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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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Phoebe Bridgers: A Deep Dive into Songwriting

October 17, 2022

Phoebe Bridgers is an American songwriter, singer, and producer who has, in recent years, gained mainstream recognition with the release of her sophomore album “Punisher” in 2020...

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How Steve Lacy Makes the Most with Less

October 18, 2022

Steve Lacy is a singer, songwriter, record producer, and living proof that you don’t need the most advanced or high-tech studio equipment to create music that listeners will love...

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Has the Pandemic Changed the World of Live Music?

August 31, 2022

For the last two years, there has been something missing in the lives of music lovers around the world—live music. The advent of a global pandemic meant the absence of concerts, festivals........

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Like the Early Days of Hip-Hop: The Future of Blockchain in the Music Industry

August 19, 2022

One of the biggest questions many spaces face today is how blockchain technology may overhaul industry norms, and the music industry is no exception. In particular...

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Snapchat Announces a $100,000 Monthly Grant for Artists

August 19, 2022

Snapchat has recently announced Snapchat Sounds Creator Fund, a monthly grant program of up to $100,000 awarded to independent artists distributing music on the platform...

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TikTok Plans to Introduce a New Music Streaming App

August 15, 2022

Over the past few years, TikTok’s popularity has significantly increased resulting in 1 billion global daily users by early 2022. The app has also become extremely influential in the current music....

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Are Charlie Puth’s Music Classes Worth $300?

August 4, 2022

Charlie Puth has paired with Studio to create a 30-day online course that outlines the entire songwriting and production process for $279 USD. This hands-on learning experience has been marketed....

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Success Through Self-Exploration: Lexie Liu's Rise to Stardom

August 2, 2022

Whether you know Lexie Liu from her performance as Seraphine in K/DA’s “MORE” or her fourth-place finish on The Rap of China 2018, there’s no denying that the Chinese hip hop star is a global ...

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BTS: The First K-Pop Band to be Invited to the White House

June 17, 2022

BTS is the most famous K-Pop band in the world now, and recently, they were invited to the white house to speak about anti-Asian hate crimes and inclusivity. Being the first K-Pop band to be...

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SEVENTEEN is Going "HOT" This Summer

June 6, 2022

SEVENTEEN (세븐틴) is a 13 member Korean boy band under Pledis Entertainment. They are split into 3 teams, the Hip Hop unit (S.coups, Wonwoo, Mingyu, Vernon), the Vocal unit (Jeonghan, Joshua, Woozi...

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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.