27 Best Nicki Minaj Songs

Nicki Minaj seemingly came into the game unannounced with her first Billboard hit, “I Get Crazy,” in 2009. However, she's been working on her craft even before her 2007 debut mixtape “Playtime is Over.”

She gained notoriety with her vocal range, iconic lyrics, and all manner of creative alter egos. Her versatility as a singer and rapper enabled her to produce memorable hits, and the following are some of the best Nicki Minaj songs.

1. Beez in the Trap ft. 2 Chainz

Song year: 2012

“Beez in the Trap” is a song that makes you feel like you're the most extraordinary person when you're listening to it – especially once you learn the words to sing/rap along.

It also has a unique beat that sounds particularly intriguing over headphones, as the beat switches from ear to ear.

Nicki Minaj is similar to other rap artists, especially in that period, in that she focused a lot of her lyrics on how she is a star. She's confident, knows herself, knows what she wants, and has no problem getting it.

She also conveys an “I'm better than you” attitude that is present in many of her other songs as well.

2. “Itty Bitty Piggy”

Song year: 2009

“Itty Bitty Piggy” is one of her earliest hits. The song is an entertaining spin on the “itty bitty piggy” nursery rhyme.

This song made people's ears perk up to this upcoming star. She was coming into the game confidently and energetically, with nothing to lose and everything to gain.

She also has multiple comical talking breaks in this song, which she eventually became known for. These talking breaks are typically filled with intentional stuttering and rap-game threats.

The flow, lyricism, similes, and beat are all fantastic in this song.

3. “Did It On 'em”

Song year: 2010

The stuttering Nicki uses in the talking breaks on her mixtape traps makes a more melodic appearance on this song.

She incorporates a stuttering sound throughout the song “Did It On 'em,” which is an intriguing sound to hear and makes the song sound more creative overall.

One of the most cutthroat lines is about how she keeps wet wipes close by in case bums, or otherwise weaker and poorer people she doesn't like, try to touch her.

This might sound impolite but is ultimately hyperbolic for entertainment purposes. It is doubtful that Minaj actually walks around with wet wipes for this reason.

4. “Feeling Myself” with Beyoncé

Song year: 2014

Many of Nicki Minaj's songs became anthems for self-confidence, but “Feeling Myself” in particular became a true empowerment anthem for many women.

This song is excellent to listen to while getting ready for a date, a night out, or even a crucial day at work.

Perhaps due to the back and forth between two gorgeous Pop Culture Queens, it's hard not to start feeling yourself while jamming out to this hit.

5. “Chun-Li”

Song year: 2018

Years after making several pop hits that were incredibly mainstream, people started to doubt whether Nicki Minaj still had it within her to make a fire rap hit.

“Chun-Li” was that hit, and she lays down some heavy, hard-hitting verses filled with metaphors, digs, catchy rhymes, and references to her money, fame, and power.

Additionally, she alludes to how she knows what people are saying about her, perhaps regarding how she's fallen off or sold out.

Her chorus in this song responds to that, saying that she's been doing great this whole time and nobody should doubt her Queen of Rap status.

6. “Anaconda”

Song year: 2014

2014 was truly the year of Nicki Minaj, and Anaconda was one of her most popular hits of the entire Pinkprint album.

It's a spin-off of Sir Mix A Lot's famous “Baby Got Back” song, with a sampling of the “Anaconda” line from that song.

Besides her rap talent, singing ability, and standout fashion, people know Nicki Minaj for her coke-bottle body and large behind. She is far from ashamed of this, thus making a song all about her curves.

It was the perfect song for the clubs that year, and DJs continued experimenting and remixing this crowd-pleasing jam.

7. “Truffle Butter” with Drake and Lil Wayne

Song year: 2014

The term “truffle butter” is very sexually explicit, but Nicki Minaj, Drake, and Lil Wayne have no problem being sexually suggestive in their songs.

The lyrics throughout the song are not all sexually explicit, though, and actually refer more to the money they all make and how great they are at what they do, which affords them real gourmet “truffle butter.”

Drake kicks the song off with the clean flows we can expect from him, Nicki has a dominating verse, and Wayne begins his with the sound of hitting a blunt, as he tends to do. Lil Wayne also makes the song much more sexually explicit.

It's also notable that there is no actual chorus, but they all start their verse in the same way, which adds to the consistency of the song.

8. “Only” ft. Drake, Lil Wayne, and Chris Brown

Song year: 2014

Like “Truffle Butter,” all three verses from Nicki Minaj, Drake, and Lil Wayne start similarly. However, there is also a chorus in this song, sung by Chris Brown.

This song is essentially about how these artists are top tier and only want to be around other people of their caliber.

The women around them have to be bad (sexy), independent, and thick. The men around them have to be real, bad, rich, and boss.

Other than that, this is really a hype song for parties. The lyrics are not the best for any of these artists, but they are memorable, catchy, and get the crowd going.

