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Pink Friday

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Untitled

Pink Friday is the upcoming debut studio album by American rapper Nicki Minaj, due for release on November 22, 2010 through Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records and Universal Motown. The album was preceded by the singles "Your Love" and "Right Thru Me" which were released in June and September 2010, respectively. In addition a previously released joint single between Nicki Minaj & will.i.am titled, "Check It Out" appears on the album.

Background

After a major record label bidding war, Young Money Entertainment announced on August 31, 2009 that Minaj had signed a 360-deal with the label in which she retains and owns all of her 360 rights – including merchandising, sponsorships, endorsements, touring and publishing.[2] Sessions for the album began in 2009 with a tentative release in the second quarter of 2010. Nicki Minaj stated in an MTV interview that "Married In The Club" was set to be the lead single from the album and was slated for a November 2009 release.[3] Plans for the single were cancelled and Minaj explained in a February 2010 interview with MTV that she had scrapped the previous material and began recording again from scratch. Minaj explained, "I have songs that where I am now, they aren't a great representation of me to where I'm at musically. I wanna start from scratch but I do have my single and it'll be out."

Minaj stated the great importance of the album to her and all females in hip-hop in an interview with V103’s Greg Street stating; “They won’t look to sign other female rappers because they’ll say, ‘Her buzz was so crazy and if she couldn’t do it, then no one can do it.’ And I don’t want that to happen, so I’m doing this as well for all the girls. I hope that with the success of the album—because I know it will be successful, I believe it will be successful—I hope that this opens doors for all of the girls everywhere. Even as far as I’ve come right now, it’s a testament in my mind,” she said. “So I hope the female rappers will understand how big it is, just for our culture, that the album does well.”[4]

Concept

On August 3, 2010 Minaj revealed on a Ustream.tv channel for her fans that the albums name would be Pink Friday stating, “To carry on a great tradition of Black Friday, we are going to switch it up this year in honor of the Nicki Minaj album and call that day Pink Friday, and call my album Pink Friday,!”[5] A deluxe edition of the album has also been confirmed.[6] Nicki Minaj released the artwork for her album cover on Friday, October 15, 2010.[7] Rap-Up commented on the album cover stating "The cover features Minaj as a doll alarmingly staring at the camera, sitting armless on the ground with her elongated legs in a flowing silver corset, pink stilettos, and a stark pink wig."[8]

Recording and production

Hip-hop producer Swizz Beatz confirmed his collaboration with Minaj for the album, with Minaj discussing a song "Catch Me", that she described as "moody" and "mellow futuristic" which later became a bonus track on the album.[9][10] Minaj also confirmed to Entertainment Weekly that The Black Eyed Peas member and record producer will.i.am contributed production to the album. She stated in the interview that “The album is much more emotional than you anticipate, which is a great thing. And I know women are gonna connect to the album so much. I felt like for so many years I was the girl who did the catchy little raps, and it’s time for me now to tell my story, and in telling my story, I’m really telling every girl’s story. We all go through the same thing. So the album is gonna feel very personal to every female.”[11] Producer Bangladesh also contributed to the album.[12]

Hip-hop rap artist and producer Kanye West is also confirmed for the album.[13] In an interview with Interview Minaj stated that she would be toning down her sex appeal on the album, stating: “I made a conscious decision to try to tone down the sexiness,” she tells Interview magazine. “I want people—especially young girls—to know that in life, nothing is going to be based on sex appeal. You’ve got to have something else to go with that.”[14] The song "Right Thru Me", which Minaj confirmed as a "standout" track of the album, is confirmed for the album with Minaj stating, "It's not gonna come right now. It'll come closer to when the album drops, but it's a really, really pretty song. Everyone's gonna like it. It's just really insightful but in a very conversational kind of way."[15][15] In an interview with 95.8 Capital FM, Rihanna stated that after the two collaborated on "Raining Men" from her album Loud that the duo would be teaming up together for a possible second collaboration on Minaj's Pink Friday.[16]

