Nicki Minaj Says Lauryn Hill Comparisons Not Unfounded

Kanye West said she could very well become the second greatest rapper of all time, while Irv Gotti compared her to Lauryn Hill. Not too shabby. But the question isn’t whether or not they believe in Nicki Minaj’s potential – it’s if she thinks the comparisons are warranted and can back them up. The Lil Wayne protégé recently revealed that she has played material for Irv Gotti from her forthcoming debut Pink Friday, and that based on what she made him privy to, the likening to Ms. Hill isn’t just hot air.

“Irv has been privy to hear things that I’ve done that the world hasn’t heard,” she told CNN. “Based on the music I have out now, that sounds like an absurd comment, but when ‘Pink Friday’ comes out, you will completely understand why Irv made that comparison.”

So far, her chart-topping single “Your Love” has showcased Minaj’s singing skills, which she also flexed on her breakout mixtape Beam Me Up, Scotty. She previously told Billboard that fans shouldn’t be surprised if she’s doing more singing than rapping on her debut, and that she hasn’t decided on whether she’ll have guest stars on the release.

Pink Friday, due in stores November 23, marks her first official solo release. “To carry on a great tradition of Black Friday, we are going to switch it up this year in honor of the Nicki Minaj album and call that day Pink Friday, and call my album ‘Pink Friday,'” she explained of why she chose her album title.