Every couple of years, the Barbs assemble collectively to break down Nicki Minaj’s best albums, singles, features, and verses. Allotting the Queen of Rap time to dominate the charts, these lists range across the internet almost annually. Although Minaj has not released a studio album since 2018, the Grammy-nominated artist has been featured in a plethora of singles across nearly every genre of music. Minaj is best known for her combative flow, witty bars, and animated demeanor, making her one of the most sought-out features in the game. She is an undeniable force and one of the greatest rappers alive.
It has been over a decade since I started listening to Nicki Minaj. I was first introduced as she was inaugurated into Young Money, and I was sold on her artistry once she released Pink Friday. Her verses are undoubtedly dynamic, and I admire her ability to push industry standards bar-by-bar. With a myriad of legendary verses, it only seems fitting for this long-time Barb to decode what I deem to be her 10 best verses of all-time.
Coming in at number 10 is one of Minaj’s most slept-on freestyles, “Itty Bitty Piggy.” Sampling Soulja Boy’s “Donk,” the female MC showcases her ability to dominate any beat with her New York flow. The track was released on Minaj’s third mixtape Beam Me Up Scotty and is one of the first glimpses at her capabilities as a rapper. The song now lives exclusively on SoundCloud and YouTube as a comemoratory piece of the star’s success.
It's like I just single-handedly annihilated, you know, every rap bitch in the building
Like, like, I’m Nicki Minaj, Nicki Lewinsky, Nicki the Ninja, Nicki the Boss, Nicki the Harajuku Barbie
Like, I mean, I don't even know why you girls bother at this point
Like, give it up! It's me!
I win! You lose! Hahaha
Entering the realm that is Pink Friday is track number three off the album, “Did it On’em.” Minaj manages to slow her flow on the track, ultimately making her lyricism resonate harder than ever before. “Did it On’em” is profound. Any song that can utilize the line, “If I had a dick I would pull it out and piss on ‘em," in the first verse deserves to see the Hall of Fame.
Broke bitches so crusty (Disgust me)
Gave the bitch a ride, got the Continental dusty
Trust me, I keep a couple hundred in the duff’-B
Couple wet wipes case a bum try to touch me, ew
“Up All Night” was the first of many collaborations between Nicki Minaj and Drake. Their iconic relationship helped elevate the trajectory of their careers forever, showcasing their talents both together and independently. Off Drake’s debut studio album Thank Me Later, Minaj manages to seamlessly create a space for her illicit bars while incorporating her own animated style.
Drizzy say get her, I’ma get her
I got the kind of money, make a broke bitch bitter
I got that kinda—wait, wait—fixate
Which bitch you know made a million off a mixtape?
“Barbie Tingz,” released alongside “Chun-Li” as bonus solo singles off Minaj’s 2018 album Queen, re-solidified the female MC’s stature in the rap game. After taking a brief hiatus, Minaj needed a comeback track that perfectly encompassed the reputation she had been building for years. “Barbie Tingz,” with its antagonizing bars, was the ideal solution.
I spoke to Jay the other day, he’s still the kingpin
He’s still the only nigga that I woulda signed to
If I ain’t sign to Wayne’s perfectly designed crew
‘Cause we the big three, don’t need a big speech
We made the biggest impact, check the spreadsheet
That’s Lil Weezy the Barbie and Drizzy Drake
In an alternate universe where all men have been abolished and women reign, “Super Bass” would swiftly be crowned the national anthem. The 2010 breakthrough hit claimed residency on the Billboard charts and became a sensation worldwide. Memorizing the first verse of this track was liberating in itself, and for many, was an introduction to Nicki’s pop stardom.
