Nicki Minaj has been one of the most influential figures in hip-hop, pop and music at large for almost two decades. With her boundary pushing and unmatched lyrical talent, she has cemented herself as a trailblazer for female rappers. Her rise to fame is a journey drenched in perseverance and mastering of skill. This has made her not just a rapper, but a global icon, multi-millionaire businesswoman and one of the highest-earning entertainers in the world.
Here’s a deep dive into Nicki Minaj’s journey to success, her various business ventures and net worth in 2025.
How Did Nicki Minaj Become Famous?
Minaj’s fame story is a product of raw talent and an unwavering desire to succeed. Born on Dec. 8, 1982 in Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago, Minaj and her family relocated to Queens in New York City when she was five years old. Raised by her grandmother in a household with 11 cousins, the tribulations of her upbringing would only be fuel for the music she would go on to make.
Always enamored by the arts, Minaj auditioned and was admitted into Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, which focuses on visual and performing arts. A week after graduation, she was cast in the Off-Broadway play “In Case You Forget” in 2001. Her theater background has certainly influenced her rap style, creating many different characters and accents in her work.
In 2007, she began releasing mixtapes that showcased her distinct style: quick-witted lyricism, quirky alter-egos and unapologetic sexuality. Her 2009 mixtape “Beam Me Up Scotty” went on to gain widespread attention, catching the eye of legendary rapper Lil Wayne. He soon signed her to his label, Young Money Entertainment, where Minaj’s career began to skyrocket. Her first studio album “Pink Friday” debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and featured hit singles, like “Super Bass,” which became a global anthem and catapulted her into mainstream success.
Though she had already hit milestones other artists dreamed of hitting, this was only the beginning. Over the years, Minaj continued to release chart-topping albums, including “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded,” “The Pinkprint,” and “Queen.” Her evolution as an artist still maintained her iconic sound. She has always pushed boundaries, seamlessly blending hip-hop with pop and dance. As one of the first women to break significant barriers in the male-dominated rap industry, she paved way for the new generation of female rappers reigning today.
Business Endeavors
As an artist hungry for success, Minaj diversified her income through numerous business endeavors. Together, they added millions to her net worth. She has long been a sought-after celebrity for endorsements. Working with major brands, like Pepsi, Mattel and Adidas, she gives versatility and appeal to any product she markets. Her collaboration with MAC Cosmetics, which led to the release of her signature lipstick, Pink 4 Friday, was particularly successful.
With a bold, incomparable sense of style, Minaj also established herself as a beauty and fashion mogul. In 2012, she launched her first fragrance Pink Friday, which earned millions in sales. She also had additional fragrances and her own line distributed through major fashion retailers, like Kmart. Minaj was also the face of Roberto Cavalli’s spring-summer 2015 campaign, the “Heaven” spring 2022 collection by Marc Jacob, and collaborated with luxury fashion house Fendi.
Minaj also put her background in theater to good use. She worked as a judge on “American Idol” in 2013 and made appearances in films, like “The Other Woman” and “Ice Age: Continental Drift.” These projects are a testament to her versatility and further solidified her status as a multimedia mogul.
Beyond her work as an artist, Minaj has also ventured into music management. She created her own record label, The Pinkprint Music Group. This allowed her to sign and collaborate with new and upcoming artists. This has only further solidified the foundation of her long-lasting legacy in the music industry.
What Is Nicki Minaj’s Net Worth?
As of 2025, Minaj’s net worth is estimated to be around $150 million. This massive figure is the result of her successful music career, business ventures and endorsements over the years.
Minaj’s wealth only continues to grow thanks to her ongoing music releases and creative ventures. As new female rappers rise, she remains a force in the entertainment world, consistently ranking as one of the highest-paid musicians. Her tours, which consistently sell out, contribute millions to her income. In fact, her most recent tour, 2024’s The Pink Friday 2 World Tour, made history. Ranking in over $108.8 million, it is the highest-grossing concert tour by a female rapper and the fourth-highest-grossing tour by a rapper or hip hop artist in history.
Who Is the Richest Female Rapper of All Time?
As the highest-selling female rapper in the world, Minaj’s net worth places her among the wealthiest female musicians of all time. This is alongside icons, like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Taylor Swift. Her net worth outpaces many of her rap peers, due to her success in fashion, endorsements and fragrances, has elevated her to the ranks of top-tier businesswomen.
How Much is Nicki Minaj’s Husband’s Net Worth?
Minaj and her high school sweetheart Kenneth Petty tied the knot in 2019, sharing a five year old son together. Their relationship has been subjected to public scrutiny, because Petty is a level two registered sex offender in New York. He also spent several years in jail for both attempted rape in the first degree and first-degree manslaughter. Despite the backlash, Minaj has stood beside her partner and attested to his innocence. While Minaj currently has a net worth of $150 million, Petty is worth half a million dollars.