Nicki Minaj Bio, Age, Height, Husband, Son Papa Bear, Net Worth & Career

Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty—professionally known as Nicki Minaj—stands as the undisputed Queen of Rap and the wealthiest female rapper in history with a staggering net worth of $150 million. From her turbulent childhood in Trinidad and Queens to becoming the first female rapper to surpass 100 Billboard Hot 100 entries, this 43 years 1 month old superstar has revolutionized hip-hop with her theatrical alter egos, razor-sharp lyricism, and unparalleled business acumen.

As a married mother of one navigating her fifth year of wedded bliss with childhood sweetheart Kenneth Petty while raising their son “Papa Bear,” Minaj continues to dominate charts, break records, and build a multi-faceted empire that transcends music, making her one of the most influential artists of the 21st century.

Quick Facts

Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty are married

Minaj shared the special event of her life with her fans and loved ones for having married her boyfriend, Kenneth Petty, through an Instagram post. On Monday night of October 21, 2019, Minaj announced that she was officially married to share a beautiful happiness with a video that showed two cups and two baseball cap to match Mrs. (Cup), the Bride (white cap ), Mr. (cup) and Boyfriend (black cap) respectively.

Who is Kenneth Petty, Nicki Minaj Husband?

Minaj captioned the video, “Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty 10 • 21 • 19”, which was the announcement of the official wedding date of the newly married couple. Minaj had even updated his Twitter account to “Mrs. Petty” earlier this week.

Minaj had even made some serious and bold decisions previously regarding his relationship with Petty. He had even made a surprising decision to retire from music to start a family with Petty recently in September 2019. Well, he was right, as soon as he planned to retire from music and got into his new life with Petty.

Early Life & Education

Birth and Family Background

Onika Tanya Maraj was born on December 8, 1982, in Saint James, a suburb of Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Her father, Robert Maraj, was a financial executive and part-time gospel singer of Afro-Trinidadian descent, while her mother, Carol Maraj, also sang gospel and worked various jobs. The family lived in Saint James with Onika’s grandmother until she was five years old.

In 1987, when Onika was five, her mother moved to New York City to attend Monroe College, leaving Onika and her siblings in Trinidad with their grandmother. When her mother finally brought the children to Queens, New York, in 1989, the family settled in the South Jamaica neighborhood—a stark contrast to their island life.

Traumatic Childhood

Minaj’s childhood was marked by violence and instability:

• Father’s Addiction and Abuse: Robert Maraj was addicted to crack cocaine and alcohol, creating a volatile home environment
• Domestic Violence: In December 1987, Robert attempted to burn down their family home while Carol was inside, an incident that deeply traumatized young Onika
• Escape Through Fantasy: To cope with the chaos, Onika created fantasy worlds and alter egos, laying the groundwork for her later theatrical persona

Despite these challenges, Minaj excelled academically and discovered her creative talents early.

Education Journey

Elizabeth Blackwell Middle School 210

• Attended in Queens, New York
• Showed early interest in performing arts

LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts

• Specialized in acting/drama program
• Initially aspired to be an actress
• Graduated in 2000
• Fellow students included Adepero Oduye and other future performers

Post-High School:

• Worked as waitress at Red Lobster in the Bronx (fired for discourtesy to customers)
• Worked as office assistant, customer service representative
• Pursued acting career unsuccessfully before transitioning to music

Career Journey

Early Career and Mixtape Era (2004-2009)

The Come Up and Underground Recognition

• 2004: Joined Full Force rap group “Hoodstars” as female vocalist
• 2007: Released first mixtape Playtime Is Over independently
• 2008: Released Sucka Free – won Female Artist of the Year at Underground Music Awards
• 2009: Released Beam Me Up Scotty – caught attention of Lil Wayne
• Featured hit “I Get Crazy” with Lil Wayne
• Established her as rising star in underground hip-hop

MySpace and Social Media Pioneer:

• Built massive following on MySpace before mainstream success
• Used social media to connect directly with fans (“Barbz”)
• Early adopter of digital self-promotion

Breakthrough and Young Money (2009-2010)

Signing with Young Money:

