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.

Nicki Minaj Threatens to Fire Tour DJ For Signing Fan's Boobs

Nicki Minaj Seems to Address Police Incident During Birmingham Concert

Nicki Minaj Will Soon Apologize to Fans in Amsterdam Drug Arrest

Nicki Minaj Detained & Seemingly Arrested in Amsterdam, Wild Video Shows

Nicki Minaj Brings Out Cyndi Lauper for 'Pink Friday Girls' Duet

Nicki Minaj Hurls Object Back into Crowd After Almost Getting Hit in Face

Nicki Minaj's Husband Begs Court to Let Him Go on Tour with Her Outside U.S.

Nicki Minaj and Sneaker Company Loci Release Custom Shoes