The queen returns to rule hip-hop with highly anticipated album

Nicki Minaj, the reigning queen of rap, has reclaimed her throne with the release of “Pink Friday 2,” ending a five-year hiatus. The album, originally scheduled for November 17 but later delayed to coincide with Minaj’s 41st birthday on December 8, has stirred immense excitement among fans. As anticipation peaked, a member of Minaj’s loyal fan base, the Barbz, even mentioned the album during a San Antonio City Council meeting. 

A Trip Down Memory Lane: Minaj’s Return to Roots 

“Pink Friday 2” marks Minaj’s return 13 years after her groundbreaking debut, “Pink Friday,” which established her as a star and a top-tier MC. In this latest installment, Minaj collaborates with industry heavyweights, including Young Money colleagues Drake and Lil Wayne, Lil Uzi Vert, Future, and J. Cole. 

Reconnecting with Roots and Raising the Bar 

In a recent interview with Vogue, Minaj expressed a desire to revisit her musical roots, stating, “For this album, I went back to the old game plan.” She acknowledges the impact of her music and aims to inspire hope, embracing an optimistic outlook that she believes she temporarily lost. 

A Comprehensive Track Ranking: Pink Friday 2 Unveiled 

Here’s a detailed ranking of all 22 songs from “Pink Friday 2,” providing insights into the highs and lows of Minaj’s latest offering. 

• “Everybody” (feat. Lil Uzi Vert): A potential TikTok sensation, destined for chart domination. 
• “Nicki Hendrix” (feat. Future): A fusion of Future’s R&B vibes and Minaj’s prowess, creating a unique texture. 

• “Last Time I Saw You”: Reflective and mature, showcasing growth since Minaj’s last album. 
• “Needle” (feat. Drake): Infused with island vibes, a unexpected yet refreshing collaboration. 
• “Are You Gone Already”: Utilizing Billie Eilish’s sample, emphasizing love, loss, guilt, and fear. 
• “Just the Memories”: An ethereal album closer with Minaj declaring her greatness. 
• “Pink Friday Girls”: A pop-rap anthem built around Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” 
• “Let Me Calm Down” (feat. J. Cole): Exploring the complexities of adult relationships with a strong assist from J. Cole. 
• “Cowgirl” (feat. Lourdiz): Empowering pop anthem reimagining the Pink Friday ethos. 
• “Super Freaky Girl”: A playful release sampling Rick James’ “Super Freak,” securing a solo Hot 100 No. 1. 
• “Red Ruby Da Sleeze”: A catchy single setting the tone for the album, utilizing Lumidee’s hit. 
• “Barbie Dangerous”: A lyrical exercise with Biggie’s classic “Notorious Thugs” interpolation. 
• “Blessings” (feat. Tasha Cobbs Leonard): A gospel track offering a different musical dimension. 
• “My Life”: Reflective Nicki brushing off drama and embracing her path. 
• “Big Difference”: Minaj in control, slowing down to address those beneath her with an earworm chorus. 
• “Pink Birthday”: A birthday anthem with uplifting vibes, standing tall among collaborations. 
• “RNB” (feat. Lil Wayne & Tate Kobang): Lil Wayne reunites, adding a welcomed touch to the album. 
• “Beep Beep”: Minaj questions haters in a short yet impactful track with Murda (Beatz) on the beat. 
• “Fallin 4 U”: Catchy chorus with Minaj declaring herself the greatest, landing as a middling tune. 
• “FTCU”: A track overshadowed by a Tory Lanez-Iggy Azalea name-drop, struggling to connect. 
• “Forward From Trini” (feat. Skillibeng & Skeng): Caribbean pride showcased, providing a soundtrack for Carnival. 
• “Bahm Bahm”: Previewed on Instagram Live, deemed unfit for the album, lacking overall impact. 

“Pink Friday 2” reveals Nicki Minaj’s diverse musical journey, touching on themes of love, empowerment, and personal growth. The album showcases her ability to collaborate across genres while maintaining her signature rap style. With hits destined for the charts and tracks that may need time to resonate, Minaj’s return proves she remains a dominant force in the hip-hop landscape.