Album Review: Nicki Minaj

 Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded

Who knew this day would arrive? After a pushback and disappointing tracks released by the reigning queen herself (excluding Starships), fans had their fingers crossed tightly, hoping that Nicki doesn't suffer the ultimate 'sophomore flop' causing an embarrassment to her career but now with the album officially released to the world, we can all judge whether it is legitimate enough. Read below for my track-by-track review.

1. Roman Holiday - I ain't gonna say much because there isn't much to say about this song but I highly prefer the live version that she performed at the Grammy's than the album version. The album version sounds weak, don't get me mistaken she does deliver but she lacks that energy compared to her Feb. performance which leads her to sounding weak and tired. Over It.

2. Come On A Cone - You must of heard the world crying and begging for 'Old Nicki' to call back; well finally the bitch did and it looks like she is taking charge again, showing her female counterparts that she is a force to be reckoned with. Boasting about sitting with Vogue's Anna Wintour and only competing with herself over the monstrous beat, she proves to her critics that she can still deliver and she is not a 'sell-out'.

 

Am I the only one that walks around singing 'Put my dick in your face' part all the time? Yes. Oh okay *hides face*

3. I Am Your Leader - ' I Am Your Leader. Yes I Am Your Leader. You're not a believer. Suck a BIG dick. '. Nicki/Roman/Martha etc. exclaims on the underground beat. Nicki still continues to do her part on the album even fetching rap veterans Rick Ross and Common to drop a few lines. Unfortunately for me, I just feel that the song just drags on; not even Ross and Common saves the song. They all sound bored. Next

4. Beez In The Trap - First of all, 2-Chainz. Go away. Second of all, Nicki why did you holler at 2-Chainz to jump on this? He's just slurring words for a good 32 seconds, you would of thought I wrote his verse whilst high (just saying.). Moving On...

5. HOV Lane - Yasssss, Nicki you better go offf. When I heard this, I had to replay this like ten times before listening to the whole song. (I know what you're thinking; No, this track is not an ode to Hova aka Jay Z). Nicki's fierce and 'slap in the face' bars bragging about getting paid to rock chains and her recent Pepsi ad she shot in Argentina would certainly leave her foes shaking in their Louboutins. The bouncy instrumental matches her flow without fail and the chorous without a doubt is FIREE!!! This would certainly satisfy those lost stans searching and complaining for 'Mixtape Nicki' to return.

One low point is the sound effects of the cars zooming past. WTF?! Did the producer find this on YouTube or something. That bit was pointless and should of not been added into the first place.

6. Roman Reloaded - Clearly she is taking shots at her worse enemy, Raggedy Ann Lil Kim (try tell me I'm wrong.). Even delivering short verses, addressing everything relevant that has happened to her career with the last month and a half, it seems that the spotlight is snatched by her sensei/boss, Tunechi who basically rapping about...well I don't know to be honest. Foolishness, I guess.

Bang. My Shit Bang.

7. Champion - Sounds like 'Moment 4 Life' Part 2. I like the fact that nobody overshadows eachother when it comes to their parts and Nas seems to have come back to his normal 'hood' form. =)

The song reminds of water (don't ask). It's too therapeutic and I don't need no therapy at this current moment. Maybe if I do yoga, I would recommend that you listen to this song or instrumental.

BYE 'RAP' NICKI (See you later, Roman)

8. Right By My Side - Yeah Nicki still raps on the track but I don't like it because she sounds out of place adding a sense of awkwardness to the rnb instrumental. Who would of thought that Nicki's soft and light vocals would match with Chris Brown non-autotuned singing voice? Not me, guess I was proved wrong. One thing, I didn't like is the 'over the top' adlibs performed by Nicki constantly throughout the track. Nicki, when doing ad-libs don't over do it. Just don't. 

9. Sex In The Lounge - This seriously reminds me of a parody song by Lonely Island. I won't be surprised if Lonely Island did a parody video to this. Not much to say about this. It sounds decent until Lil Wayne comes on. Then it's like..NEXT!!

10. Starships - This is where the dance-europop section begins. I didn't like this song because of the annoying dance segment that sounds like every song RedOne has produced mashed together but overtime it has grown on me. The radio friendly summer anthem boasts a catchy bridge assisted with her quirky verses displays that Onika does have a happy side to her and she isn't so 'hood' as most think.

11. Pound The Alarm - 3 Words. I. LOVE. IT. Definitely a standout track in my opinion. Listen you would understand why...

12. Whip It - This just isn't doing it for me. After a few listens, It just becomes repetitive and annoying leaving me un-interested. NEXT!

13. Automatic - Don't even get me started. My reaction below.

14. Beautiful Sinner - "I bet you're heart of stone. Standing In Your World Alone." Nicki continues to show off her vocal talents more than her rapping over dance infused instrumentals. This song probably displays that Miss Minaj is not a strong vocalist as she thinks, she doesn't even fit in the same category as Rihanna (oops! No shade). In my opinion, I would prefer if Ri-Rih sung this song rather than Nicki becuase it just doesn't suit. I love it though ;)

15. Marilyn Monroe - Most would've probably heard this when it lead along with Young Forever (up next). This also is another song that shows Minaj's weakness as a vocalist. You can clearly hear her struggling with to hit some of the notes but it is a decent introspective ballad that contemplates her current status as an A-Lister.

16. Young Forever - Another power ballad which tries to categorize Nicki with the likes of Katy Perry and the 'young and innocent' Britney Spears. Its aiight.

17. Fire Burns - Clearly a sequel to Pink Friday's 'Save Me'. I love it because it is such a calming tune that displays the light, soft vocals produced from Nicki. She doesn't sound like she's been strangled by a cat; she sounds comfortable. Its so unfortunate that it is so short. Hopefully she releases this as a single in the near future.

18. Gun Shot - The reggae inspired tune puts a smile on my face. It's been years since I last heard Beenie Man. Those who don't know who he is but recognize his name; take your time to reminisce:

I really like this track eventhough Beenie himself steals the spotlight away from Nicki but who on this album hasn't?

19. Stupid Hoe - First reaction:

Then I listened to it again, then I was like

#HaveASeat

Why end the album with this shit? Why Nicki? Why?

To conclude, Nicki Minaj has clearly gone down the Rihanna route of producing an album full of singles instead of producing tracks that have substance and a strong meaning behind it. Yes, I know Nicki repeatedly said that she had lots of fun with this album and its about freedom blah blah blah but if she wants to be in the same league as hip hop moguls like Jay-Z and Nas who have had the chance to produce more than eight successful and classic albums and still be relevant till this day. Nicki better step her game up otherwise she would become another "washed up" female rapper. #just saying.

Rating: 7.5/10

Stand-Out Tracks: Pound The Alarm, HOV Lane, Come On A Cone, Beautiful Sinner, Gun Shot

'Over It' Tracks: Sex In The Lounge, Whip It, Automatic, Champion, Roman Holiday

Do you Like It? 

What are your favorite tracks?