Born – December 8, 1982
St. James, Trinidad and Tobago
Birth name – Onika Tanya Maraj

Singer, Rapper, wig collector.

Born in a suburb of Trinidad and Tobago's capital, Port of Spain, to working-class parents.

Lived with Grandma until mom took her to New York when she was five.

Graduated from LaGuardia High, worked at Red Lobster, dreamed of becoming an actress.

Began rapping in a group called "Hoodstars," then uploaded her own music to Myspace back when Myspace was cool. CEO of Dirty Money Entertainment signed her and she changed her name from Nicki Maraj to Nicki Minaj.

Signed with Young Money Entertainment and saw commercial success with the release of her album "Pink Friday" in 2010.

Became an "American Idol" judge for the 2012 season despite some player-hatin' from the Mariah Carey camp.

Woman Suing Nicki Minaj & Husband Says Fans Sending Threats Over 'Real' Talk

Nicki Minaj's Husband Sues to Get Name Off NY Sex Offender Registry

Nicki Minaj & Husband Sued by His Attempted Rape Victim for Harassment, Intimidation

Nicki Minaj's Husband Kenneth Petty Strikes Plea Deal with Feds

Nicki Minaj Posts Photos and Video of Her Baby Nicknamed 'Papa Bear'

Nicki Minaj Gives Birth To First Child

Nicki Minaj's Husband Gets Permission To Be There For Baby's Birth

Nicki Minaj's Husband Finally Registers as Sex Offender in CA

Nicki Minaj's Hubby Arrested, Indicted for Failure to Register as Sex Offender

Nicki Minaj Made Sure Her Pastor Officiated Wedding

Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty's Wedding was No Frills, Big One to Follow

Nicki Minaj Announces She Is Married