Photo: Coolspotters.com
She was born Onika Tanya Minaj in Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago, but this hot young hip hop star is better known by her stage name—Nicki Minaj. Discovered by fellow rapper Lil Wayne, Nicki signed a deal with his label, Young Money Entertainment, in 2009 after the release of three successful mix tapes—Playtime Is Over, Sucka Free, and Beam Me Up Scotty. Nicki’s debut album, Pink Friday, charted at number twenty-two on the US Billboard 200 and was certified Platinum in the United States within one month. She became the first artist in history to have seven songs on the Bilboard Hot 100 at the same time! Your Love, Nicki’s second single, reached number one on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart, making her the first female artist to top the chart unaccompanied since 2002. The first female ever included on MTV’s Annual Hottest MC List, Nicki’s known for guest rapping and collaborating with a variety of artists including Rihanna, Ludacris, and will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas.
She snagged BET Hip Hop Awards in three categories—People’s Champ, Rookie of the Year and Made You Look— in 2010 and she’s currently nominated for a 2011 Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group Grammy for My Chick Bad with Ludacris. The winner will be announced at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards on February 13 in Los Angeles, and we’ve got our fingers crossed for her! Seen here in a pair of glam Gucci sunglasses, Nicki’s not planning to back down anytime soon. The unisex aviators are available in eight different frame / lens color combos.
Buy these now: Gucci 1627/S, $143
