Her debut, Pink Friday, is one of the year's most anticipated releases, so it's hard to believe there was a time when Nicki Minaj was actually afraid to actually drop the album. But in an interview with YRB magazine, the Young Money darling opens up about her early fears for the LP's release.
"I was so afraid to put out an album for fear of failure," Minaj tells the magazine. "I wanted to put my album out on Valentine's Day of 2011. And my label was like, 'Are you f---ing crazy?' "
Despite early jitters, Minaj explained that the final product erased any hesitation. "I know that Pink Friday is a classic album. I have never been this proud of anything in my life," Minaj said. "I just think that it's such a dynamic body of work. I'm no longer afraid to drop it. Now, I know it's time."
Known for her features on other hit songs, the Harajuku Barbie has a string of contributors lined up for the LP, including Rihanna, Drake, Kanye West and Eminem. And the lyricist says that the leaked Eminem duet, "Roman's Revenge," had the duo clashing, in a good way.
"We both have our own world, and we're just colliding. ... I want a piece of that Slim Shady world because I feel like it may have subconsciously influenced me."
In addition to sharing her thoughts on Pink Friday, which comes out on November 22, Minaj also gave her two cents on her female peers, possibly referencing Lil' Kim.
"These girls aren't mad at me. They're mad at themselves," Nicki said. [It's] jealousy, insecurity and being broke. When you haven't capitalized and you see I'm about to capitalize on this sh-- like it's never been done before, then you're mad at yourself."
Will you be buying Pink Friday? Let us know in the comments!