Nicki Minaj is making it clear: her next album is coming—but not until it’s ready. In a new interview, the rap icon shared that she’s carefully crafting her next project, emphasizing quality and meaning over speed. With a career defined by lyrical dominance, chart-topping hits, and cultural impact, the Queen of Rap is setting her own pace this time around.
“I’ve got a bunch of really strong tracks, but I don’t want to rush,” Minaj explained. “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.”
That sentiment aligns with how Minaj has always approached her craft—with intention and a fierce commitment to excellence. While the anticipation builds, she hinted that once the album drops, she’s ready to hit the road again. “[I want] to experience it all again, as soon as possible. For me, and for the Barbz,” she said, expressing her eagerness to reconnect with her loyal fanbase through touring.
Though she didn’t reveal any details about potential features or collaborations on the upcoming album, she did name a few artists she’s been enjoying lately. “Sabrina Carpenter. I didn’t know she’d been around that long when I started listening to her. A breath of fresh air. I like Billie Eilish. I love everything she does. Then there’s a dancehall artist… his name’s Skeng.” The shout-outs suggest that Nicki is staying inspired and tapped into a diverse musical scene as she develops new material.
Beyond the music, the interview also offered a rare, intimate look at the personal sacrifices Minaj has made throughout her career. Reflecting on her journey, she spoke candidly about the challenges of balancing fame, family, and motherhood.
“As a woman, I put off becoming a mother,” she said. “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.”
Now, as a mother herself, Minaj is navigating how to give her son the stability and privacy she never had, even amid global fame. “Today, things are different, because I can give my son what I couldn’t have, but there are things I would like to ensure for him and that I have to figure out how to give him. When we go out, for example, I have to worry about someone taking pictures of him.”
The balancing act between motherhood and megastardom is one Minaj is still learning to manage, but her commitment to both her family and her music remains clear. As fans wait for her next album, they can rest assured it’s being made with the same passion, thoughtfulness, and fearlessness that made Nicki Minaj a household name in the first place.
