Nicki Minaj’s 2010 debut album Pink Friday might otherwise be referred to as the booty-shake heard round the world – since the record’s release, no other contemporary female rapper has had a bigger impact on hip hop than Minaj. Known for her rapid-fire flow, playful use of accents, and kaleidoscopically over-the-top style, Minaj is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists in the history of the genre. In 2013, Minaj took home the BET Award for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist for the fourth consecutive year, becoming the first woman to do so and firmly establishing her role as hip hop’s reigning queen. In 2012, Minaj released her second studio album to a No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200, adding to her already-impressive array of hits with “Starships” and “Beez in the Trap (feat. 2 Chainz)." Born in Trinidad and raised in Queens, Minaj studied performing arts in high school and dreamed of becoming an actress before making her rap debut with a series of mixtapes released in the late 2000’s. Her 2010 studio debut Pink Friday peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, making her an overnight sensation with the massive success of singles “Moment 4 Life (feat. Drake)” and “Super Bass.” In all, Minaj hold’s the record as the most-charted female rapper in the history of the Billboard Hot 100, with a whopping 44 singles on the chart. On tour in 2013, Minaj has wowed ticket buyers with her outrageous live concerts, earning praise for her infectious energy and building anticipation for the release of her third full-length album in 2014.