Preceded by many guest spots on chart topping tracks, everyone was anxiously awaiting the debut album from Young Money rapper, Nick Minaj, until it was finally released on November 19th, 2010. “Pink Friday” is a project that combines many elements from the pop, hip-hop, and R&B genres in a very successful way. Minaj’s power lies in her vocals and strong delivery and that is what makes the album stand on its own two feet. The album is filled with surprises that many were not expecting, but filled with great tracks that helped the album debut at number two on the Billboard Top 200.
Minaj quickly shows why she is at the top of the game at the moment with a fast paced rap performance of “I’m The Best” that rivals some of the stuff the men are coming out with. She is rapping about being the best and the track is evidence that she may be speaking the truth. Minaj breezes through the song like it is nothing hard, which gives it a fresh feeling with a bit of attitude that creates an enjoyable listen. Minaj calls on rap legend Eminem for a little help with “Roman’s Revenge”. Nicki and Eminem’s alter egos are unleashed on this loud and vulgar track, exchanging verses between each other. The track is probably one of the best because both artists delivery amazing performances; however, some of the material was too much and may be considered a bit homophobic. There should have been some limits. Unfortunately, Minaj hits a road block on the path towards her success with “Did It On’em”. The lyrics come off very amateur, as do the vocals that make their way out of the speakers. To me, the song has no point whatsoever and just comes off disgusting and childish. This is not the type of song that people were expecting from her debut. A big surprise on the album comes from “Right Thru Me”. Minaj holds back on the rapping to allow her actual singing voice to come through for a moment. The track is beautifully written with Minaj’s signature touch present and shows a more vulnerable side of the artist. The finished product is a great addition to the project, but I must say that her vocals are not the strongest that they can be. The uplifting and inspirational track “Fly” is another great performance by Minaj with a chorus sung by Rihanna that ties the entire thing together very well. Both powerful females sound great on the track that should be added to their list of hits. The delivery of the song is similar to that of “Love The Way You Lie”, but it stands on its own two feet. Women are strong and that is a message that is present of this track. Minaj’s vulnerability returns for the slower “Save Me”. Again, singing is present and it is a job well done. The artist is able to bring out an emotion from the listener which is a great accomplishment for any song. It is a different side and voice than what we were used to hearing from Minaj before her debut, but anyone could relate to the side she is showing now. Featured guest Drake helps out his label mate on the third single, “Moment 4 Life”, which could be considered somewhat of a duet. Both artists’ voices complement each other very nicely as they sing well written lyrics that go well with the beat. Most critics have negatively reviewed the track, but I can really only see the positive. The delivery, vocals, and production all come together to provide a highlight for the album. It may not be considered a single off the album, but “Check It Out” did provide some buzz for Minaj’s debut. Will.i.am lends his talents on this robotic, futuristic rap track. The song is a catchy and fun one, but it gets a little repetitive to a point where it is not taken very seriously. The performances are well done, but it seems out of place when shoved in the middle of the track list. It was good song at the time of release that has lost some of its spark. The Minaj that was present in all her guest spots for other artists is back for the track “Blazin’”. The delivery of lyrics is picked up a bit and the attitude is definitely there. Kanye West pops up halfway through to give a great performance like he always does. The vocals and rap may be near perfection, but there is just something about the song that seems forgettable, best part of the entire thing is the sample that is used. The vibe of “Here I Am” sounds a bit darker than the rest of the track list which is a good change of style. The only thing that I can find wrong about the song is the fact that it is too short. The tone of Minaj’s voice mixed with the beats heard in the background give off an effect that makes the song sound like it could fit on a movie soundtrack. The song is successful in every way and shocked me in a good way. Balancing a delivery of both rapping and singing, “Dear Old Nicki” sounds just like it was ripped from the pages of her journal. The character that we have come to known from Minaj is nowhere to be found on this track, just a sweet side of the artist that is singing personal lyrics. The production and vocals create a warm, innocent piece of work. The first official solo single from Minaj, “Your Love”, was a quick departure from the crazy character that we were used to seeing. Different is not bad and Minaj proved that as she broke records with this beautiful story of true love. We were able to hear the artist tackle the job of singing a note instead of just rapping with fierce attitude. The finished product was a success that had everyone waiting for this debut. The closing track, “Last Chance”, contains an unusual collaboration between Minaj and pop songstress Natasha Bedingfield who provides her beautiful vocals in a successful way. Even though the two pairing up may be viewed as strange, they were able to work together to create a great song. Minaj’s flow and Bedingfield’s beautiful performance on the chorus actually went quite well together. The much anticipated wait for the album was worth it as Minaj gathered many elements in the music world and used them to her advantage.
“Pink Friday” is a poised, attitude-filled debut from an artist that had many credits to her name before even releasing a full studio album. Minaj has proved that she is in the business for a reason and people should stop doubting her abilities. Her hip-hop talents are at the top of their game, and even though her singing may need a bit of work, she has created some tracks that are special in more way than one. The finished product is Minaj in every single way. She allows her true self, as well as her alter egos, have fun with great material. Overall, the album was a good start to a long career and deserves an 85%.
Tracks to Hear: "Roman's Revenge", "Fly", and "Moment 4 Life"
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