A few posts ago I said that I was 100% team Nicki, and yea I appreciate the freshness that she brings to the game; however she did not bring it with ‘Pink Friday.’ I wanted to hear Nicki spit crazy, deranged rhymes like she spits on ‘Roman’s Revenge,’ or even all the dope features that she has appeared on. ‘Pink Friday’ comes across as a sappy, pop infused record, with a bunch of singing from a Rapper.

I am not impressed and rather disappointed. As an artist I try to listen to all types of music and if I’m feeling something I will support it. I am a true music consumer, and have been collecting music for over 15 years. When Lil Kim came out with ‘Hardcore’ that shit was banging!! Every track rocked from beginning to end. She made a statement and stuck to it. With ‘Pink Friday,’ I don’t know who Nicki is?? It feels like she’s trying to be an R&B princess. However, I have given the CD a few listens and she does have some nice tracks that I like. Like ‘Blazin’ with Kanye West and the opener of the CD ‘I’m the Best.’ Even with the disappointment I still wish her well and much success. I hope to see her develop into a stronger and solid artist.

They call her the baddest chick in the game for a reason. She continues to stay relevant, and have her name on everybody’s lips whether all love or all hate. I know I’m anticipating the Bountiful Beauty’s return.

Nicki Minaj’s recent Hot 97 interview hit many a headline, after the Young Money Mrs finally addressed the her feud with Lil’ Kim.

In yet another twist to the tale, though , Kim’s long-time nemesis Foxy Brown has added her two cents to the drama. With Minaj citing Brown as the individual who informed her of Kim’s supposed “transgressions”, what did the Ill Nana have to say?

Kanye West, Nicki Minaj and Ne-Yo all have another reason to be thankful this year – their albums are all on track to exceed expectations. West’s ‘My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy’ is projected to sell 525k-575k based on first day sales figures, guaranteeing it the #1 spot on next week’s Billboard 200 tally.

Furthermore, despite rumours that stated differently, Minaj’s ‘Pink Friday’ is predicted to land in the #2 spot with 375k-425k copies sold during the next 7 days. This means that it will sell just shy of the 447k that Drake’s ‘Thank Me Later’ sold in its first week.

However, the real surprise come from Ne-Yo’s ‘Libra Scale’. The record is expected to sell 115k-140k without the assistance of any hit singles. Certainly, the singer’s string of promotional appearances and the Thanksgiving sales rush have given him a much needed boost.

Another notable projection is that of Christina Aguilera’s ‘Burlesque’ soundtrack which is expected to debut with 20k-50k depending on the success of the movie this weekend. Also, Ke$ha’s ‘Cannibal’ EP is set to enter the charts with 60k-70k copies sold.

Last night, up and coming singer Teyana Taylor and Justin Vernon of Bon Iver joined Kanye West on stage for a unique rendition of “Dark Fantasy” during the opening number of Kanye’s intimate show at the Bowery. The 550 person venue was filled to capacity with the likes of industry movers and shakers such as Diddy, Spike Lee, Quest Love, Selita Ebanks, Lyor Cohen and more.

A Kanye show isn’t quite complete without a few guest appearances, and there was plenty throughout the night. Teyana Taylor filled in for Rihanna on “All of The lights”, followed by Nicki Minaj who joined Kanye on stage for “Monster”. Swizz Beatz, Pusha T, and Cy Hi Da Prynce appeared for Kanye’s performance of “So Appalled” and Rick Ross (BAWSE!) made a surprise cameo for “Devil In A Red Dress”. John Legend was also on hand for “Blame Game”

As the show came to an end, Kanye West went into a ten minute speech addressing Taylor Swift (and how she never came to his defense), George Bush, his album sales and more. To do an album after the year I had ….after all the “Your career is over..die n*gga, die!…You’ll never make music again!” and then come back and do 100,000 the first day digitally alone….to be safe and do 600,000 in the first week. I don’t talk about the numbers but what that number says is that people want me to keep making music…and for me not to give up. No radio singles, no #1 record, no top 10 record!

“….I can’t be your role model, i can’t be your anti-christ. I don’t know what the f*ck illuminati is. I like clothes and I still like girls, I dont give a f*ck what you think and on that note. I love ya’ll.”

Nicki Minaj is featured in the December/January issue of Ebony magazine (in stores now). The rapper released her debut album, ‘Pink Friday’, this week. Look below for a behind the scenes look of her photoshoot overseen by Derek Blanks:

Danni Starr interviews Kanye West at an exclusive listening party in Minneapolis. Kanye talks, favorite place to travel, pet peeves and the Illuminati.