How did Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj first encounter each other?

Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne, renowned figures in hip-hop, have a lengthy history. During the 2010s, the Young Money rappers had a significant impact on the music industry and created possibilities for other emcees to follow in their footsteps.

Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj in a photo by Chris McKay/Getty Images.

Nicki Minaj’s early career

Nicki Minaj started her rap career in 2002. She became a member of the Hood$tars, a New York rap trio consisting of Safaree “SB” Samuels, Loustar, and Svn-Up, who eventually became her long-term spouse.

Following the disbandment of Hood$tars in 2005, Minaj endeavored to establish a solo career. In the late 2000s, she released the mixtapes Beam Me Up Scotty (re-issued in 2021), Sucka Free, and Playtime Is Over.

Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne in a photo by Denise Truscello/Getty Images

Lil Wayne found Nicki Minaj on a DVD.

Minaj had an appearance in The Come Up, a hip-hop DVD series, during her rise in New York. The album was produced by rapper Money’s independent company, Money Records, located in New York.

Minaj had many appearances on Come Up DVDs. According to MTV News, Lil Wayne discovered her via one of these street DVDs. Lil Wayne and Minaj were both included on the Come Up DVD named “Wayne’s World” after being big figures in the hip-hop business for almost a decade.

During one of her concerts, Money openly proclaimed, “I associate only with the best,” while sitting next to a young Minaj. If she wasn’t the greatest, I wouldn’t be here. I associate with the greatest.

Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne in a photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images.

Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne collaborated on successful songs such as “Good Form,” “Seeing Green,” and more.

Wayne signed Minaj to his Young Money record company, and they collaborated on three mixtapes in the late 2000s. Wayne was a regular feature on her Sucka Free mixtape.

Minaj successfully transitioned into the mainstream with the release of her first album Pink Friday in 2010 and its follow-up Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded in 2012. Yet, when she started releasing more pop-focused songs, people questioned her credibility as a rapper, since it seemed like she had forsaken her rap persona to pursue a career as a pop artist.

Minaj has often shown that her skill in rapping has not decreased. Both rappers exert maximum effort when they duet with Wayne on a song. They have worked together on several songs such as “High School,” “Good Form,” “Truffle Butter,” “No Frauds,” and “Seeing Green” over the years.

The current connection between Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj

Since releasing her album “Queen” in 2018, Minaj, who is married and has a kid, has released only little amounts of music. She has a strong relationship with Wayne.

Wayne was the surprise visitor that Minaj revealed to her followers during a highly anticipated Instagram Live session in July 2021. They still have the same amount of affection for one other and maintain a sibling-like relationship.