• August 2009: Signed to Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment
• Featured on “BedRock” (Young Money single) – reached #2 on Billboard Hot 100
• Featured on “Roger That” – showcased unique flow and character voices

2010: Pink Friday and Superstardom

• Debut album Pink Friday released November 2010
• Debuted at #2 on Billboard 200, later reached #1
• “Super Bass”: Diamond-certified (12x Platinum) – best-selling single by female rapper
• “Your Love”: First #1 on Billboard Hot Rap Songs by female artist since 2002
• “Moment 4 Life” (feat. Drake): Platinum hit
• Album sold 4 million+ copies worldwide

Album Discography and Chart Dominance

Historic Achievements and Records

Billboard Hot 100 Records:

• First female rapper to surpass 100 entries on Billboard Hot 100 (2017)
• Surpassed Aretha Franklin’s record for most entries by any female artist
• First female solo artist to have 7 singles simultaneously on Hot 100
• Most top 10 hits (23) by any female rapper
• Most #1 albums (3) by female rapper in US

Diamond Certifications:

• “Super Bass” – 12x Platinum (Diamond)
• “Bang Bang” (with Jessie J & ariana grande) – Diamond
• First female rapper with multiple Diamond singles

YouTube Milestones:

• First female rapper with 9 videos exceeding 1 billion views
• Videos include: “Anaconda,” “Super Bass,” “Bang Bang,” “Side to Side,” “Starships”
• Tied with Rihanna for most 1B+ videos by female artist

Touring and Live Performance

Pink Friday 2 World Tour / Gag City Tour (2023-2024)

• Fourth solo concert tour
• 79 shows across three continents
• $81.7 million gross (first 45 shows)
• Highest-grossing tour by female rapper in history
• Sixth-highest-grossing tour by any rapper

Previous Tours:

• Pink Friday Tour (2012)
• Pink Friday: Reloaded Tour (2012)
• The Pinkprint Tour (2015)
• Queen Tour ( canceled due to COVID-19)

Business Ventures and Endorsements

Pink Friday Nails (2023)

• Press-on nail line
• Sold out multiple collections
• Direct-to-consumer beauty brand

Myx Fusions Moscato (Co-owner)

• Acquired ownership stake in wine brand
• Significant equity position generates ongoing revenue

Major Endorsements:

• MAC Cosmetics: Multiple collections, Viva Glam campaign
• Pepsi: Global campaign with commercial
• H&M: Holiday campaign
• Roberto Cavalli: Fashion campaign
• Adidas: Collaborations
• Fendi: “Fendi Prints On” collection

Fragrance Line:

• “Pink Friday” (2012)
• “Minajesty” (2013)
• “Onika” (2014)
• Multiple flankers and limited editions
• Generated millions in sales

American Idol (2013)

• Judge on Season 12
• $12 million salary
• Controversial season with Mariah Carey feud

Acting Career

Film Appearances:

• The Other Woman (2014) – supporting role
• Barbershop: The Next Cut (2016)
• Ice Age: Continental Drift (2012) – voice role (Steffie)

Television:

• Saturday Night Live – Host and musical guest (multiple appearances)
• The Cleveland Show – Voice role
• Steven Universe – Voice role (Sugilite)

Personal Life

Relationships Before Marriage

Safaree Samuels (2000-2014)

• Long-term relationship with rapper/songwriter
• 14 years together, mostly private
• Messy public breakup with accusations from both sides
• Samuels claimed ghostwriting contributions

Meek Mill (2015-2017)

• High-profile relationship with Philadelphia rapper
• Public breakup with social media drama
• Referenced in music by both artists

Nas (2017-2018)

• Brief relationship with legendary rapper
• Collaborated on “Sorry” (2018)
• Amicable split

Marriage to Kenneth Petty

High School Sweethearts Reunited:

• Teenage Years: Dated briefly at LaGuardia High School
• 2018: Reconnected after years apart
• December 2018: Went public with relationship via Instagram
• August 2019: Obtained marriage license
• October 21, 2019: Married in private ceremony

About Kenneth “Zoo” Petty:

• Born April 7, 1978 (age 46)
• Also from Queens, New York
• Works in music industry
• Known for keeping extremely low profile
• No social media presence
• Tattoo of “Onika” on neck (Minaj’s birth name)

