Nicki Minaj has once again proven her enduring dominance in the music industry. Despite being released in late 2023, Pink Friday 2 emerged as the highest-selling project by a female rapper in 2024, surpassing 1 million album-equivalent units in January. The album’s commercial success, coupled with its cultural impact, has solidified Minaj’s place as the reigning queen of rap.
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A Year of Records and Milestones
The 22-song album landed at No. 30 on Billboard’s 200 Albums year-end chart for 2024, a remarkable achievement considering its release date. The chart ranks albums based on pure sales and on-demand streaming activity, underscoring the longevity of Minaj’s music in an industry dominated by fleeting trends.
Tracks like “Barbie Dangerous” and “FTCU” propelled the album’s success. “FTCU” was especially noteworthy, as it received a mega remix featuring Chris Brown, Travis Scott, and rising rap star Sexyy Red. These collaborations expanded the album’s reach and kept it fresh in the minds of fans throughout the year.
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The Pink Friday 2 World Tour
Building on the album’s momentum, Minaj embarked on the highly anticipated Pink Friday 2 World Tour in March 2024. The tour made stops in major cities like Los Angeles, Atlanta, Nashville, and Toronto, showcasing Minaj’s ability to fill arenas across North America.
Minaj also took the tour overseas, performing in Europe, Asia, and Australia to sold-out crowds. The international leg of the tour highlighted her global appeal and reinforced her status as a cultural icon. In September, Minaj returned for a second North American leg, giving fans another opportunity to witness her electrifying performances.
The tour’s success was a testament to the album’s enduring popularity and Minaj’s unparalleled stage presence. Fans raved about her elaborate stage setups, dazzling costumes, and the energy she brought to every performance.
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Deluxe Editions Keep the Buzz Alive
To maintain the album’s relevance throughout the year, Minaj released multiple deluxe versions of Pink Friday 2. These expanded editions featured new tracks and collaborations that delighted fans and kept the project fresh.
Highlights from the deluxe editions included:
- “Beep Beep (Remix)” featuring 50 Cent, a high-energy track that blended Minaj’s sharp lyricism with 50 Cent’s iconic flow.
- “Love Me Enough” featuring Monica and Keyshia Cole, a soulful anthem showcasing Minaj’s versatility as an artist.
- “Press Play” featuring Future, a fan-favorite collaboration that brought together two rap heavyweights.
Despite the excitement surrounding these deluxe editions, Minaj kept fans on their toes with unexpected delays. Pink Friday 2 (The Hiatus), the final deluxe installment, was initially slated for release on December 13, 2024, but has yet to appear on streaming platforms. Similarly, Pink Friday 2: Gag City Reloaded faced delays, leaving fans eager for updates.
Celebrating Success with Fans
On December 14, Minaj celebrated Pink Friday 2’s milestone with a heartfelt post on social media. Sharing a collage of videos, screenshots, and throwback photos, she expressed her gratitude:
“God bless everyone who contributed to Pink Friday 2. God bless everyone who supported Pink Friday 2. Happy Holidays, you guys. Love you.”
The post resonated with her loyal fanbase, known as the Barbz, who have supported her unwaveringly throughout her career.
The Competition
Minaj’s achievement comes in a year where other female rappers also saw significant success. GloRilla’s Ehhthang Ehhthang secured the No. 145 spot on the year-end Billboard 200 chart, while Sexyy Red’s Hood Hottest Princess and Megan Thee Stallion’s self-titled third studio album landed at No. 156 and No. 184, respectively.
While these artists had strong showings, Minaj’s ability to outpace them underscores her staying power and the deep connection she has with her audience.
A Legacy That Continues to Grow
Pink Friday 2’s success is more than just a commercial milestone; it’s a testament to Minaj’s adaptability and innovation. Over a decade into her career, she continues to set records, influence trends, and inspire a new generation of artists.
Her decision to release multiple deluxe editions and embark on an extensive world tour demonstrates her commitment to giving fans a complete experience. The album’s mix of hard-hitting rap, infectious hooks, and star-studded collaborations shows Minaj at her creative peak.
What’s Next for Nicki Minaj?
As fans await updates on the delayed deluxe editions, Minaj’s focus remains on maintaining her artistic legacy. With Pink Friday 2 closing out the year as the best-selling female rap album, Minaj has set a high bar for herself and her contemporaries in 2025.
Additionally, industry insiders speculate that Minaj may already be working on her next project. Given her track record, it’s safe to say that whatever comes next will be met with the same level of excitement and anticipation.
Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday 2 is a defining moment in her career, proving that she remains one of the most influential figures in music. From its record-breaking sales to the unforgettable world tour, the album has cemented her status as the queen of rap.
As Minaj continues to evolve and innovate, her impact on the music industry is undeniable. For now, the Barbz can celebrate an incredible year, knowing that their queen is still on top.