9. “Super Bass”

Song year: 2010

This song was a major switch from Nicki Minaj's former hard-hitters like “I Get Crazy” and “Itty Bitty Piggy.” It was clearly a song meant for the radio, the charts, and the top 40 clubs.

However, when you look past the cheery electronic-pop beats, you'll realize that the verses are still quite lyrically impressive. They then compliment a flowy and vocally impressive chorus that is a joy to sing (or scream) along to.

The song itself is about falling in love and how her heart is beating because of the guy's “super bass.”

10. “Starships”

Song year: 2012

In 2012, Nicki Minaj was a walking juxtaposition, releasing songs that had street-style, hard, and aggressive raps, then immediately releasing pop-oriented, goofy, fun club music like “Starships.”

This song was a college student's favorite because it was easy to learn the catchy and repetitive lyrics. She also includes her classic stuttering notes in this song, making it even more entertaining to listen and sing along to.

Finally, this song, and this entire Nicki Minaj era, matched her bubbly, cutesy, and pop-star makeover as well, like her neon pink barbie hair.

11. “Pound The Alarm”

Song year: 2012

“Starships” and “Pound The Alarm” compete for the top Nicki Minaj club and party song.

They are both about drinking, dancing, and having fun all night long. The club is getting hotter and hotter, which is why someone will eventually need to “Pound The Alarm.”

The difference between the two songs is that this song is perhaps her worst rap song, while Starships still has some lyrical genius within it.

“Pound The Alarm” is a dance hit and nothing more, at a time when it seemed like every top artist needed at least one EDM song.

12. “Moment 4 Life” ft. Drake

Song year: 2010

“Moment 4 Life” is one of the best Nicki Minaj songs because it illustrates everything great about her as an artist.

The rap verse is fantastic, with meaningful storytelling, relevant similes, creative metaphors, and even some of her classic stuttering sounds.

She discusses where she's from, her vision for her life, how blessed she feels, and who has supported her to get to this high point she's currently at.

Then, the chorus comes in, and you get to soak up her singing voice as well. Plus, Drake is on the song, and his feature automatically upgrades every song.

13. “Bang Bang” with Jessie J and Ariana Grande

Song year: 2014

“Bang Bang” is on Jessie J's “Sweet Talker” album, but she collaborates with Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande for a crowd-pleasing hit.

And Nicki Minaj changes the song's dynamic by adding a fast flow after the powerful vocals of the other two artists.

So although it's not technically a “Nicki Minaj” song primarily, this song is too sexy, exciting, and compelling not to be included in a list of Nicki Minaj's best songs. 

14. “Up All Night” by Drake ft. Nicki Minaj

Song year: 2010

“Up All Night” is another song that technically features Nicki Minaj, but her verse is long, robust, and highly impressive. She also plays a significant role towards the end of the song, with one of her classic talking breaks.

This song also propelled Nicki Minaj to new heights, as it either introduced Drake fans to her or made the people who were already slightly familiar with her take her more seriously.

She talks about making a million dollars off her mixtape, being a powerful woman, and being better than her competitors. To this day, it's one of her hardest-hitting verses, even though it's not as technical, and it is rapped on top of an equally complex and addictive beat.

15. “Check It Out” with will.i.am

Song year: 2010

“Check It Out” starts off with a particularly amicable and inviting beat.

Funny enough, the first verse's lyrics are quite ruthless and hostile, as she is addressing her haters and how they can end their lives if they have a problem with her.

However, it's still pretty much a club song like several other songs on her “Pink Friday” album, like “Super Bass.”

16. “Your Love”

Song year: 2010

A combination of hip hop, pop, and r&b, “Your Love” appealed to people with various musical tastes.

In addition to the agreeable instrumentals and soft lyricism, the love-dovey nature of this song makes it very enjoyable to listen to, especially if you're currently in love or in the process of falling in love with someone.

You can tell that she is passionate about the person she refers to in this hit.

17. “Pills N Potions”

Song year: 2014

Like “Your Love,” “Pills N Potions” is also a love song. However, it has a more melancholy tone because she discusses a more painful, challenging, and messy love.

This song also speaks to the dynamic and versatile nature of Nicki Minaj's work, not only across her discography but also within each song.

Most rap artists that want to create a slower song with a melodic chorus collaborate with a singer to sign said chorus. Nicki, on the other hand, can do it all herself.

She has a higher-pitched sing-song voice that flows beautifully through the chorus, then switches back to a heavy, deeper, rap voice for the chorus.

18. “Stupid Hoe”

Song year: 2012

The claps, taps, and dings in the instrumentals of “Stupid Hoe” make it an amusing and entertaining song to listen to and dance to.

It's not a song that should be taken too seriously. The beat, lyrics, and even the sporadic and spontaneous flow throughout the track add to the comical appeal of the song.

For example, she extends the word “would” around the 0:48 mark, which definitely surprises people and makes them laugh on the first listen.

Finally, she ends the song using a silly and childish voice, singing slightly off-key and going bonkers with the “stupid hoe” line.

19. “Roman's Revenge” ft. Wayne or Eminem

Song year: 2010

Roman's Revenge is allegedly a diss track against Lil Kim, who responded with her own diss track called “Black Friday.”