Anniversary Tributes:

• October 2024: Celebrated 5th wedding anniversary
• Minaj posted: “Love at first sight. Thank you for catching me…every single time”
• Maintains relationship is built on genuine connection from before fame

Motherhood: Papa Bear

Birth and Early Days:

• Born: September 30, 2020 (Libra)
• Birth Name: Not publicly revealed (changed from “Ninja” at last minute)
• Nickname: “Papa Bear” (publicly used name)
• Birth Story: Labor lasted all night, pushed for 2.5 hours
• Location: Los Angeles hospital

Parenting Approach:

• No Nanny: Minaj and Petty chose not to hire childcare help
• Cultural preference for family-only care (Trinidadian tradition)
• Minaj handles majority of daily care
• Petty very involved (“Zoo” is hands-on father)

Public Appearances:

• Vogue December 2023: First magazine feature with son
• MTV VMAs 2022: Minaj shouted out “Papa Bear” during Vanguard Award speech
• Instagram: Regular photos showing luxury lifestyle (designer clothes, mini cars)

Milestones:

• 1st Birthday: Kung Fu Panda-themed party (2021)
• 2nd Birthday: Minions-themed party (2022)
• 3rd Birthday: Elaborate celebration (2023)
• 4th Birthday: Continued tradition of themed parties (2024)

Impact on Career:

• Minaj considered retiring after his birth
• Returned to music with renewed purpose
• “Pink Friday 2” dedicated to him
• Balances touring with family time

Controversies

Husband’s Legal Issues

Kenneth Petty’s Criminal Record:

• 1995: Convicted of attempted first-degree rape (age 16, victim age 16)
• Served nearly 4 years in prison
• Registered as Level 2 sex offender in New York
• 2002: Convicted of first-degree manslaughter
• Served 7 years in prison
• Released in 2013
• 2020: Arrested in California for failure to register as sex offender
• Pleaded guilty (2021)
• Sentenced to 1 year home confinement, 3 years probation
• $55,000 fine

Public Reaction:

• Widespread criticism of Minaj for supporting Petty
• Protest outside her home (2020)
• Social media campaigns against her
• Minaj has defended him consistently, claiming innocence in original rape case

Feuds and Beefs

Cardi B (2017-present)

• Most famous female rap feud in history
• September 2018: Physical altercation at New York Fashion Week (Harper’s Bazaar party)
• Cardi threw shoe, left with bump on head
• Ongoing social media battles
• September 2024/October 2025: Escalated with both mentioning each other’s children
• Cardi accused Minaj of drug use affecting her eggs/son
• Minaj mocked Cardi’s daughter as “Kulture Vulture”

Lil’ Kim (2009-2013)

• Accused Minaj of copying her style
• Multiple diss tracks exchanged
• Minaj denied influence, claimed original style
• Eventually de-escalated

Remy Ma (2016-2017)

• Remy Ma released “Shether” (2017) – brutal diss track
• Minaj responded with subliminal disses on tracks
• Never directly addressed Remy in song

megan thee Stallion (2022-2024)

• Subtle jabs and social media tension
• Competition for “Queen of Rap” title
• Fans fuel rivalry, artists mostly avoid direct confrontation

Brother’s Conviction

Jelani Maraj (2017-2020)

• Minaj’s older brother
• 2017: Convicted of predatory sexual assault against child (11-year-old stepdaughter)
• Sentence: 25 years to life in prison
• Minaj initially supported him, paid legal fees
• Later distanced herself from case
• Wrote about family pain in songs “Champion” and “All Things Go”

Cardi B Feud Escalation (2024-2025)

September 2024 – Social Media War:

• Both artists traded increasingly personal insults
• Mentioned each other’s children (considered taboo in hip-hop)
• Cardi B claimed Minaj’s son was “nonverbal” due to drug use
• Minaj mocked Cardi’s parenting and appearance
• Both issued apologies to each other’s children while continuing attacks

Industry Impact:

• Divided fanbases (“Barbz” vs. “Bardi Gang”)
• Raised questions about female rapper unity
• Generated massive social media engagement