A joint single between Nicki Minaj & will.i.am titled "Check It Out", which samples "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles, was released on September 3, 2010 via digital download.[17][18] Minaj revealed on an unexpected Ustream on October 25, 2010 and discussed a song she recently recorded with fellow label-mate Drake that is expected to be on the album and is set to be a single and have a music video.[19] Minaj revealed exclusively to Rap-Up that she collaborated with rapper Eminem on a Swizz Beatz-produced track titled "Roman's Revenge" which references Minaj's alter-ego Roman Zolanski and features Eminem's alter-ego Slim Shady.[20][21]

Release and promotion

On her Twitter Minaj stated that if she reached one-million followers she would dedicate a Ustream to her fans. On August 3, Minaj went on Ustream to call fans who emailed her their phone numbers and to reveal the album's title.[5] On June 17, 2010, promotional photos for the album were leaked online, depicting Minaj in a neon-orange wig dressed as a ninja.[22] It is unknown if the photoshoot will be included in the final album artwork. On July 8, 2010, Minaj announced via Twitter that the album will be released on November 23, 2010.[23]. It was later announced that the album got pushed up by one day to November 22, 2010.[24] Minaj's official website and related social networking pages later announced that the digital download version of the album would be availabe for pre-order through iTunes on October 30, less than a month before the release date of the physical edition.[25]

Pink Friday Tour

Nicki Minaj announced via the social networking site Twitter that she would kick off a five-date Pink Friday Tour a month before the album drops.[26] Tweeting, "Ok Barbz, here are the 1st 5 dates on my Pink Friday Tour," the tour began in Philadelphia on October 22, and ran through October 30 in Trinidad and Tobago.[27][26] Further dates are yet to be announced.[28]

Date City Country Venue
North America
October 22, 2010 Philadelphia United States Wells Fargo Center
October 23, 2010 Washington, DC Star Night Club
October 24, 2010 Waterbury Sin City
October 25, 2010 Boston Banknorth Garden
October 30, 2010 Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago Hasely Crawford Stadium

Singles

"Massive Attack" was released on April 13, 2010 through digital distribution. It charted at number 75 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song was a distinct change in Minaj's previous work on mixtapes and features, thus receiving mixed to positive reviews from critics, commending lyrical content and distinctiveness, and critiquing that it did not fit her "Barbie" persona well. The song bubbled under the Billboard Hot 100 at 22, and peaked at 65 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. "Massive Attack" was initially announced as the album's lead single, however, after the single's poor chart performance, Minaj dethroned its lead single status and declared that it will not be on Pink Friday.[29] "Your Love" was released as the album's next US single on June 1, 2010 and as the first single in the United Kingdom on July 2, 2010. Initially, the song had never been planned for release, but due to abounding airplay it was mastered and used as the follow-up to "Massive Attack". The song has so far peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, and at 5 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and topped the Rap Songs chart for eight consecutive weeks. Minaj became the first female artist to top the Rap Songs chart unaccompanied since 2002. It also charted in Canada and the UK.[30]

"Right Thru Me" was released September 24, 2010[31] and officially impacted urban radio on October 5, 2010.[32]. A music video directed by Diane Martel, was released for the single on October 27, 2010.[33] "Check It Out" was released as a joint single by will.i.am and Nicki Minaj on September 3, 2010.[34] A music video for the song was directed by Rich Lee and released October 25, 2010.[35] "Roman's Revenge" featuring Eminem was released as a promotional single to iTunes on October 30, 2010.[36]

Reception

Critical response

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
The Independent[37]
Los Angeles Times(favorable)[38]

Pink Friday has been met with mixed reviews. Ann Powers of the Los Angeles Times remarked on Minaj's overall attempt to showcase multi-faceted talent, a trend continuing from artists such as Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Kesha. She admired the expression of life from a female perspective, especially in male-chauvinistic society and the domain of hardcore rap. Though noting this was accomplished to moderate fruition and questioning the presentation of the "split-personality approach", Powers concluded her review by applauding the female emcee for starting "on the right path" to longevous success.[38] Andy Gill of The Independent gave a rating of three stars out of five, feeling that "Right Thru Me" was the only track that showed "adequate use of [Minaj's] R&B vocal skills" among an album of unoriginal "rap braggadocio". He deemed "Dear Old Nicki" and "Roman's Revenge" as several of the best tracks—tracks that presented talent with Minaj at "extremes".[37]

Track listing

The official track listing as reported by MTV was revealed through the iTunes Store on October 30, 2010.[39]

