New York: Rap queen Nicki Minaj on Thursday, shocked fans by announcing her retirement from music, saying she was going to focus on family. The provocative 36-year-old known for hits like Super Bass is engaged to music executive Kenneth Petty, and she recently said a wedding is in the cards in the coming months.
“I’ve decided to retire & have my family,” tweeted the wildly successful rapper raised in the New York borough of Queens. “I know you guys are happy now,” she continued.
“To my fans, keep reppin me, do it til da death of me, X in the box – cuz ain’t nobody checkin me.” “Love you for LIFE.”
The surprising news fuelled pregnancy rumours that had already been swirling since June after she appeared on a late-night television show and opted against drinking. She went Instagram-official with her partner Petty in December 2018, after rebooting the relationship decades after they were involved as teenagers.
Known for her bold sartorial style that includes neon costumes and wigs, Minaj – whose hits include Starships, Bang Bang and Anaconda – is considered one of rap’s most influential female artists.
The Grammy-nominated artist born in Trinidad and Tobago cites Foxy Brown and Jay-Z as major inspirations, and has crafted a lightning-speed sound distinctive for her use of alter egos and accents, especially British cockney.
Her brash personality and penchant for controversy also made Minaj a tabloid regular, especially for a feud at a Fashion Week 2018 after-party that saw rap rival Cardi B throw a shoe and allegedly attempt to fight Minaj. Cardi B later said Minaj had dissed her aptitude as a mother.
The rap queen’s retirement announcement was a particularly surprising turn of events as Minaj has been quite active in music this summer.
