Nicki Minaj: 'I constantly rewrite my lyrics'

Nicki Minaj rewrites her song lyrics up to 10 times because she is adamant they have to be perfect every time.

The hip-hop star is one of the top female rappers in the world, but her success hasn't come easily. She puts everything she has into the music she makes and hopes up-and-coming stars realise getting to the top of charts isn't an easy process.

"I think you have to make sure you're not lazy," she told redbull.com when quizzed on advice for wannabe singers. "Even now, I still rewrite verses five and six and seven and eight and nine and 10 times. Because I want it to be perfect. Don't rest on your laurels. Keep trying, as if it's your first day on the job. That's how I think of it. When it comes to creating, I always feel like, wait a minute, I can't take any shortcuts. I have to be amazing, this has to be great, people have to love this, people have to know I spent quality time on it. That's my motto."

Nicki played a secret and intimate show in collaboration with Red Bull in Los Angeles on Tuesday (01Dec15). She's used to packing out stadiums these days but being part of Red Bull Sound Select Presents: 30 Days in LA made her remember what starting out was like, with the 32-year-old musician likening the small performance to getting up and belting out tracks in her living room.

It also got her thinking about more tips for people who want to make it - such as always remembering the bottom line.

"New artists… try your best to be yourself," she said. "Try your best to ENJOY yourself. But make sure you keep your mind on your money and your money on your mind."

Nicki is particularly keen to show support for women who are trying to make it, no matter what their dreams are. She knows it can be hard to succeed and hopes to push ladies never to accept less just because of their sex.

"Shout out to all the go-getters out there, the women that are determined to make it, determined to chase their dreams and to become more than what people predicted," she said. "I'm a big fan of women who venture out and do more than people possibly thought they could do. Women who've been told no, just sit back, sit in the back, you don't have to do that much, you don't have to be the top, you don't have to be the boss. And those women make me excited. They inspire me."