Nicki Minaj Biography: Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, professionally known as Nicki Minaj born December 8, 1982, is a Trinidadian rapper, singer, and songwriter. Widely celebrated as the “Queen of Rap,” she is recognized as one of the most influential figures in hip-hop. Known for her sharp lyricism, versatile musical style, and colorful alter egos, Minaj has played a key role in reviving female rap in mainstream music since the 2010s.
Nicki Minaj Biography
Nicki Minaj, born Onika Tanya Maraj on December 8, 1982, in St. James, Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, was raised in Queens, New York City. She grew up in a challenging household—her father struggled with drug addiction but eventually turned his life around after entering rehab and becoming involved in church. Minaj attended LaGuardia High School, where she studied both singing and acting. Her talent was first noticed by the CEO of Young Money Entertainment, which led to her appearance on The Come Up DVD series, specifically The Carter Edition. Her standout rapping skills drew the attention of Lil Wayne, who began collaborating with her on several of his mixtapes. Minaj released her debut mixtape, “Playtime Is Over,” in April 2007. She followed up with “Sucka Free” in 2008, which earned her the Female Artist of the Year title at the Underground Music Awards.
Nicki Minaj Biography 2025 Details
Born |
Onika Tanya Maraj
December 8, 1982 Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
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Occupations |
|
Years active | 2002–present |
Works |
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Spouse |
Kenneth Petty
(m. 2019) |
Children | 1 |
Category | Singers Bio |
Nicki Minaj Achievements
She began her professional rap career in the early 2000s and rose to prominence with a series of mixtapes released between 2007 and 2009. Her debut studio album, Pink Friday (2010), debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 and featured the hit “Super Bass,” becoming the highest-selling female rap album week of the 21st century. Her second number-one album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2012), embraced a dance-pop sound and produced the top-five hit “Starships.”
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About Nicki Minaj
Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, known professionally as Nicki Minaj, is a Trinidadian rapper, singer, and songwriter.
Nicki Minaj Wiki
- Born: 8 December 1982 (age 42 years), Saint James, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
- Spouse: Kenneth Petty (m. 2019)
- Full name: Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty
- Record labels: Young Money Entertainment, Republic Records · See more
- Parents: Robert Maraj, Carol Maraj
Early Life
Onika Tanya Maraj, known today as Nicki Minaj, was born on December 8, 1982, in the Saint James district of Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Her father, Robert Maraj (1956–2021), was a financial executive and part-time gospel singer of Dougla heritage—his roots included both Afro-Trinidadian and Indo-Trinidadian ancestry. Her mother, Carol Maraj, also a gospel singer, is of Afro-Trinidadian descent and worked in payroll and accounting during Nicki’s upbringing.
Minaj’s early family life was turbulent. Her father struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction, and she described him as abusive and violent. In one incident in December 1987, he set fire to their family home. Nicki has three siblings: an older brother, Jelani, a younger brother, Micaiah, and a younger sister, Ming. During her early years, Nicki and Jelani were raised by their grandmother in Saint James, living in a home with 11 cousins. While her mother worked multiple jobs locally, she eventually obtained a U.S. green card at age 24 and moved to the Bronx to study at Monroe College.
Nicki Minaj Facts
Where does Nicki Minaj live? And how much money does Nicki Minaj earn?
Birth Date | 8-12-1982 |
Heritage/origin | American |
Ethnicity | African |
Religion – believes in God? | Christian |
Residence | She lives together in a house in Queens, New York, USA. |
Nicki Minaj Net Worth 2025
Estimated Net Worth | 150 million Dollar |
Yearly Salary | N/A |
Product Endorsements | Pepsi & Myx Fusion Moscato |
Colleagues | Drake, Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz |
Management | Unknown |
Houses
- Malibu, California house ($11.8 million)(Swimming Pool • )
Cars
Lamborghini Aventador
- Lamborghini Aventador - ($393,695)
- Lamborghini Gallardo - ($200,000)
- Bentley Continental GT - ($200,000)
Nicki Minaj: Fiancé, Dating, Family & Friends
Relationship status | Engaged (Since 2015) |
Sexuality | Straight |
Current Fiancé of Nicki Minaj | Meek Mill |
Ex-boyfriends or ex-husbands | Safaree Samuels |
Expecting a baby? | She is not pregnant |
Has any kids? | No |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
- Robert Maraj (Father)
- Carol Maraj (Mother)
Friends
- Selena Gomez
- Beyonce
Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This hot actress & musician originating from St. James, Trinidad and Tobago has a voluptuous body & round face type. Nicki Minaj makes commercials for OPI & Nicki Minaj, but actually uses: Vaseline & MAC.
Hair color | Red |
Hair type | Wavy Curly |
Hair Length | long hair |
Hairstyle | bangs |
Distinct feature | smile |
Makeup Style | colorful |
Skin Tone/Complexion | Type VI: Black brown skin |
Skin Type | Normal |
Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Does Nicki Minaj smoke? | Yes, regularly |
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos & Style
Height | 157 cm |
Weight | 62.1 kilo |
Clothing style | alternative |
Favorite colors | gold |
Feet size | 7 |
Dress size | L |
Bra-size | 34C |
Waist size | 71 |
Buste size | 96.5 |
Butt size | 114 |
Does Nicki Minaj have a tattoo? | Yes |
FAQs
What kind of cars does Nicki Minaj own?
Nicki Minaj owns a collection of luxury cars, including a Lamborghini Aventador, Lamborghini Gallardo, and Bentley Continental GT, all valued at over $200,000 each.
Where does Nicki Minaj currently live?
As of 2025, Nicki Minaj resides in Queens, New York, though she also owns a lavish property in Malibu, California worth $11.8 million.
Who are Nicki Minaj’s closest celebrity friends?
Nicki Minaj is known to have close friendships with major stars such as Beyoncé and Selena Gomez, often collaborating or appearing together at public events.
What is Nicki Minaj’s signature fashion style?
Nicki Minaj is famous for her bold, colorful, and often avant-garde fashion choices, which include vibrant wigs, dramatic makeup, and edgy designer outfits.
Does Nicki Minaj have any tattoos?
Yes, Nicki Minaj has at least one known tattoo, which is part of her distinctive personal style.
What health and fitness habits does Nicki Minaj follow?
Nicki Minaj maintains her figure through a combination of mindful eating and body confidence. She has not publicly detailed a strict fitness routine but promotes self-expression and wellness.