Awards & Achievements

Major Music Awards

Grammy Nominations

• 10 Grammy nominations (0 wins as of 2026)
• Categories include: Best New Artist, Best Rap Album, Best Rap Performance
• Most nominated female rapper in Grammy history without a win
• Frequently cited as “Grammy snub”

Chart Records and Milestones

• Most Billboard Hot 100 entries by any female artist (140+)
• Most top 10 hits by female rapper (23)
• Most #1 albums by female rapper (3)
• First female rapper with 100+ Hot 100 entries
• First female rapper with multiple Diamond singles
• Highest-grossing tour by female rapper ($81.7M)

Cultural Honors

• Time 100 (2016) – Most influential people
• Fashion Icon Award (2019) – Council of Fashion Designers of America
• Key to Queens (2018) – Borough of Queens, New York
• Trinidad and Tobago Tourism Ambassador

Physical Statistics

Minaj is known for her dramatic physical transformations and extensive wig collection (estimated 500+ wigs). She has been open about cosmetic procedures, including breast augmentation.

Quotes

1. On Her Alter Egos:
   “I have different personalities, so I like to express them. I have Roman, I have Barbie, I have Onika… they all serve different purposes.”
2. On Motherhood (2022):
   “I think motherhood has made me see more good in people, more good in the universe. When I look at my son, I’m reminded that I am so blessed.”
3. On Her Career Longevity:
   “I never saw myself as just a rapper. I’ve always seen myself as a mogul.”
4. On Her Husband:
   “He understands me in a way that no one else does. He knew me before the fame, before the money, before everything.”
5. On Female Rap:
   “I opened the door for so many girls. I’m the best because I said so, and I proved it.”

Favorites

Salary & Net Worth

Current Net Worth (2026)

Estimated Net Worth: $150 million (Celebrity Net Worth, Marca, 2026)

Income Sources

Music Sales and Streaming:

• 100+ million records sold worldwide
• 140+ million singles sold
• Streaming royalties (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube)

Touring:

• Pink Friday 2 Tour: $81.7 million gross (2023-2024)
• Previous tours: $20-40 million each
• Merchandise sales: $5-10 million per tour

Endorsements (Annual):

• MAC Cosmetics: $5-10 million
• Pepsi: $5 million (campaign)
• H&M: $3-5 million
• Roberto Cavalli: $2-3 million
• Adidas/Fendi: Variable

Business Ventures:

• Myx Fusions Moscato: Equity stake (estimated $10-20 million value)
• Pink Friday Nails: Revenue not disclosed
• Fragrance line: $10+ million lifetime sales

Career Earnings by Year:

Real Estate

Hidden Hills Mansion (2022):

• Purchase Price: $19.5 million
• Size: 12,000+ square feet
• Location: Hidden Hills, California (gated community)
• Features: 6 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, pool, guest house

Previous Residences:

• Multiple luxury rentals in Los Angeles
• Condo in New York City (sold)

Net Worth Comparison

Minaj is the wealthiest female rapper in history by a significant margin.

Interesting Facts

1. Name Origin: “Nicki Minaj” was created by combining her real name with “Minaj” (sounds like “ménage,” French for household). She originally hated the name but it stuck.
2. Wig Collection: Owns over 500 wigs, many custom-made. Spends estimated $50,000+ annually on hair.
3. Voice Acting: Can create countless character voices and accents, used throughout her music (Roman Zolanski, Harajuku Barbie, etc.).
4. First Female Rapper: First to have a solo video reach 1 billion views on YouTube (“Anaconda”).
5. Trinidad Connection: Maintains strong ties to homeland, has street named after her in Trinidad, serves as tourism ambassador.
6. Writing Skills: Writes all her own raps, known for complex rhyme schemes and wordplay.
7. No Grammy Wins: Despite 10 nominations, has never won a Grammy—frequently cited as major snub.
8. American Idol Salary: Earned $12 million as judge in 2013, more than Mariah Carey ($10 million).
9. High IQ: Has mentioned having high IQ and enjoying reading, though didn’t attend college.
10. Pink Friday Significance: Album name combines favorite color with “Friday” (her father’s first name was Robert, but she associated Friday with freedom).

Did You Know?

