In an abrupt tweet recently, rap sensation Nicki Minaj announced she was retiring to focus on having a family.
The now-deleted tweet from Minaj explained that she’s exiting the music biz and she knows that her fans, which are called Barbz, are happy now. The seemingly out-of-the-blue tweet understandably had her legions of fans going crazy. The question now becomes, why did she tweet it?
The 36-year old starlet has recently opened up on her own radio show, Queen Radio, about the direction her life is taking and her upcoming marriage:
“I have to work on my album and I have a lot to focus on that I don’t want to do the big wedding now,” she said. “We’ll do the big wedding later. I’ll be married before my album comes out, but will have my wedding after the album comes out. Before the 90 days is over, yes, I will be married.”
Speaking in regards to her teenage-love Kenneth Petty, Minaj turned heads as she changed her Twitter handle to ‘Mrs. Petty’. A marriage is in the pipeline for Minaj and Petty and her recent retirement tweet outright confirms her sights are also set on family-making.
However abrupt, the retirement tweet would’ve made sense considering her family-orientated goals right now. Minaj threw a spanner in the works when not even 24-hours later she removed the tweet and sent another tweet assuring her fans “I’m still right here.” And that she’ll clue in her millions of Barbz on her radio show soon.
I’m still right here. Still madly in love with you guys & you know that. In hindsight, this should’ve been a Queen Radio discussion & it will be. I promise u guys will be happy. No guests, just us talking about everything. The tweet was abrupt & insensitive, I apologize babe https://t.co/eS0oHipwtg
— Mrs. Petty (@NICKIMINAJ) September 6, 2019
Minaj has said on her show that a new album is underway, following her 2018 Queen album. TMZ has also poked holes in the surprising retirement claim, pointing out that Minaj has been busy in the studio working on new music and has even made plans with several artists for collabs. TMZ highlighted another head-scratcher, claiming it had confirmation Minaj has the studio booked for until next month (October).
With this in mind, as well as just outright denial, her fans and followers have been quick to question the validity of her tweet.
Rappers rarely retire, they just say they’re retiring for attention and then drop a comeback album.
— Luke James (@lukejamesbgn) September 5, 2019
Jeezy said he retired. Nicki says she’s retiring. Good rappers often never really retire though. They’re artists. That creativity will always flow though you and it needs to be let out.
— HipHopSportsReport (@HHSReport) September 5, 2019
It’s hardly uncommon for rappers to exclaim the word ‘retirement’ and then backpedal. Back in 2003, Jay-Z did the very same and has since released five studio albums and is the richest music artist in the world.
According to TMZ the story goes that Minaj is fed up of having to defend herself online and having to deal with hordes of haters and trolls. It’s hoped that Minaj is simply taking a break from these haters and needs some time away from the hate pressure cooker that is the internet.
The BBC has suggested Minaj is taking time out of the game due to the rise of competitors such as Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion in the female-rap industry:
Nicki is no longer at the top of the game and arguably being outshone and that is likely a source of frustration for her. She has become increasingly critical of the music industry.
In recent weeks, Minaj has been keen to remind her followers that they need only spread positivity about her work.
https://t.co/lZrrAbO2l7 everyone, let’s plz be positive to all & focus on the future. Love you.
— Mrs. Petty (@NICKIMINAJ) September 4, 2019
Whether Minaj is retiring outright or just taking a hiatus is unknown at this time, we’ll have to wait and listen to what the rapper says on her radio broadcast.
