Pink Friday

Nicki Minaj | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 22, 2010)
• Original Release Date: 2010
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Cash Money
• ASIN: B0042RUMEQ
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (275 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #17,411 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist

Any encounter with Nicki Minaj will arouse a heightened sense that there is more to her than meets the eye and inspire the desire to experience this modern day "Wonder Woman" Nicki Minaj - the name alone appeals to the decadence within us all. Whoever thinks that you can't "have your cake and eat it too" has obviously not met Nicki. The surname Minaj is the metaphor which underscores Nicki's empowerment to have it all and do it all! This 25 year old native of Jamaica, New York (Queens, Southside) is also a trained and accomplished writer, singer, actress and hip hop artist. Her "Wonder Woman" characteristics are embodied in the three facets of Nicki Minaj. The three elements that comprise this modern day "Wonder Woman" are Nicki the Ninja, Nicki the Harajuku Barbie and Nicki the Boss. Nicki the Ninja is a hip hop lyrical assassin, which is sometimes naughty. Nicki the Harajuku Barbie accentuates the qualities of an imaginative, fun, coquettish girly girl- fashionista...that loves all things pink. This is also the muse who ignites the transformation of Nicki's performances as an R&B/Pop singer and future Rock Star Icon. Nicki the Boss- the ingenious austere business woman that always thinks outside of the box. Most importantly, this boss lady is never afraid to assert herself. Career

Nicki honed her innate ability and star potential at the renowned school of performing arts which was denoted in the movie and television series FAME. It was not long before she began to attract the attention of local producers and hip hop artist in the rap genre. Reluctant at first to cast herself, as a rapper her apprehension was predicated on the thought that the industry would attempt to limit her to one thing; when she knew that she was so much more. Decidedly, Nicki accepted the challenge and embarked on the journey of a female emcee in a hip hop world dominated by males.

It was not long before her lyrical skills were sought after by the likes of Lil' Wayne. Nicki was determined not to befall the ill-fate of so many other talented female rappers. Instead she opted to qualify her lyrical skills through the ranks of the underground mix tape circuit. Success was inevitably achieved with her critically acclaimed performance credit on the DVD entitled "The Come Up" and mixtapes like Playtime is Over, the infamous Sucka Free, and Beam Me Up Scotty. Now in demand Nicki's role expands as a featured artist and female persona of Lil Wayne's record label Young Money Entertainment. In addition, she has a worked with celebrated recording artists Mariah Carey, Gucci Mane, Drake, Usher, Bobby Valentino, Ludacris, Robin Thicke, Jadakiss and Sean Garrett.

The evolution of Nicki Minaj continues as she exploits her talents as a singer and explores her passion as a writer. Nicki is currently, in the studio recording her first album (due out in Fall 2010) which will feature some R&B and Pop songs. Of equal importance, she is also engaged in writing new materials for herself and other artists. Nicki is also considering several acting roles. Nicki is the previous winner of the Underground Music Awards (UMA) female artist of the year and past Southern Entertainment Awards (SEA) female mix tape artist of the year nominee.

Product Description

Highly anticipated 2010 debut album from Nicki Minaj, who is signed to Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment empire. Features guest appearances from Eminem, Drake, will.i.am and Kanye West.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

134 of 146 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Very, Very Pop November 25, 2010

By Seth J

Format:Audio CD

Really Quick Review : If you like the singles "Right Thru Me" "Check it Out" and "Your Love" than you will LOVE Pink Friday.

OK, the rest of it:
Just about every song here is made for Top 40 radio and there a number of well-known stars here whose purpose is to maximize hit potential. "Fly" has Rihanna, "Moment 4 Life" has Drake "Last Chance" has ...Natasha Bedingfield??

The trouble with this Black-Eyed-Appease-radio-friendly-appeal-to-every-demographic approach is that Nicki has superlative MC skills and a Missy-Gaga-like eccentricity and pairing her up with these poppy, sanitized tracks is akin to watching a former NFL linebacker compete on that Dancing Stars show. It's a round peg into a square hole.
Is Nicki an able MC? Of course she is -- you've heard her on "Lil Freak", the "Hello Good Morning" remix and, above all her verse on "Monster" which, as far I'm concerned, is reminiscent of Busta Rhymes on Tribe Called Quest's "Scenario" where he slaughtered everyone else on that track and set the foundation for his own solo stardom.

She's obviously influenced by off-kilter MC's like ODB and Missy, but someone (management, the record company?) is keeping her muzzled here with both the accents the "freaky" persona. And no doubt, you don't want her to get gimmicky, but that *is* a wide part of her appeal.

