Does Nicki Minaj's 'Roman Reloaded' Album Live Up to the Hype?
As if all eyes aren’t already on Nicki Minaj—all ears have also shifted toward the Queen Barbie. Last night (March 28), Nicki’s upcoming sophomore album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, leaked in its entirety. 19 full tracks featuring guest verses from the likes of Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Drake, Chris Brown, Nas, Cam’Ron, and more flooded Twitter timelines with mixed reactions.
Though, the LP won’t officially be released to retailers until next Tuesday (April 3), VIBE gave the Barbz early leak a preview while we worked through our day. After one listen, check out our initial reaction to all 19 tracks.
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Not the best way to kick off an album. Is it opera-hop? It's basically Roman going mad a.k.a an excuse for Nicki to be all over the place. Good news: She's still funny? --"I am the ultimate Svengali. You bitches can't even spell that."
Instant reaction: has that "Did It On Em" vibe (the spitting) but also a little bit of "Massive Attack" in that it's hard to find a groove with the beat. In case you're confused about the title: "My ice is so cold it should come on a cone." Ending sounds like a parody.
More Mixtape Nicki. Already these first three tracks are leaving me wanting a storyline. Aren't albums supposed to have some sort of thesis? At least it's more melodic than the first two. God bless Cam'ron--"You just a nail I hammered."
Basically, "Bitches ain't shit." A minimal beat with some drips and bass farts. I could imagine blasting this song in a big truck and I'll probably add it to my playlist. Love her flow at the end. And 2 Chainz, well he's on it.
Her bravado and the production drive this track. Would appreciate a bit more umph on the chorus, but Onika shows up here. Praise Roman.
This is no "Monster" record. Miss me with the chorus, but I suppose that it's one of the stronger rap tracks.
We've been here before, so I'm a bit bored with the super duper flow. 'Preciate Weezy coming in for the save, though.
Pop Nicki should sound a lot more like this. The assist from Chris Brown fits perfectly over the production. If you're on the pop wave, this one is replay worthy, indeed.
Bored. Didn't make it past the first verse.
“Starships” is Nicki Minaj gone Katy Perry. The Red One-produced track is best listened to while fist-pumping down the New Jersey Turnpike.
"Pound the Alarm" sounds like it was made for Taio Cruz but Nicki's crossover appeal makes it work. David Guetta would be proud.
"Whip" It will be on the soundtrack of every Lucille Roberts across the country. This track is for Jersey Shore juicehead fist-pumpers. Beat the beat up!
This track automatically screams "Top 40." It's safe but quite skip-able.
Nicki really shows off her vocal abilities on this track. She croons all the way through.
Nicki bares her inner blonde bombshell, flexing her vocal chords for a 3-minute confessional on the highs and lows of fame.
The artist otherwise known as Roman reminisces on a young love that didn’t last, making the song cry.
Nicki breaks out the melodic slander on “Fire Burns,” wishing karma on her ex for messing up a good thing.
The Barbie gets in touch with her island roots with this flowery reggae inspired tune. Zigga zow, ziggah zigga, zow zow...
Machine Gun Minaj fires off on the album’s closer. Obviously, she doesn’t respect the intelligence level of these other bird brain femceees.