New Elizabethans - Minajesty

Onika Maraj, or more commonly known as Nicki Minaj, is one of the world's leading, iconic, female celebrities of the modern day. She is constantly in the spotlight, whether it's due to her figure, her frankly-odd fashion, or her music. Onika was brought up with her family consisting of her three siblings, mother and father in Trinidad. However, her childhood was not all rosy as at a young age, her father developed alcoholism and an addiction to hard drugs, and following an attempted murder on her mother by setting their home on fire, Nicki moved to live with her Grandma. As a coping method, Onika turned to acting, a hobby which she enjoyed greatly. She desired to be an actress, but when her career in drama didn't take off, she worked as a waitress in Queens. She was fired from multiple jobs due to her 'discourtesy to customers', but that never stopped Nicki following her dreams. Adopting her new stage name of 'Nicki Minaj', her career began with a handful of mix tapes, and being signed to Young Money, Lil' Wayne's record label. With a push from leading rap-star Lil'Wayne, Nicki began to make her album, even being asked to join Rihanna on her tour in 2010, which Minaj declined to dedicate all of her time making her up and coming album. 'Your Love' was released in 2010, and Nicki's career began to fly. Her album 'Pink Friday', a play on 'Black Friday', was released, and went straight to the top of the charts, even certified as Platinum. Minaj has since worked with Madonna, M.I.A, David Guetta, Chris Brown and Lil'Wayne himself. 'I'm The Best' is a track that tackles her upbringing, in a positive way, showing people who doubted her how far she has come. 

Nicki Minaj for her album 'Pink Friday' 2010.
http://richestnews.com/nicki-minaj-net-worth/

Her work is constantly being criticised, but I admire Nicki for continuing producing her music, fashion and image. She doesn't follow the conventional music that is being produced in the modern day, with Nicki adding her own twist on Hip-Hop. Her music is partnered hand in hand with her crazy sense of fashion, which Nicki is renowned for. Her figure has been criticised many times, as she is in the eye of the media, being described as '"risk-taking" and "far-out", with "bold sartorial choices". She promotes women empowerment, even autographing fans boobs to show this, and refers to herself as 'king' rather than 'Queen' in track 'Moment 4 Life'.

'True confidence leaves no room for jealousy. When you know you are great, you have no need to hate!' - Nicki Minaj

Pink Friday photoshoot - 2010
http://hiphop-n-more.com/2010/11/nicki-minaj-pink-friday-promo-pics/

Recently, Nicki has been slammed for her sexual video in 'Anaconda' which she hits back how its about empowerment,'it’s always about the female taking back the power, and if you want to be flirty and funny that’s fine, but always keeping the power and the control in everything.” She is an influential women of the modern day, and her crazy outfits and bold wigs have led her to be invited by fashionista's to join them at catwalks, even being invited to sit with Anna Wintour during New-York Fashion Week.

Nicki Minaj promoting the MTV EMA's in November 2014.
http://power96.com/2014/09/30/whatdoyouthinkabout-nicki-minaj-hosting-the-2014-mtv-europe-music-awards/

Nicki Minaj is my idea of a New Elizabethan, as she is contemporary for her time. She is constantly producing new and wacky outfits, just a like how Queen Elizabeth's gowns were extravagant for her time. Nicki does a lot of self-promotion, similar to that of the Queen and her beloved portraits. She has the large 'booty' which is a symbol nowadays for wealth, and celebrity status, as well as the pink cars, multiple pairs of Louboutins, and designer clothes. For the MTV EMA's in November 2014, she produced an advert of the how the world would react to her hosting the event. I feel this is similar to how the public reacted to the reign of Elizabeth, copying her style, makeup, hair and carrying miniature portraits of her everywhere. Nicki is not afraid of causing controversy, but still remains one of the leading ladies of the modern day.

References:

GQ Magazine Interview on Anaconda: CNKGUY, October 2014, NickiMinaj21(online), [viewed 11/11/2014], available from: http://nickiminaj21.info/october-2014/

Background: Wikipedia, Nicki Minaj (online), [viewed 11/11/2014] available from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicki_Minaj

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0sq2AvzVIQ