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."I'm the Best"Onika Maraj, D. JohnsonKane3:37
2."Roman's Revenge" (featuring Eminem)Kaseem Dean, Marshall Mathers, T. Smith, MarajSwizz Beatz4:36
3."Did It on 'Em"Shondrea Crawford, J. Ellington, Maraj, SamuelsBangladesh3:32
4."Right Thru Me"Stephen Hacker, Maraj, Joe Satriani, Andrew TheilkDrew Money3:56
5."Fly" (featuring Rihanna)Kevin Hissink, W. Jordan, Maraj, Jonathon Rotem, Clemm RishadJ.R. Rotem3:32
6."Save Me"Warren Felder, Maraj, Andrew WanselOak, Papi Justifi3:05
7."Moment 4 Life" (featuring Drake)Aubrey Graham, O. Maraj, N. Seetheram, T. WilliamsT-Minus4:39
8."Check It Out" (with will.i.am)William Adams, James Brown, Geoffrey Downes, Trevor Horn, Maraj, Bruce Woolley,will.i.am4:11
9."Blazin'" (featuring Kanye West)MarajDrew Money5:02
10."Here I Am"John B, Dean, Maraj, Robbie BronnimannSwizz Beatz2:55
11."Dear Old Nicki"Johnson, Maraj 3:53
12."Your Love"David Freeman, Maraj, Joseph Hughes, WanselPapa Justifi4:05
13."Last Chance" (featuring Natasha Bedingfield)Natasha Bedingfield, Maraj, TheilkDrew Money3:51
Deluxe edition bonus tracks[40]
No.TitleLength
14."Super Bass" 
15."Blow Ya Mind" 
16."Muny" 
17."Girls Fall Like Dominoes" (iTunes store only[41][42]) 

Release history

List of release dates, showing country, record label, format, and catalog number
Region Date Format Label Catalog
Germany[43] November 19, 2010 CD Universal Music
Ireland
Canada[44][45] November 22, 2010 CD, Digital download
France[46] CD
United Kingdom[47] Universal Island
United States[48][41] CD, digital download Young Money, Cash Money, Universal Motown 001502102

