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The Road to Success: What qualities can we learn from Kpop Idols?

January 28, 2023

What does it take to be a professional singer in South Korea? On stage, these Kpop idols capture our attention with catchy songs and amazing choreographies, but what about off-stage? Behind the ...

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Songwriter's Block: Inspiration Tuning in From Around the World

January 26, 2023

Writer’s block is real, and it’s not just authors, but also songwriters and composers. Thinking of top hit songs can be difficult, so how do the pros do it? Where do they get their inspiration from?

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Arcane: How A Video Game Adaptation Ended Up With A Banger Soundtrack

January 26, 2023

What does a TV show based on a video game and the music industry have in common? Near the end of 2021, Arcane took the world by storm after debuting on Netflix. Not only did it dazzle us with its...

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How Black Pink Should Negotiate Their New Contract with YG Entertainment

January 23, 2023

As the contract between Blackpink and YG Entertainment nears its end, fans of the popular South Korean girl group are wondering if the group will renew their contract with the agency...

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Writer's Block is Real, Even for J.Cole: Here are 8 Tips to Overcome

January 19, 2023

Rapper J. Cole has recently announced that he had been struggling with writer's block, but found a way to break free from it by using a type beat from Youtube music producer BVTMAN's YouTube...

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Hania Rani: A Virtuoso in the World of Classical and Electronic Music

January 19, 2023

Hania Rani is a Polish pianist and composer whose music has been described as "hauntingly beautiful" and "evocative." She is known for her unique blend of classical and electronic music, which she...

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Ryan Tedder’s Studio Review: Writing Three Songs From Scratch

January 16, 2023

Ryan Tedder is a highly accomplished and sought-after music producer and songwriter. He is known for his work with a wide range of artists including: Adele, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and OneRepublic...

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Quentin Miller only got paid $30,000 for writing 6 Drake songs.

January 6, 2022

Drake's ghostwriter controversy has been a topic of conversation since the rapper's feud with Meek Mill in 2015. Quentin Miller, a lesser-known rapper from Atlanta, was named as the ghostwriter....

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Timbaland’s Beatmaking Masterclass Review: A Class on Feeling the Flow

December 28, 2022

Many artists are using their personal brand and influence to educate artists, from beginners to fellow professionals. Timbaland has partnered with Masterclass to teach musicians how to make unique...

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Rina Sawyama -- The Voice of a Genre-Spanning Pop Star

December 7, 2022

Rina Sawayama has burst into the consciousness of queer music listeners in recent years. My first time listening to her work was Cherry, a track that is bubbly ...

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YouTube Announces New “Creator Music” Platform

October 4, 2022

In the wake of Tiktok’s rapid expansion and growing dominance in the short-form video market, YouTube has felt the pressure to adapt to keep up with the shifting demands of its audience...

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Deep Dive: How Conan Gray Writes His Songs

October 5, 2022

Conan Gray is an American YouTuber turned singer-songwriter, most well-known for his songs about heartbreak and unrequited love. Throughout his career, Conan has written songs like “Crush Culture”...

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Nicki Minaj Shatters Records with 'Pink Friday 2': A New Era in Hip-Hop

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Photo Source: Rolling Stone

In an astounding display of musical dominance, Nicki Minaj's latest release, 'Pink Friday 2,' is reshaping the landscape of hip-hop and music charts worldwide. Released on her birthday, December 8, the album has catapulted Minaj back into the limelight, marking a triumphant return for the rap queen.

Historic Sales and Chart Domination

Early sales predictions for 'Pink Friday 2' have been revised upwards, now eyeing a launch of nearly 200,000 units in its first week, according to Hits Daily Double. This marks the album as Minaj's most successful debut in almost a decade, potentially surpassing her 2014 hit 'The Pinkprint.'

Minaj's impact is not confined to album sales alone. The superstar has taken over the U.S. iTunes chart, with songs from 'Pink Friday 2' occupying almost the entire top 10. This feat is a testament to her enduring popularity and the fervent support of her fans. The lead track 'Needle,' featuring Drake, stands out for its immediate popularity and is poised to become the album's next hit single.

A Role Model in Hip-Hop

Nicki Minaj's journey in the music industry has been nothing short of inspirational. As noted by music critic Jon Caramanica, Minaj emerged in the late 2000s and broke barriers in a genre that had narrow expectations for female artists. Her eclectic style, bold persona, and versatility have not only earned her a spot among hip-hop's elite but have also paved the way for a new generation of female rappers.

'Pink Friday 2' showcases Minaj's evolution as an artist and a person. The album features a range of collaborations with notable artists like Drake, Future, and Lil Wayne. It also touches upon themes of personal growth, sentimentality, and maturity, as seen in tracks like 'Beep Beep' and 'Cowgirl.'

The Legacy and Influence of Minaj

Beyond the numbers and accolades, Minaj's influence extends to the very fabric of the hip-hop genre. Her approach to music and public persona has inspired countless artists. From Ice Spice to Doja Cat, a new wave of female rappers is emerging, carrying the torch Minaj lit years ago. Her legacy is evident in the diversification and empowerment of women in hip-hop, proving that there is room for multiple voices and styles.

As 'Pink Friday 2' continues to break records and redefine expectations, Nicki Minaj stands not just as a successful artist but as a transformative figure in the music industry. Her latest album is not just a collection of songs; it's a statement of resilience, evolution, and enduring influence.