Nicki Minaj Nearly Walks Away From Music Over Relentless Criticism, Delays Motherhood

In a candid Vogue Italia interview, Nicki Minaj revealed she came close to stepping away from music and shared the emotional toll fame has taken. The Hip-Hop star noted pressure from constant attention and the impact of public criticism since her mid-2000s debut. She emphasized the personal cost included sacrifices behind the scenes that many fans never notice.

“I’ve heard every possible criticism about me. I’ve thought about quitting so many times,” Minaj said. “I’m glad I didn’t. I hope my story can be an inspiration and push kids, adults, anyone, not to give up.” She admitted those thoughts came up repeatedly as she handled endless feedback.

At 42, Minaj spoke about postponing motherhood to focus on earning and lifting her relatives. “As a woman, I put off becoming a mother,” she explained. “A lot of women in the industry, especially older than me, never had children.” She added, “Some don’t regret it, but others do. I put it off.”

The rapper shares a four-year-old son with husband Kenneth Petty and revealed she often skipped celebrations such as Christmas and Thanksgiving to stay busy. “I think the price was not having a ‘normal’ life,” she noted, reflecting on long studio sessions and tour commitments.

Now she’s able to offer her son experiences she never enjoyed growing up, yet she faces new worries about his safety. “Things are different now, since I can give my son things I never had, but there are things I want to make sure he has, and I still need to figure out how to give them to him,” Minaj said. “When we go out, for example, I have to worry that someone will take his picture.”

Minaj and Petty wed in 2019 and welcomed their son in September 2020. They haven’t revealed his name to the public. His exact name remains undisclosed as they protect his privacy.