Nicki Minaj Covers ‘Billboard’ Magazine: See All 6 Stunning Pics

Bianca Gracie | November 7, 2014 10:19 am

Nicki Minaj channels her inner warrior on this week’s issue of Billboard magazine! The “Anaconda” diva rocks gold metallic hardware and statement bangs (reminiscent of UK singer VV Brown) in the editorial feature, where she discusses the upcoming The PinkPrint LP (out on December 15), her Beyonce inspiration and how she handles being her own boss.

In the interview, Minaj addressed the “Anaconda” controversy: “Everything we see that’s labeled as beautiful is very skinny. In the song I kind of say, ‘F— them skinny girls.’ But it’s all love. I consider myself a skinny girl. I went overboard with the video to show that I’m not going to hide. And those big-booty dancers I have, they’re not going to hide. Black girls should feel sexy, powerful and important too.”

Take a look at Nicki Minaj’s Billboard editorial spread in the gallery above, and check out more interview excerpts after the jump!

On Beyonce: “There’s something about her work ethic that always made me feel like no matter how hard stuff gets, I’m not allowed to complain. Some women give me the feeling that where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

On the current state of hip-hop: “I’m not mad at where hip-hop’s at. It’s in a more playful place. It’s corny when rappers feel like they’ve made it and they don’t have to prove themselves anymore. You should always be competing. You should always be trying to show that you’re the best. My album is going to be important to hip-hop.”

On American Idol“Once I did Idol, a lot of people would come up to me and say, ‘Oh, you’re smarter than I thought’. What does that mean? Was I making weird faces [that made you think] I was stupid?” She added, “Thank God I did that show. At least I was able to show my true self, speak and have a mind.”

Get an eyeful of even more pop music coverage, from artist interviews to exclusive performances, on Idolator’s YouTube channel.