Nicki Minaj shows several shades of herself in “The Pinkprint.”
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TOP 5
5. Only (Ft. Lil Wayne, Drake & Chris Brown)
This song is weird as f**k, even ten years later.
It’s hard to believe that “Only” is the most streamed track on this album on Spotify—maybe it fell victim to some bot activity. Regardless, I can understand why some would find it polarizing. For one, it brings together three rap legends: Drake, Lil Wayne, and Nicki Minaj, all of whom deliver solid performances. Nicki shines with a fiery verse full of punchlines and energy, Drake offers a verse with a mix of storytelling and his usual quirky behavior, and Lil Wayne comes through with a braggadocious verse that feels a bit out of place compared to the rest of the track. The beat itself is a bit strange, and it’s odd hearing all three rappers insist they didn’t hook up with Nicki. Oh, and Chris Brown is on the chorus! (Just strange)
4. Pills N Potions
If that pill contains fentanyl, you won’t smell the potion.
I’m usually not a fan when Nicki Minaj tries to channel her inner PinkPantheress, but in “Pills N Potions,” she gives one of her most captivating vocal performances. The song’s production is elegant and soothing, with these deep gong-like sounds that make it feel like a king is about to emerge from your bathroom. Nicki’s ethereal, angelic vocals drift through the track, wrapping around you like quiet smoke. The song perfectly reflects her conflicted emotions, loving someone who may be battling addiction. Her rap verses, gritty and raw, powerfully express how far she’s willing to go to stand by her man, even if he’s passed out somewhere in Tijuana.
The difference between men and women: Men aren’t falling in love with a chick who loves drugs.
3. Feeling Myself (Ft. Beyoncé)
If you think about it, Beyoncé rarely features on people’s s**t. Salute to Queen Nicki.
As a man who loves women empowerment tracks, I believe women (especially black women) should brag and celebrate themselves whenever they can. In “Feeling Myself,” Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé take self-confidence to a new level. While Beyoncé anchors the chorus with a catchy repetition of “feeling myself,” Nicki delivers verses that blend figurative confidence with a bit of playful innuendo. What stands out is how they each showcase their boldness in distinct ways—Nicki with her assertive, unapologetic verses and Beyoncé with her seductive, sly vocals.
Men can feel themselves too, but it’s best to avoid describing it that way.
2. Truffle Butter (Ft. Drake & Lil Wayne)
I love “Truffle Butter” the song; I cannot stand actual truffle butter.
“Truffle Butter” instantly takes me back to those quirky lounges that exclusively played hip-hop and house—nothing in between. That said, big props to Lil Wayne, Drake, and Nicki Minaj for effortlessly flowing over a flipped version of Maya Jane Coles’ distinctive “What They Say” beat. Drake sets the stage with a verse that’s both playful and tough, blending swagger with some softer, indulgent moments. Nicki Minaj, in my opinion, steals the show with a punchy, wordplay-heavy verse where she absolutely dominates her competition. Lil Wayne, ever the wild card, comes through with a late-night, party-hyped verse that feels like he’s stumbled into the scene already a little tipsy, yet still manages to flow effortlessly over the track. Despite sounding like he’s on the verge of upchucking, he makes it work. All in all, the track brings a perfect balance of swagger, fun, and pure energy.
1. Anaconda
This is one of Nicki Minaj’s many iconic hip-hop tracks.
I personally think Nicki Minaj shines the brightest when she’s having fun, and “Anaconda” is one of the best examples of that energy. Not only does she skillfully flip Sir Mix-a-Lot’s iconic “Baby Got Back” beat and hook, but she also delivers a version of herself that’s playful and unfiltered, switching up her flow on a dime and spitting unapologetic lines. It’s as if she’s embodying the ultimate one-night stand that you either vehemently regret or relish.
I gotta tell you about that one time in Tijuana I had.
SONG-BY-SONG RATING
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RGM RATING
(D+) (69%)
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
