Rap Goddess: Nicki Minaj Unveils Her ‘Queen’ Cover & Release Date

Nicki Minaj is serving a serious look on the cover of her fourth album, Queen. The 35-year-old announced the LP at the Met Gala last month, and it will be available for pre-order next Friday (June 15) with an August 10 release date. Described as her “greatest work to date,” it follows The Pinkprint, which dropped to rave reviews in 2014. Things have changed since the “Anaconda” rapper’s last project as the likes of Cardi B and other female rappers have made a mark on the charts. For her return, she is hoping to reassert her status as one of the best as evidenced by the title. And she spared no expense on the album cover. Unveiled today (June 7), it was captured by legendary fashion photographers Mert and Marcus. Shot in bold, warm colors, the hitmaker channels Cleopatra in a scanty costume. Wearing a luxurious headdress and looking off into the distance, she delivers a regal look.

Things are off to a strong start for Nicki. She kicked off the campaign by unveiling “Chun-Li” and “Barbie Tingz” and has already netted a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with the former. The latter landed at the still respectable number 25 spot. Both have since received vibrant videos, and more tracks are on the way. Although the project is still shrouded in mystery, it seems safe to assume that a collaboration with Ariana Grande is in the works. The duo already linked up to record “The Light Is Coming” for Ari’s Sweetener, and they have been heavily hinting that they returned to the studio for a second bop. Considering their previous work on the likes of “Side to Side” and “Bang Bang,” they clearly have the magic touch together. With any luck, they’ll be able to land another top 5 hit before the year is out.

Check out the full cover below!

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