Nicki Minaj "Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded"

      The duality of her personality, as well as musical ambitions, are more apparent on this record; whether she is trying to gain credibility as a rapper as Roman, or diva status as Nicki. There is a point in time where you cannot even tell anymore, and just do your best to enjoy the ride. The last album seemed to cater more to the hookier, and more pop-minded confections; which would feature her distinctive verses, and seamlessly meld with her edgier tunes (well, it comes pretty darn close). This album she flexes her potential in both, and caters to neither; the album is about half and half. The first offering helps reel you in by its intriguing dynamic: it sounds like it could be featured on an off-kilter Broadway show (with drum machine beats), the vocal tracks anyway, where the black sheep of the family can be a lighter shade of gray (and more acceptable) with some medication. They also force her to stay in a mental hospital on her “Roman Holiday,” and what does she manage to re-inteperet at the end?  The next song is this album’s answer to Did it on ‘Em. “No, I asked why did you make it?” The song’s verses are good; they just raise questions: 7up was going to use Nicki for their commercials? Who’s Anna? She wasn’t happy with her Pepsi deal? Was she inspired by SNL toward the end of the song? Ok, enough questions, but who can deny her image, and “brand?” That is what the next song talks about, and all three rhyme slayers’ verses work; Rick Ross and Cam’ron join in, together to make one satisfying whole that helps you believe “I Am Your Leader,” as proclaimed by Ms. Minaj (or is it Roman?). Where has Cam’ron been? “Beez in the Trap” is minimalistic, and sounds a little too silly for its own good, but instead of being cringe-worthy it remains oddly appealing; 2 Chainz appears, but I don’t think that is the only reason why.                                                                                                                                 I can say she has tried to step up her game to be able to drive in the “HOV Lane,” but that would be offensive to her verses in her earlier tracks; I think she just rhymes more, and that is why it sounds more on point. “Roman Reloaded” sprinkles verses with all of her endorsements and appearances, which becomes a celebration of her success, and what is wrong with that? She does get a little mean, but she is shooting to kill; look at the chorus. The next song is a celebration, and not only because Nas and Drake, are present; even Young Jeezy drops verses worthy of some applause. The song is a “Champion,” as well as an anthem for those…ok “ Put it up for the ghetto/It's time like these/They know who were by now.” This next song could be an anthem, or part of the soundtrack, to the obsessed female fans of Chris Brown in “Right By My Side.” Weezy and Bobby V are part of the Minaj a Trois that is “Sex in the Lounge.” What? Did she coin that term already? What follows is the best example of both musical personalities and ambitions coming together to create a brash and entertaining thrill ride on some “Starships.”                                                                                “Pound the Alarm!” Roman has run amok, with plans to drink, party and...don’t worry she is not hiding any knives in her verses. Instead, she plans to “Whip It”; sounds like one of the most club-ready tunes. However, the urge to shake my hips is more “Automatic” with the next one, and the final verse seems to channel Gaga before we go to the chorus one last time. This hook sounds like she felt as lost as “Marilyn Monroe.” Confused? It is an interesting experiment in hypothetical empathy, and maybe that is why she makes that leap in the chorus. Why did she choose Marilyn Monroe? I don't know “Young Forever” sounds like it’s more about an old relationship and her feelings for this guy are frozen in time, unless the “Fire Burns” that iceberg. She sounds much more resentful in the latter track; “this is a sickening joke that you play with my emotions/And so I pray you burn in h*** and you never find the ocean.” The next selection shoots you between the ears like a “Gun Shot,” or maybe it’s your love, except the bullet is not nearly as painful; unless you do not like a dreamy club-banger. The chorus’ phrasing reminds me of a song that is f***** perfect. The final song is proof that Nicki is a “Stupid Hoe.” It’s a joke, odd, but I say it with respect though; it is one of those songs that are far and few in between, and that is not a bad thing. Favorites: Roman Holiday, I Am Your Leader, Beez in the Trap, Champion, Sex in the Lounge, Whip It, Starships, Pound The Alarm, Marilyn Monroe, and Fire Burns. HM: Gun Shot and Stupid H*e.