• Nicki Minaj was the first female rapper to surpass 100 Billboard Hot 100 entries, breaking Aretha Franklin’s record.
• She has two Diamond-certified singles (“Super Bass” and “Bang Bang”), making her the first female rapper with multiple Diamond records.
• Minaj changed her son’s name at the last minute from “Ninja” to his current name (still unrevealed).
• She does not employ a nanny, choosing to care for Papa Bear herself with help from family only.
• Her husband Kenneth Petty has her birth name “Onika” tattooed on his neck.
• Minaj grew up in a household with domestic violence and has been open about her father’s addiction and abuse.
• She attended the same high school as Jennifer Aniston and Adrien Brody (LaGuardia).
• Minaj worked at Red Lobster as a waitress before fame and was fired for being rude to customers.
• Her Pink Friday 2 World Tour became the highest-grossing tour by a female rapper ever ($81.7 million).
• She turned down a role in “The Other Woman” initially before accepting a smaller part.

Social Media Links

Stay connected with Nicki Minaj through official channels:

• Instagram: @nickiminaj (225+ million followers)
• Twitter/X: @NICKIMINAJ
• TikTok: @nickiminaj
• YouTube: Nicki Minaj Official
• Facebook: Nicki Minaj
• Website: https://www.nickiminajofficial.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How old is Nicki Minaj in 2026?
A: Nicki Minaj is 43 years old, born on December 8, 1982. She will turn 44 in December 2026.

Q: Who is Nicki Minaj’s husband?
A: Nicki Minaj married Kenneth “Zoo” Petty on October 21, 2019. They were high school sweethearts who reconnected in 2018. Petty works in the music industry and keeps a very low profile.

Q: Does Nicki Minaj have children?
A: Yes, Nicki Minaj has one son, nicknamed “Papa Bear,” born on September 30, 2020. She has not publicly revealed his legal name but mentioned she almost named him “Ninja.”

Q: What is Nicki Minaj’s net worth?
A: As of 2026, Nicki Minaj’s estimated net worth is $150 million, making her the wealthiest female rapper in history. Her income comes from music sales, touring (her Pink Friday 2 Tour grossed $81.7 million), endorsements (MAC, Pepsi, H&M), and business ventures (Myx Moscato, Pink Friday Nails).

Q: What is Nicki Minaj’s most popular song?
A: “Super Bass” is her best-selling single, certified 12x Platinum (Diamond). Other massive hits include “Anaconda,” “Starships,” “Bang Bang” (with Jessie J and Ariana Grande), and “Super Freaky Girl.”

Q: Why doesn’t Nicki Minaj have a Grammy?
A: Despite 10 Grammy nominations, Nicki Minaj has never won. This is frequently cited as one of the biggest “snubs” in Grammy history, especially given her commercial success and influence. She has criticized the Recording Academy publicly.

Q: What happened between Nicki Minaj and Cardi B?
A: They have an ongoing feud since 2017 that escalated into a physical altercation at New York Fashion Week in 2018. In 2024-2025, the feud intensified with both rappers mentioning each other’s children on social media, which is considered a serious violation of hip-hop etiquette.

Q: What is Nicki Minaj’s real name?
A: Her birth name is Onika Tanya Maraj. She took her husband’s last name upon marriage, becoming Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, but professionally remains Nicki Minaj.

Conclusion

Nicki Minaj’s journey from a troubled childhood in Trinidad and Queens to becoming the wealthiest and most successful female rapper in history is a testament to her unmatched talent, business acumen, and relentless work ethic. At 43 years old and with a $150 million net worth, she has shattered every record imaginable—from Billboard chart achievements to touring milestones to business ventures.

Her influence extends far beyond music; she has redefined what it means to be a female rapper in the modern era, blending hip-hop authenticity with pop stardom and entrepreneurial savvy. As a wife and mother navigating her fifth year of marriage to Kenneth Petty while raising their son Papa Bear, Minaj continues to evolve, proving that longevity in the rap industry is possible for women who refuse to be boxed in.

Whether she’s breaking streaming records, selling out arenas, or building her business empire, Nicki Minaj remains the undisputed Queen of Rap—a title she has earned through decades of dominance and innovation. Her legacy is secure, her influence undeniable, and her reign shows no signs of ending.

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