On the version with Eminen's feature, Eminem is aggressive, hostile, and even a little frightening. He goes along with the diss track vibe but may not specifically be dissing anyone in particular.

Lil Wayne is also aggressive in his version, but his verse sounds more like he's standing up for Nicki as opposed to dissing someone for his own purposes. He doesn't sound as mean or intimidating as Eminem or even Nicki.

20. “High School” ft. Lil Wayne

Song year: 2012

Nicki Minaj is more of a punchline artist, but in “High School,” she plays with storytelling, especially to introduce the song. Lil Wayne's whole featured verse uses storytelling as well.

The storytelling is purposeful, as the song addresses adultery. Both Nicki and Wayne's roles in the story are that of the other woman or man, respectively.

21. “No Frauds” with Drake and Lil Wayne

Song year: 2017

“No Frauds” is a classic banger that doesn't get old. Due to the heavy, hard-hitting bass and the dynamic tone of the chorus, this is a great song to sing along to, especially in the car.

The verses are notable as well, with a lot of impressive and memorable punchlines. Nicki refers to her spectacular history in the rap game, then calls out bad former friends and even the mistakes her own mother made.

The song is essentially about getting rid of fake people in their lives because they are too good for that.

22. “Barbie Tingz”

Song year: 2018

Barbie Tingz sounds similar to a lot of Nicki's mixtape songs, which was crucial for her at a time when people thought that she couldn't genuinely rap, and she completely turned over to mainstream pop music.

This song proved that she still had notable rap talent. The song is mostly about her being a “bad bitch,” in terms of her talent, success, wealth, and looks. She can do everything and look good doing it, just like Barbie.

23. “I Am Your Leader” ft. Cam'Ron and Rick Ross

Song year: 2012

This song's instrumental has similar qualities to “Beez In The Trap” and is highly enjoyable.

It's another confidence-booster from Minaj, as she conveys that she is a boss.

She uses the metaphor of “killing rappers” that many rappers often tout but mixes it up by saying that she checks on other female rappers' “body bags.”

Ultimately, this is a track in which Nicki Minaj strives to demonstrate her worth and show others why she is the best.

24. “Fly” ft. Rihanna

Song year: 2011

Nicki Minaj partnered up with Rihanna to make an inspirational song for her fans.

Rappers can talk a lot about how great they are and how much money they make, which Nicki admittedly does a lot.

But in this song, the listener has an opportunity to reflect on how Nicki wasn't always in such a high position.

She also speaks on her struggles with criticism, especially regarding who she should be, how she should rap, and what her art should look like. She doesn't want to be boxed in.

Fortunately for Nicki and her fans, she successfully has not boxed herself in throughout her entire career, even today.

25. “Right By My Side” ft. Chris Brown

Song year: 2012

Another love hit by Nicki Minaj is called “Right By My Side.”

It's a bit hyperbolic and dramatic, as many love songs are, but with a bass-booming catchy beat to back it up.

Nicki sings about how she can't live life how she wants to if the person she loves isn't by her side to live it with her.

This is the perfect type of song for Chris Brown's smooth voice to sing on top of, adding a more masculine tone to this love song.

26. “BedRock” by Young Money

Song year: 2008

Nicki Minaj was a part of Lil Wayne's label called “Young Money Entertainment,” and BedRock was one of their most popular songs. It's the second top-streamed Young Money song after Trophies, with Drake.

It's called BedRock because it plays on Flintstones imagery, which is also why it has a slightly childish instrumental. It's a goofy, funny, and lighthearted song where each artist adds their own flavor.

This song introduced many people to Nicki Minaj and gave her a lot of street credit before she even released any of her own albums.

27. “Tusa” with Karol G

Song year: 2019

Cardi B, who is arguably Nicki Minaj's main competition, released her “Invasion of Privacy” album in 2018. The album was filled with many successful hits, including some Spanish hits like “I like It” that dominated the Latin music world.

That said, it's no surprise that Nicki Minaj decided to partner with Karol G to create a Latin-oriented hit of her own, even speaking Spanish on some of it. This song was a huge success and undoubtedly broadened her audience even further.

Notable Mentions

Nicki Minaj has some new releases, such as “Do We Have A Problem,” that have not stood up to the test of time but are likely to make it on this list of best Nicki Minaj Songs sooner than later.

“Right Thru Me” and “Want Some More” are also popular songs from Nicki Minaj, but we felt that her other songs met the mark vocally and lyrically more than these songs. 

Finally, Nicki is also featured on many other hit songs like Bottoms Up by Trey Songz and Flawless by Beyoncé.

Top Nicki Minaj Songs, Final Thoughts

Soon after she released her 2010 debut album “Pink Friday,” Nicki Minaj became well known for her hard-hitting verses and wide range of vocals, going from comically high to deeply low.

Nicki used to call herself the “female Weezy” back in her Young Money days, but given her vast array of hits, she can now reasonably be considered much more than that – the Queen of Hip Hop.