Nicki Minaj – ‘Queen’ album review

"Has 2018 finally become the year for Nicki to be crowned the worthy Queen of Rap? The Palace is in restoration - but its sizeable rooms allow for comfortable habitation."

by Charley Mantack-Headey

Score

A projected, self-entitled 2018 album; ‘Queen’ by Nicki Minaj returns with a royal celebration after four years away from album distribution. She’s been hitting the headlines of late with very public social media spats, rivalry amongst her contemporaries, cameo acting roles and questionable industry associations, but now, Her Royal Minaj attempts to reign down upon the subjects of her kingdom once more.

Elements of Nicki past, present and of homage fuse - and it makes a jolly good effort of ruling. Like any wise Queen, she holds a round table of knights and the noble for protection and deliberation. Collaborations with fellow music royalty include; Ariana Grande, Lil Wayne; her talent spotter and mentor, Eminem, Labrinth, The Weeknd, Future and Foxy Brown - and we’re given a lot of beats for our buck.

Barbie Dreams, is a humoured, acid-tongued tribute paying respects to former ruler, Biggie Smalls, LLC gives a Jay-Z influenced impression, and a soft rock ballad beating cry in Come See About Me gives us personal introspection to the Queen’s struggles.

Overall, the album is a little overstretched and leaves you wanting more at times, but it’s packing light punches that accumulate to hit home hard and guarantee a satisfied purchase. This Queen is not dead yet.

Details

Release Date: August 10 2018

Record Label: Young Money;

Cash Money