Nicki Minaj has been keeping busy since the release of her platinum debut Pink Friday, but she’s managed to find some time in her hectic schedule to listen to other artists’ music. The Young Money diva, who is currently on the “I Am Music II” tour with Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, and Travis Barker, shared who’s buzzing in her ear.

“I listen to Beyoncé, I listen to Rihanna, I listen to Kanye, and of course Lil Wayne,” she said on set of her Elle magazine photo shoot. “Of course Drake. I listen to a lot of gospel music. I listen to Cyndi Lauper, Avril Lavigne… I just bought a whole bunch of reggae like Mavado and Lady Saw and Beenie Man.”

The Harajuku Barbie also explained that with her recent success, there’s some bad that comes with the good. “To know that I’m ‘making waves,’ it feels good but it gives me a little more pressure. Because before, I would do things without thinking,” she said. “I would do an interview without thinking or wear something without thinking, but it makes me put a lot more thought because now, I know people are going to pick it apart. Whether they love or hate it, people are going to pick it apart.”

As much as fans and the media scrutinize her every move, she knows it’s all part of the job. “It comes with the territory. You want to be one of those females in the business that people want to see what you’re going to wear and what you’re going to do and what you’re going to say,” she continued. “I just take the good with the bad. I cannot complain. I’ve been living my dream, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Source: Rap-Up.com

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Nicki Minaj brought her blonde ambition to the NBA, performing at the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) All-Star Gala at the J.W. Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE on the eve of Sunday’s All-Star Game. Wearing her hair curly and looking classy in a blazer, patterned leggings, and sky blue stilettos, the Harajuku Barbie tickled the VIP audience pink with selections from her debut album. She is preparing to hit the road with Lil Wayne on the “I’m Still Music Tour” beginning March 16 in Providence, Rhode Island.

Young Money-Cash Money toasted their moneymakers Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, and Drake at last night’s pre-Grammy soirée at West Hollywood’s The Lot. Spirits were high as hip-hop’s hottest crew took the stage, posing for photos and saying a few words.

“I want to say that from the bottom of my heart, I could not be with a different label. And I said earlier, if somebody paid me to be with a different label, I couldn’t. These people right here are fu**in’ amazing!” said Young Money’s First Lady, who received a platinum plaque for Pink Friday. “[Wayne] four years ago saw me rapping on a motherfu**in’ starcase on a DVD in Queens, New York. This shit is fu**in’ real. Baby would come to the studio and see this crazy New York girl in the studio and now look, a million records. Shout to all my bad bitches that’s gettin’ money! YMCMB, ya dig?”

Check out Rap-Up TV’s footage from inside the biggest celebration of Grammy weekend.

Source: Rap-Up.com