Nicki Minaj

Jack Harlow, LL Cool J, And Nicki Minaj Will Emcee The 2022 VMAs

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2022 vma hosts harlow ll cool j nicki minaj
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The 2022 MTV VMAs have been rolling out the announcements for nominees, performers, and Video Vanguard honorees all month. Today, we learn who will be hosting the show on August 28: Jack Harlow, LL Cool J, and Nicki Minaj. The press release makes it a point to say that they’ll emcee the event, “taking a more innovative and unique approach to the traditional ‘host’ gig.” That’s some intriguing wording and could mean that the show’s producers have thrown in a few surprises.

So far, the performers who have been announced include Anitta, BLACKPINK, J Balvin, Jack Harlow, Lizzo, Marshmello & Khalid, Nicki Minaj, and Panic! At The Disco. The nominations are led by Jack Harlow, Kendrick Lamar, and Lil Nas X with seven apiece, while Doja Cat and Harry Styles have six each. Other artists nominated for awards include Billie Eilish, Drake, Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and The Weeknd, who are all nominated for five awards each.

In addition to her emceeing and performing duties, Nicki Minaj is set to be awarded the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award for her decade-plus of innovation at the forefront of the music video format.

The 2022 MTV Video Music Awards will air live from Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey at 8 pm ET on 8/28.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Nicki Minaj Releases A Ferocious ‘Roman Remix’ Of Her New Single, ‘Super Freaky Girl’

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Nicki Minaj fans haven’t heard from her Roman Zolanski alter ego in a while, but every so often the character pops back up. Most recently Nicki dusts off the Roman flow for an extended “Roman Remix” of her new single, “Super Freaky Girl.” While the Rick James-sampling beat remains the same and she uses the same pre-chorus, she restructures the song to add a third rapid-fire verse that sees her continue the spelling exercise from the hook and boast about her career longevity. “Don’t nobody wanna hear that weak sh*t, ho,” she crows. “In the game, fifteen, ain’t peak yet, ho.”

It’s an especially timely assertion, considering she’s soon to be honored with a Video Vanguard Award at the upcoming 2022 MTV VMAs. Her Barbie-pink colorful aesthetic and imaginative videos have proven to be inescapably influential on the modern generation of rap girls, so it’s fitting that she should receive the award, which was most recently awarded to Missy Elliott. However, that iconic pink look has also caused trouble for one of her brand partners; Mattel is suing Rap Snacks over its Nicki-themed “Barbie-Cue” flavor.

She’s also putting together a performance of fan-favorite hits — likely to also include “Super Freaky Girl” — and presumably has a new album on the way. Even without the album, she’s got plenty of irons in the fire; a docuseries about her life and career, Nicki, has a yet-to-be-announced release month pinned down, and she’s once again recording her Queen Radio podcast.

Rap Snacks Is Being Sued Over Its Nicki Minaj-Themed ‘Barbie-Cue’ Flavor

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nicki minaj lawsuit
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Rap’s always had a minor obsession with brands and brand names, which at the best of times gives it a deeper connection with pop culture. On the other hand, by tapping into cultural touchstones, rap has occasionally run afoul of the civil side of the law. From rappers being forced to change their names (Remy Ma, who once went by the more recognizable Remy Martin, which also sued 50 Cent over his competing cognac) to copyright infringement suits (Tyga and Lil Nas X were both recently sued over sneaker collaborations), rap’s propensity for name-checking has gotten more than one artist into trouble.

Now, the brands that associate with rappers are feeling those effects too. According to Reuters, the Rap Snacks potato chip brand is being sued by toy manufacturer Mattel over its new Nicki Minaj-themed flavor. Spinning the flavor’s name off from Nicki’s self-derived Barbie nickname, Barbie-Que” Honey Truffle — and its logo, which borrows the original logo of Mattel’s long-running, beloved doll line — Rap Snacks has drawn the ire of Mattel’s legal department, which filed suit last week, alleging unfair competition and false designation of origin, trademark dilution, and unfair competition violation.

Mattel argues that the logo’s use creates customer confusion and false association with the actual Barbie brand. The logo’s use wasn’t authorized and Rap Snacks “purposely” misled customers, allegedly refusing to “correct the misimpression it foisted on the public.” Nicki Minaj, who has long used the Barbie terminology and aesthetic, even calling her fans “Barbz” and herself “Harajuku Barbie” (oof), is said to have deferred to Mattel, obtaining at least tacit permission to continue using the moniker, even having her own doll made in 2011.

Mattel not only wants Rap Snacks to discontinue its “Barbie-Que” flavor but also wants it to cancel its trademarks for Barbie-Que and hand over all of the profits made from its sales. Rap Snacks, which also has flavors based on Cardi B, Lil Durk, Migos, and Moneybagg Yo, has not made a public statement as of press time.

Nicki Minaj Passionately Defends Britney Spears From ‘Clown’ Kevin Federline

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Britney Spears Nicki Minaj 2011 Billboard Music Awards
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Earlier this month, Britney Spears found herself in a spat with ex-husband Kevin Federline after he claimed her sons were distancing themselves from her. Nicki Minaj didn’t at all care for how that went down, so now she has sided with Spears and shared some unflattering words about Federline.

On the August 16 episode of Minaj’s live Queen Radio show, Minaj started:

“Do you understand what kind of a clown you have to be to be a whole grown f*cking man and as soon as you see somebody happy and getting married and moving on and being free and feeling good in their own skin, to do the very thing that you know is going to attempt to break them down? Going to the media. Only cowards use the media against a famous person who they once loved, they procreated with, they once were being taken care of by, using the person’s fame as this constant ‘gotcha’ moment, and you think you’re not going to f*cking have karma from it? You think it’s OK? You think that anybody is going to feel sorry for you?”

She continued with praise and more empathy for Spears:

“She loves her kids more than life itself. As soon as y’all see people feeling strong and good and confident and happy, and you no longer have them by the f*cking balls, you want to take your little goofy ass and do some motherf*cking interview. How dare you. How dare you encourage this woman’s children to be a part of your nonsense. And when they look back, they’re going to say, ‘Why? Why? Why did we do this?’ They’re kids, they don’t know how detrimental this is, but you know, c*cksucker. Leave her the f*ck alone!”

Listen to Minaj discuss Spears and Federline below.

Nicki Minaj Proves She’s Still Queen As “Super Freaky Girl” Slowly Takes Over

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Nicki Minaj

Since this past Friday, Nicki Minaj’s newest single, “Super Freaky Girl,” has become highly requested. The Barbz continue to support their Queen as the Rick James sampled tune is quick becoming a fan favorite. The Pinkprint artist may have been in the game for a hot minute, but she shows no signs of slowing down […]

The post Nicki Minaj Proves She’s Still Queen As “Super Freaky Girl” Slowly Takes Over appeared first on SOHH.com.

The Best New Music This Week: Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, Rod Wave, and More

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  • Megan Thee Stallion,”Flip Flop”


  • Nicki Minaj, “Super Freaky Girl” 


  • Beyoncé & Ronald Isley, “Make Me Say It Again, Girl”


  • Rod Wave, “Alone” 


  • Ari Lennox, “Hoodie”


  • Morray, “Ticket” 


  • JID & Kenny Mason, “Dance Now”


  • YG, “Toxic” 


  • Tyga f/ Pop Smoke & Jhene Aiko, “Sunshine” 


  • The Game f/ Kanye West, Dreezy, and CHILLLER, “Fortunate” 


  • Cordae, “Unacceptable”