Onika Tanya Maraj (born December 8, 1982),[2][3] better known by her stage name Nicki Minaj (/mɪˈnɑːʒ/), is an American[4] rapper, singer, songwriter and actress. After success with three mixtapes released between 2007 and 2009, Minaj signed to Young Money Entertainment. Minaj's debut studio album, Pink Friday (2010), peaked at number 1 on the US Billboard 200 and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Its most successful single, "Super Bass", was certified 8× platinum and has sold over four million copies, becoming one of the best-selling singles in the United States. During this time, Minaj became the first female solo artist to have seven singles simultaneously charting on the Billboard Hot 100. Her second studio album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2012), topped the Billboard 200 and became one of the best-selling albums of that year. Its lead single, "Starships", peaked at number 5 in the United States and became one of the best-selling singles of 2012. As of 2013, Minaj has sold over five million albums globally.[5] Minaj also served as a judge during the twelfth season of American Idol. Minaj is the first female artist included on MTV's Annual Hottest MC List, with The New York Times suggesting that some consider her "the most influential female rapper of all time".[6] Her rapping is distinctive for its fast flow, use of alter egos and accents, notably British cockney. Her outlandish and colorful costumes, wigs and