Nicki Minaj, the Trinidadian-American rapper, actress, and songwriter, has built an empire in the music industry, accumulating an impressive net worth of $150 million as of 2024. Born on December 8, 1982 (currently 41 years old), she has continuously dominated the charts, broken records, and set new standards for female rap artists. But how did she achieve this success? Let’s dive into her incredible journey.
How Did Nicki Minaj Rise to Fame?
Nicki Minaj’s career took off after releasing a series of successful mixtapes between 2007 and 2009. Her raw talent and unique style caught the attention of Lil Wayne, who signed her to Young Money Entertainment. In 2010, she released her debut album, Pink Friday, which became a massive success. One of the album’s standout tracks, “Super Bass”, went quadruple platinum, solidifying her place in the industry.
Following the success of her debut album, Minaj continued to dominate with subsequent albums like:
- Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2012) – Certified platinum
- The Pinkprint (2014) – Sold over 650,000 copies worldwide
- Queen (2018) – Debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 and later went platinum
What Records Has Nicki Minaj Broken?
Nicki Minaj has made history multiple times in her career. One of her most remarkable achievements came in May 2017, when she surpassed the legendary Aretha Franklin’s record for the most songs on the Billboard Hot 100 by a female artist. Franklin’s record stood for over 40 years, proving how impactful Minaj’s music has been in the industry.
How Much Has Nicki Minaj Earned Over the Years?
Minaj’s music, tours, and endorsements have significantly contributed to her fortune. Here’s a breakdown of her earnings by year:
- 2010 – $4 million
- 2011 – $6.5 million
- 2012 – $15.5 million
- 2013 – $29 million
- 2014 – $14 million
- 2015 – $21 million
- 2016 – $20 million
- 2017 – $16 million
- 2018 – $10 million
- 2019 – $20 million
- 2020 – $10 million
- 2021* – $10 million
- 2022* – $10 million
- 2023* – $10 million
Total Career Earnings (Before Taxes): $196 Million
What Are Nicki Minaj’s Biggest Endorsement Deals?
Aside from music, Minaj has secured numerous lucrative endorsement deals, including:
- MAC Cosmetics – Launched her lipstick “Pink 4 Friday” in 2010
- Pepsi – Featured in the LiveForNow campaign in 2012
- Nokia Lumia 900 – Helped launch the smartphone in Times Square
- Viva Glam (with Ricky Martin) – Raised $270 million for the MAC AIDS Fund
- Roberto Cavalli – Face of the spring/summer 2015 campaign
- H&M – Starred in their 2017 holiday campaign
She also has a successful fragrance line, adding to her multiple income streams.
Where Does Nicki Minaj Live?
For years, Minaj preferred renting luxury properties instead of purchasing. In 2016, she and Meek Mill rented a Beverly Hills mansion for $35,000 per month, which was originally built on Frank Sinatra’s former estate. After their breakup, she lived there until 2018.
Minaj later moved to a rented mansion in Calabasas, California, before finally purchasing her own property in late 2022. She spent $19.5 million on a 12,000-square-foot estate in Hidden Hills, California. This newly built home was never officially listed before she purchased it.
What Challenges Has Nicki Minaj Faced in Her Personal Life?
Despite her success, Minaj has faced personal struggles. She was raised in a turbulent household, with her father battling addiction and burning down their family home in 1987. Tragedy struck again in 2011 when her cousin Nicholas Telemaque was murdered near his home in Brooklyn. She has referenced this loss in songs like “Champion” and “All Things Go”.
In 2017, Minaj’s home was burglarized, with $200,000 worth of items stolen. That same year, her brother Jelani Maraj was convicted of predatory sexual assault against a child and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison in 2020.
Who Has Nicki Minaj Dated?
Nicki Minaj has been in high-profile relationships, including:
- Safaree Samuels (2000-2014)
- Meek Mill (2015-2017)
- Kenneth “Zoo” Petty (2018-Present)
She married Kenneth Petty on October 21, 2019, and they now share a child together.
What’s Next for Nicki Minaj?
Nicki Minaj remains a powerhouse in the industry. Whether it’s new music, business ventures, or more records to break, she continues to redefine female rap. With a net worth of $150 million, she has secured her legacy as one of the most influential artists of all time.
