Houston, TX – March 26, 2025 – Rising rap star Monaleo has made headlines with her heartfelt admiration for hip-hop icon Nicki Minaj, calling her the “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) in a recent podcast episode. The comments, shared via a post on X by Pop Flop (@ThePopFlop), have sparked widespread conversation among fans and the music community, reigniting discussions about Minaj’s enduring influence on female rap.
Monaleo expresses her admiration for Nicki Minaj in a new podcast episode:
“I was 19 when Nicki Minaj was paving the way for female rap. She was being criticized and they would be so nasty towards her, I will never forget. She’s obviously the GOAT!” pic.twitter.com/QLiB3oIzaY
— Pop Flop (@ThePopFlop) March 26, 2025
In the podcast, Monaleo reflected on her early exposure to Minaj’s groundbreaking career, stating, “I was 19 when Nicki Minaj was paving the way for female rap. She was being criticized and they would be so nasty towards her, I will never forget. She’s obviously the GOAT!” The 23-year-old rapper, known for her bold lyricism and unapologetic style, credited Minaj for shaping the landscape of female rap during a time when the genre faced significant challenges. Monaleo’s comments highlight Minaj’s resilience in the face of criticism, a sentiment that resonates with many up-and-coming artists who view her as a trailblazer.
Nicki Minaj, often dubbed the “Queen of Rap,” has long been celebrated for her contributions to the music industry. With over 132 chart entries on the Billboard Hot 100 and the title of the best-selling female rapper of all time, Minaj’s legacy is undeniable. Her debut in the late 2000s revitalized female rap, paving the way for artists like Monaleo, Doja Cat, and Megan Thee Stallion. Minaj’s influence extends beyond music, as seen in her 2011 collaboration with Mattel for a Barbie doll inspired by her likeness, which raised funds for charity.
The X post, which included images of both Monaleo and Minaj, quickly gained traction, amassing thousands of likes and retweets. However, the conversation also sparked debate, with some questioning the dynamics of Minaj’s relationships with other female rappers, reflecting the complex legacy she holds in the industry.
Monaleo’s tribute underscores the profound influence Nicki Minaj continues to have on the next generation of artists, cementing her status as a cultural icon whose contributions to female rap remain unparalleled. As Monaleo rises in the rap scene, her nod to Minaj serves as a reminder of the enduring power of mentorship and inspiration in music.
