Nicki Minaj is reclaiming the spotlight — this time with grace, honesty, and a deeper sense of purpose as she graces the cover of Vogue Italia. In her captivating new interview, the rap icon opens up about the next chapter of her career, life after Pink Friday 2, her experience as a mother, and the often unseen realities behind stardom.
While Nicki Minaj ’s presence has never faded, fans have noticed her relative quiet in 2025. Her last full-length project, Pink Friday 2, dropped in 2023 to critical and commercial acclaim, followed by a successful global tour that reaffirmed her status as a powerhouse performer. Since then, she’s stepped back from the public eye — but not from her craft.
“I’ve got a bunch of really strong tracks, but I don’t want to rush,” Minaj shared candidly. “I want the record to mean something, both for the fans and for me. I’ll never be one of those people who puts out songs just to put them out. I love music. I respect it.”
This deliberate approach to her next album reflects not only her artistic integrity but her evolution as an artist. For Minaj, the music must resonate — it must reflect where she is emotionally, spiritually, and creatively. And she’s in no hurry to compromise that process.
With her signature passion, Nicki Minaj also confirmed that another tour is already on her radar. Energised by the love from her fans — affectionately known as the Barbz — she’s eager to reconnect with them on stage.
“To experience it all again, as soon as possible. For me, and for the Barbz,” she said with a smile.
Nicki Minaj Reflects on Music, Motherhood, and Fame in Honest Vogue Italia Interview
But beyond the music and the fame, Nicki Minaj revealed a more intimate side of herself — that of a mother. Now raising her five-year-old son, often lovingly referred to as “Papa Bear,” the rapper opened up about the sacrifices she made throughout her career and how motherhood has changed her outlook.
“As a woman, I put off becoming a mother,” she admitted. “A lot of women in the industry, especially older than me, haven’t had children. Some don’t regret it, but others do. I put it off. And then I didn’t go to every Thanksgiving, Christmas, or birthday party because I had to work to support my family. I think the price was not having a ‘normal’ life.”
Her words reflect a universal tension felt by many working women — the choice between ambition and personal milestones. Now, Minaj is trying to strike a balance between the two.
“Today, things are different, because I can give my son what I couldn’t have,” she explained. “But there are things I want to ensure for him that I still have to figure out how to provide. When we go out, for example, I have to worry about someone taking pictures of him. So every day I have to decide: is it more important to go for a walk with my son or to avoid him being photographed?”
Nicki Minaj ’s candid discussion of the challenges of motherhood in the public eye sheds light on a rarely seen aspect of celebrity life — one where privacy becomes a daily negotiation, and even simple moments like a walk can become complicated.
Still, despite the complexities,Nicki Minaj remains driven, not just by personal goals but by a deep respect for her craft and the effort it requires.
“A superstar is a superstar,” she declared. “And if you are, you’ll find a way to shine, with or without social media — which, like all tools, can be used for good or bad. What I feel is that sometimes, today, artists don’t realize how important the record label is. They don’t realize how much goes on behind the scenes. It all seems easy.”
It’s a powerful reminder that what fans see onstage or online is just a fraction of the labor and strategy behind a successful career. Minaj credits her team and the infrastructure behind her for much of her journey, even as she remains its creative force.
With her signature mix of vulnerability and strength, Minaj’s Vogue Italia feature paints a picture of a woman in control — of her story, her sound, and her future. As she continues to carve out space for herself as both a mother and a megastar, her message is clear: she’s still evolving, and she’s doing it on her own terms.
While fans may be anxious for new music, Nicki Minaj is busy crafting something deeper — a legacy built not just on hits, but on heart.