This one is for the boys with the boomin’ system
Top down, AC with the cooler system
When he come up in the club, he be blazin' up
Got stacks on deck like he savin' up
And he ill, he real, he might gotta deal
He pop bottles and he got the right kind of build
As Minaj continued to dominate the 2010s, a slew of thriving musicians were looking to feature her on their songs. None accomplished this better than Trey Songz, who created a club anthem for the ages alongside the Queen of Rap. “Bottom’s Up,” which continues to be used in pregame playlists nationwide, represented Minaj’s more free-flowing style and ability to completely overtake any semblance of Trey Songz that remained on the single.
If a bitch tryna get cute I'ma stomp her
Throw a lot of money at her then yell
"Fuck her! Fuck her! Fuck her!", then yell, "Fuck her!"
Then I'mma go get my Louisville Slugger
Excuse me, I'm sorry, I'm really such a lady
I rep Young Money, you know, Slim, Baby?
Following their triumph success as a power duo in 2010, Drake solicited Minaj to be on his second studio album Take Care. “Make Me Proud” is essentially a catalyst, alongside “Moment 4 Life,” for the publicity stunt that was a romantic relationship between Drake and Minaj. Nonetheless, Nicki still managed to outshine the certified Diamond rapper in almost every aspect. Exploring rhythmically while remaining boastful is what Nicki Minaj does best.
It’s Pink Friday Records and OVO
Done did the pop tour, I’m the realest still
The best legal team so the deals is ill
It’s MAC, OPI, and a fragrance, too
Apparel, I’m dominating every avenue
Cobblestone, good view, little gravel too
Gotta pay for the entourage travel too
‘Cause I’m fl-fl-fly, I’m flying high
Ain't got time to talk, just hi and bye, bitch!
If you have gone around thinking SZA invented the word ‘pussy’ on “Doves in the Wind,” you have clearly never heard “Boss Ass Bitch (Remix).” This remix is another SoundCloud and YouTube selection that was originally released in 2013. Minaj’s rendition of the PTAF single made me feel so embarrassed for the original girl group; Minaj did not hesitate to annihilate the track and make it her own.
I said, rule number one to be a boss ass bitch
Never let a clown nigga try to play you
If he play you then, rule number two
Fuck his best friends then make 'em yes-men
And get a dick pic and then you press send
And send a red heart and send a kissy face
And tell him that his friends love how your pussy taste
And that's rule three, I'm the school T
Without a doubt, “Roman’s Revenge” is my favorite Nicki Minaj song of all-time. Minaj managed to resurrect the mind and soul of Slim Shady, build the Roman Polansky persona, and produce some of the most menacing bars to date—all in under five minutes. I have spent years fantasizing a scenario where I am singing this song alongside Timothee Chalamet at a small karaoke bar in New York City. Eminem’s dominance on the track is the only reason Nicki was not the star of the show, thus making “Roman’s Revenge” a second-place contender.
Is this the thanks that I get for puttin’ you bitches on?
Is it my fault that all of you bitches gone?
Should've sent a thank-you note, you little ho
Now I’ma wrap your coffin with a bow
“Nicki, she’s just mad ‘cause you took the spot”
Word, that bitch mad ‘cause you took the spot?
Well, bitch, if you ain’t shittin’, then get off the pot
Long reigns the champion of Nicki Minaj verses. Any time Kanye West willingly grants you the final verse—an unspoken accolade in rap—you have done something right. Not only is this one of the most timeless songs of our generation, but a nod to Minaj—the only female stacked against the biggest male musicians in the industry. The anticipation leading up to Minaj’s verse, and then finally getting there, is one of the most satisfying and gratifying musical journies. This song will forever remain undefeated, and we have Minaj to thank for that.
*For credibility purposes only… Yes, I can rap Nicki Minaj’s entire verse off "Monster."
You could be the king, but watch the queen conquer
Okay, first things first, I’ll eat your brains
Then I’ma start rocking gold teeth and fangs
‘Cause that’s what a motherfuckin’ monster do
Hairdresser from Milan, that’s the monster shoe
Young Money is the roser and a monster crew
And I’m all up, all up, all up in the bank with the funny face
And if I’m fake, I ain’t notice ‘cause my money ain’t
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