Biggie and 2Pac.
Asked where she sees herself in 20 years, Minaj replied, "That's a great question, but I don't know. Married with children, of course. Keeping God first, and spreading love and joy."
