Nicki Minaj has released her highly-anticipated fifth studio album, Pink Friday 2 on Dec. 8. The album, which is a sequel to her debut studio album, includes 22 singles and features guest appearances from Lil Wayne, Drake, J. Cole, Lil Uzi Vert, and many more. Leading up to the release, the Barbz generated excitement with a Twitter trend where fans created AI-generated art for a fictional world named “Gag City.” Now that the album is out, though, what do we think of this musical offering from the iconic rapper? Well, the Complex Music team has shared some of our first impressions below.
Worst thing about the album?
Jessica: For me, it’s the singing. Now, before the Barbz destroy me, I understand that singing is a part of Nicki’s artistry, and she’s incorporated it in all of her major studio albums. In the past, I have appreciated those singing breaks, but for me, this album should focus on Nicki’s very well-executed raps and flows. The singing distracts from how well she is spitting at times. The other critique would be the album’s length. When will rap be done with 20+ track projects?
Jordan: I don’t see any glaring issue with Pink Friday 2. It sounds like the natural evolution of2010’s Pink Friday, and even though a few songs sound very similar to each other, they’re still good tracks.
Biggest surprise?
Jessica: I guess this shouldn’t be a huge surprise, but I didn’t think Nicki would seemingly diss Latto on “Fallin 4 U” and Megan Thee Stallion on “FTCU.” She had to know that the Barbz and rap fanatics in general would catch those lines and tie it to her supposed beefs with both girls. Rap disses can be exciting and entertaining, but in this case, it’s just another distraction that might be unnecessary.
Jordan: I didn’t expect “Let Me Calm Down” with J. Cole to sound like it was pulled out of a time capsule from 2010, but I’m glad it does. The beat isn’t one you’d expect to hear Cole on but he floats, and it’s so Nicki-coded that it still fits perfectly on the album.