There's no "street" on this CD, no New York grit and grime, no real torque just a glossy sheen. And while she may not appreciate comparisons to Lil Kim or Foxy Brown, their first cds were triumphantly New York with rollicking, bouncy riddims and fat soulful beats.

I give this three stars, because even though it's not *my* taste, it is a professionally crafted cd.... Hopefully her next cd is a little more freewheeling and lets more of her personality shine through. Read more ›

45 of 55 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Can someone be a victim of their own success? November 29, 2010

By Brian A. Morgan

Format:MP3 Music|Amazon Verified Purchase

Thing is, when the hype surrounding you is so huge, being "good" isn't even good enough anymore. People begin to expect greatness every single time out and that's tough to do for any artist or professional at what they do. To a kid that has made straight A's their entire life, a B is almost seen as a failure in the eyes of some. You get the point. All in all, the album is decent. Stand out tracks for me.

Roman's Revenge - 5/5 - Slim Shady did his thing on this track. Roman held his own too. great hook.
Right Thru Me - 4/5 - Catchy. I'm sure a lot of chicks can relate.
Fly - 4.5/5 - Rihanna does an amazing job. Two solid verses from Nicki.
Save Me - 5/5 - Amazing Song. I can "feel" this song. Some songs do that to you. You just "feel" it.
Moment for life - 4.5/5 - is it me or is Drake killing every feature these days??? I have yet to hear a bad verse from him.
Check It Out - 4/5 - Fun dance song. Great verse from Nicki.

The other tracks are decent. 3-4 range. If I could more accurately rate the album, I would give it a 3.75 (4 for production and 3.5 for lyrics) due to the massive hype and praise. I was honestly expecting nothing less than perfection, but a B will do. Disregard any reviews that gave this album a 1. Cmon, be real, they couldn't have listened to the entire album. :-/

40 of 51 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars It has all the elements!!!! November 26, 2010

By Kurupt VINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

All the elements of a WACK release. With all the guest appearances, and all the hype, Nicki has dropped her pink terd on the whole industry. The joke is on all of those that bought the album due to this is a drink coaster at best. The tracks are weak commercial pop beats, NO subject matter in the lyrics, AUTOTUNE, WEAK HOOKS, and most of the tracks are down right annoying. It was hard for me to make it through this album without grinding my teeth. Kanye's verse was probably the most enjoyable out of the whole album along with Eminem's verse. NIcki would have a more promising career in adult movies than rapping. I would avoid this album at all costs!!!

19 of 23 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars I don't care how you hang your TV! January 5, 2011

By Bom Chicka Wa Wa

Format:Audio CD

I was mildly excited about this album as I have heard Nicki Minaj's work on some other Young Money albums and found her style of machine gunning witty lyrics refreshing, however. Popping this album into my car I was immediately disappointed; first and foremost the lyrics are just brainless, she uses idiotic metaphors to discuss superficial topics which seem to blend well with the modern hip hop zeitgeist. I can almost forgive this transgression, however, aside from the idiocy of her topic's, her vocals are way off you can tell a ton of auto tune was used and she modulates and shifts her voice from annoying to more annoying, I understand from some of Nicki's good verses (on other peoples albums) that she does change cadence and intonation and it happens to be something I am a fan of, when it sounds good, this doesn't. She sounds more drunk karaoke singer than an actual musician in these instances. The final problem with this album is the production, many of the beats seem phoned in using a variety of synths and technology instead of real musicians, furthermore these beats are simply cheap imitations of the same things we have heard before. Avoid this clearly Nicki is happy attempting to be modern hip hop's Lady GaGa and attempting to convince fans that superfluous topics are profound.

60 of 78 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars No, it isn't great, but it's not *that* bad. November 23, 2010

By Sydnius3D

Format:MP3 Music|Amazon Verified Purchase

C'mon guys. Just because Nicki Minaj puts out a subpar, pop-ish album doesn't mean hip hop is dead. Nor does it mean she's a talentless hack. She's just...misguided? That'll work.

This album is not that great. It's not even very good. But it'll do. I, too, was expecting a looot more from her, but I'm not entirely surprised. As another reviewer noted, it seems like she only goes hard when she's featured on another artist's track and doesn't quite get there in her solo stuff, which probably results from a lack of experience. Maybe she's just a product of poor production influence. Maybe she was a little intimidated, what with all the INSANE BUZZ surrounding her. Maybe we're just expecting too much. Whatever it is, the album is disappointing - I don't deny this.

But give her a break. It's listenable and fun. A couple of tracks may be skip-worthy, but most are just silly, synth-laden tunes with okay hooks and entertaining raps. This isn't a five-star album. This isn't a one-star album either.

Better luck next time, Nicki. And, reviewers, stop bitching. Please and thanks.