INGLEWOOD, CA - AUGUST 27: Nicki Minaj attends the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards at The Forum on August 27, 2017 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Nicki Minaj wasn’t lying when she rapped that she runs businesses in her latest single “Red Ruby Da Sleeze.” The 40-year-old showed and proved that statement when she announced news of her own record label on Queen Radio this past Friday.
As reported byThe Shade Room, Minaj recently appeared in her home country of Trinidad and Tobago to celebrate Carnival. Shortly after, the rapper took to Instagram to announce that her radio show, Queen Radio, would be returning on Friday, March 3rd via Amazon’s Amp.
According to Vulture, Queen Radio first launched on Apple Music in 2018. The show’s final episode on the platform, Episode 17, aired in 2020, as reported by Billboard.
In 2021, Minaj did not publicly disclose why the show left Apple Music. But did share a tweet with fans announcing that she was exploring “new avenues for the show.”
According to On Smash, it’s speculated that Minaj left Apple Music to assist with the launch of Amazon’s new social radio app, Amp.
After announcing the return of Queen Radio, Minaj shared a preview of her latest single, “Red Ruby Da Sleeze.” The mother of one explained that the song would leave “ghost writers all around the world” scrambling.
The single was released on the morning of Friday, March 3rd, and Queen Radio made its return that evening. Despite the back-to-back gifts from Minaj to her fans, no one would be able to anticipate the rapper’s next surprise.
Well, I have a record label now…
Minaj revealed to a room full of applause.
The rapper went on to share that Patty Lauren, also known as Patty Duke, will be the A&R of the label. Minaj also disclosed that she would not yet be revealing the label’s name.
Patty Duke is the first A&R on my label. Im not going to tell you guys the name of the label yet, right. But Ill tell you guys that on the next show. Well do a next show pretty soon.
Additionally, Minaj’s first four artists include singer Nana Fofie, rapper Tate Kobang, rapper Rico Danna, and rapper London Hill. Despite the heavy inclusion of rappers, Minaj stressed that her artists and their music will breed a variety of sounds.
Dont think my label is just rap, or Black, or anything. We got some other genres of music.
Minaj went on to reflect on her mentor Lil Wayne, and how he selflessly prioritized propelling her career. As well as those of his other Young Money artists.
When I came in this game, I didnt have no paperwork with Lil Wayne. But he had us on tour, he had us in a studio, he was getting on my mixtapes. I understand the importance of having somebody else doing the heavy lifting for you. I understand why people are coming out and theyre so, you know, microwaveable and theyre here today and gone tomorrow, because theres no structure.
Then recalled why she never started her own label until now, reiterating that she plans to go about this new venture the right way.
Theres no real person that believes in them. Thats like, nah, Im gonna make it my business to see you shine. Thats why I never wanted to do a label before because I said to myself unless Im ready to really put these artists on Im not gonna ruin anyones life.
Additionally, Minaj revealed that she plans to work extremely hard for her artists in getting them the exposure and opportunity that they deserve.
When I get behind an artist, yall know how I do s**t for people thats not even signed to me. Imagine what Ima do for the ones thats signed.
Listen to the full show here.
