Nicki Minaj Covers Elle, Talks Bullying And Feeling 'Naked'
Nicki Minaj has been experiencing some sort of awakening, or maybe just realizes that artists with longevity need to reinvent. Hence, the rap star donning a less “done up” look lately. Here, Nicki covers the April 2013 issue of Elle and talks about her reinvention and more. Peep the quotes and images.
On dealing with bullies growing up
"I went through a lot of bullying early on. Girls made my life a living hell. We had come to America from a different country. My brother and I had accents. It was very tough. So I've always put up this wall—it was a self-defense mechanism growing up—because I was almost expecting people to attack me. And I still have it. It's sad.”
On being comfortable wearing less makeup
"I'm so, so attached to my pink lipstick, it's hard. I feel that it's become a part of me. To go in front of the camera, without pink lips or big ol' crazy lashes— you know, nothing— I felt naked. It was scary! So this photo shoot was a real accomplishment in my eyes."
On advice for women in the workplace
"My advice to women in general: Even if you're doing a nine-to-five job, treat yourself like a boss. Not arrogant, but be sure of what you want— and don't allow people to run anything for you without your knowledge. You want everyone to know, Okay, I can't play games with her. I have to do right by this woman. That's what it's all about."
Photo Credit: Elle
On dealing with bullies growing up
"I went through a lot of bullying early on. Girls made my life a living hell. We had come to America from a different country. My brother and I had accents. It was very tough. So I've always put up this wall—it was a self-defense mechanism growing up—because I was almost expecting people to attack me. And I still have it. It's sad.”
On being comfortable wearing less makeup
"I'm so, so attached to my pink lipstick, it's hard. I feel that it's become a part of me. To go in front of the camera, without pink lips or big ol' crazy lashes— you know, nothing— I felt naked. It was scary! So this photo shoot was a real accomplishment in my eyes."
On advice for women in the workplace
"My advice to women in general: Even if you're doing a nine-to-five job, treat yourself like a boss. Not arrogant, but be sure of what you want— and don't allow people to run anything for you without your knowledge. You want everyone to know, Okay, I can't play games with her. I have to do right by this woman. That's what it's all about."
Photo Credit: Elle
Photo Credit: Elle
Photo Credit: Elle
