Nicki Minaj, born Onika Tanya Maraj on December 8, 1982, in Saint James, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, is a Trinidadian-American rapper, singer, songwriter, and actress. She moved to Queens, New York, with her family at a young age and began pursuing music in the early 2000s. Minaj gained recognition through a series of mixtapes, including "Beam Me Up Scotty" in 2009. Her breakthrough came in 2010 with the release of her debut album, "Pink Friday," which featured the hit single "Super Bass" and helped establish her as a dominant force in hip-hop and pop music. Known for her colorful persona, rapid-fire rap style, and bold fashion choices, Minaj has continued to release successful albums such as "Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded," "The Pinkprint," and "Queen." She is also recognized for her collaborations with artists across genres and her impact in bringing female rap back to the mainstream. In addition to music, Minaj has appeared in films and lent her voice to animated projects. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her work and is considered one of the most influential female rappers of all time.