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Entertainment

Nicki Minaj's Technicolor Music Video Evolution

The artist has always had a penchant for boldness.

by Bria McNeal

Nicki Minaj’s impact as an artist is undeniable. Her witty verses and colorful music videos have left an unforgettable mark, and this year at the VMAs she’ll receive MTV’s Video Vanguard Award for her achievements. Ahead, we track Minaj’s video evolution, from “Superbass” to “Do We Have A Problem.”

Screengrab via YouTube
“Superbass” (2011)

“Superbass” fused rap with bubblegum pop, and the music video wrapped the two genres up with a candy-colored bow. In Minaj’s first viral video, she gushes about a crush in a fantasy world filled with ice sculptures, pink cars, and two-toned wigs.

Screengrab via Youtube
“Starships” (2012)

“Starships” was the song of the summer. The techno-rap track was paired with a futuristic-beach-themed music video to match its playful vibe (“let’s go to the beach-each!”)

Screengrab via Youtube
“Beez In The Trap” (2012)

Minaj stepped away from her technicolor style to create “Beez In The Trap” — an unapologetically cool video about being the baddest b*tch in the game.

Screengrab via Youtube
“Anaconda” (2014)

“Anaconda” was Minaj’s first video to hit over a billion views. Set in a jungle, the innuendo-filled track showcased a sexier side of the rapper.

Screengrab via Youtube
“Bang Bang” (2014)

Minaj joined forces with fellow pop divas Ariana Grande and Jessie J to dance on top of a building in the “Bang Bang” music video.

Screengrab via Youtube
“Feeling Myself” (2015)

In the music video for “Feeling Myself” Minaj and Beyonce teamed up to remind us all that they’re the coolest friends on the planet.

Screengrab via Youtube
“Chun Li” (2018)

Minaj channeled her cinematic side in the video for “Chun-Li,” starting out with a black-and-white film motif before utilizing her signature colorful hues.

Screengrab via Youtube
“Do We Have A Problem”

Following a two-year hiatus, Minaj returned with “Do We Have A Problem,” a nearly 10-minute long video where Minaj plays a skilled criminal investigator.