References

  1. ^ Concepcion, Mariel (November 12, 2010). "Nicki Minaj: The Billboard Cover Story". Billboard. New York City: Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 13, 2010.
  2. ^ "XXcLusive: Nicki Minaj Signs With Young Money/Universal". XXLmag.com. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  3. ^ Reid, Shaheem (2009-10-15). "Nicki Minaj Says Her Debut Single Will Drop Next Month – News Story | Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV News". Mtv.com. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  4. ^ "Nicki Minaj Says 'Pink Friday' Is Crucial for Female Rap's Future". Rap-Up.com. Retrieved 2010-09-23.
  5. ^ a b "Nicki Minaj Announces Album Title". Rap-Up.com. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  6. ^ Concepcion, Mariel (August 6, 2010). "Nicki Minaj Finishing Next Single, Says Young Money 'Keeps Me Grounded'". Billboard. Nielsen Media Research. Retrieved 2010-08-07.
  7. ^ http://www.billboard.com/news/nicki-minaj-pink-friday-album-cover-hits-1004121394.story#/news/nicki-minaj-pink-friday-album-cover-hits-1004121394.story
  8. ^ http://www.rap-up.com/2010/10/15/album-cover-nicki-minaj-pink-friday/
  9. ^ Harper, Rosario (2010-07-09). "Swizz Beatz Sheds Light On Nicki Minaj's Debut, "She's Doing Some Amazing Things On The Choruses"". Sohh.Com. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  10. ^ Reid, Shaheem (2010-07-08). "Swizz Beatz Is Making 'Musical Moments' For Nicki Minaj's Debut – News Story | Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV News". Mtv.com. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  11. ^ Pastorek, Whitney (2010-07-23). "Nicki Minaj drops new hints about her debut album (will.i.am!), needs someone to make her an Annie Lennox mixtape | EW.com". Music-mix.ew.com. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  12. ^ Phillips, Rashad (2010-09-09). "Bangladesh Ends Cash Money Feud, Talks Future Projects | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHopDX. Retrieved 2010-09-23.
  13. ^ "Nicki Minaj Looks to Kanye West, Swizz Beatz for Debut Album". Rap-Up.com. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  14. ^ "Nicki Minaj Tones Down the Sexiness". Rap-Up.com. 2010-06-23. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  15. ^ a b Ziegbe, Mawuse (2010-08-04). "Nicki Minaj Says Pink Friday Is 'Progressing Miraculously' - Music, Celebrity, Artist News". MTV. Retrieved 2010-09-23.
  16. ^ http://www.capitalfm.com/music-showbiz/music/music-news/rihanna-launches-new-album-loud-london/
  17. ^ "Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more!". FMQB. Retrieved 2010-09-23.
  18. ^ http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1648698/20100924/baby_aka_the_1_stunna.jhtml
  19. ^ http://www.rap-up.com/2010/10/26/nicki-minaj-calls-up-drake-on-ustream/
  20. ^ http://www.rap-up.com/2010/10/28/nicki-minaj-gets-revenge-with-eminem/
  21. ^ http://www.demboyzmusic.com/news/video-nicki-minaj-speaks-on-eminem-collaboration/
  22. ^ "Nicki Minaj's Hot New Promo Photos!". Rap-Up.com. 2010-06-17. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  23. ^ "Nicki Minaj Announces Album Release Date – News Story | Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV News". Mtv.com. 2010-07-08. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
  24. ^ http://www.rap-up.com/2010/10/14/nicki-minajs-pink-friday-coming-early/
  25. ^ "Pink Friday on iTunes". Nicki Minaj official website (MyPinkFriday.com). 2010-10-28. Retrieved 10-28-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  26. ^ a b http://www.billboard.com/column/the-juice/nicki-minaj-announces-pink-friday-tour-1004121555.story
  27. ^ http://www.theboombox.com/2010/10/18/nicki-minaj-pink-friday-tour-dates/
  28. ^ http://ksfm.radio.com/2010/10/19/nicki-minaj-pink-friday-tour/
  29. ^ Concepcion, Mariel (2010-10-20). "Sean Garrett: Nicki Minaj's 'Massive Attack' Was 'Out Of My Control'". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved 2010-10-20.
  30. ^ http://www.billboard.com/#/artist/Nicki+Minaj/chart-history/998160?f=793&g=Singles
  31. ^ "Right Thru Me - Single". iTunes Store. Retrieved 2010-09-27.
  32. ^ "®R&R :: Going For Adds™ :: Urban". Gfa.radioandrecords.com. Retrieved 2010-09-25.
  33. ^ http://www.rap-up.com/2010/10/27/video-nicki-minaj-right-thru-me/
  34. ^ http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/check-it-out-single/id391025074
  35. ^ http://www.rap-up.com/2010/10/25/video-will-i-am-x-nicki-minaj-check-it-out/
  36. ^ http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/romans-revenge-feat-eminem/id400968519?i=400968524&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
  37. ^ a b Gill, Andy (November 19, 2010). "Album: Nicki Minaj, Pink Friday (Island)". The Independent. Independent Print Limited. Retrieved November 19, 2010.
  38. ^ a b Powers, Ann (November 18, 2010). "Nicki Minaj's 'Pink Friday': Super-savvy or super-lame?". Los Angeles Times. Eddy Hartenstein. Retrieved November 19, 2010.
  39. ^ Ziegbe, Mawuse (2010-10-31). "Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday Track List Revealed". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved 2010-10-31.
  40. ^ http://www.amazon.com/Pink-Friday-Deluxe-Nicki-Minaj/dp/B0049D1TCM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1290132536&sr=8-2
  41. ^ a b "Pink Friday (Deluxe Version)". iTunes Store. Retrieved October 31, 2010.
  42. ^ http://www.mypinkfriday.com/news/14431
  43. ^ "Pink Friday" (in German). Amazon.de. Retrieved 2010-11-02.
  44. ^ "Pink Friday". Amazon.ca. Retrieved 2010-11-02.
  45. ^ "Pink Friday". iTunes Store Canada. Retrieved 2010-11-02.
  46. ^ "Pink Friday" (in French). Amazon.fr. Retrieved 2010-11-02.
  47. ^ "Pink Friday". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved 2010-11-02.
  48. ^ "Pink Friday". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2010-11-02.
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