The Complete Transformation Of Nicki Minaj's Style
In just a few years the 'Anaconda' rapper has undergone a radical transformation.
1. Before she was famous: Nicki Minaj shows off her more natural side.
No, Nicki wasn't born wearing a wig! This rare photo of her before she was famous shows Nicki looking a little more regular than she is usually known for in the press. Picture: Instagram
2. Nicki still had a natural look when she was approached by Lil' Wayne to sign with Young Money.
This was likely taken around 2007 when the label-mates worked on 'Can't Stop Won't Stop' – a time she says inspired her when making her third mixtape, 'Beam Me Up Scotty' two years later. Picture: Instagram
3. Underground followers of Minaj will know that she use to look like this.
In a recent interview with E Online Nicki said: "Before my first album, I used to have a natural look. Only my really underground followers knew that side of me."
4. But when she went mainstream, drastic style changes started to happen.
In June 2010 Nicki Minaj accepted the award for the Best Female Hip Hop Artist at the BET Awards, showing off a new look - but for some fans, the only one they ever knew.
5. And the transformations didn't stop.
With the release of her first studio album 'Pink Friday,' Nicki was high in demand. With every performance and award ceremony, a new look came.
6. One of the most notorious styles Nicki was known for were her rainbow coloured wigs.
Nicki told HypeHair Magazine: "Colour makes me happy. It really excites me. I am a very visual person and when I look in the mirror, and I see green or I see pink, it does something to my attitude. It makes me feel positive."
7. But it wasn't just the wigs that made Nicki Minaj stand out.
Every outfit that Nicki was seen wearing, be in during a performance, video or on the red carpet, was utterly unique.
8. If you thought it was for attention, think again.
Here's Nicki accepting the rap/hip-hop favourite album award for 'Pink Friday' at the 2011 AMA's. Even when she was established, Nicki continued to explore the over-the-top look.
9. What the stylists say.
Nicki Minaj's stylists, Jerod McClairn and Nonja McKenzie, known as known as McClairn & McKenzie, claim: "A lot of people ask what the inspiration is, and she’s the inspiration."
10. There's an appropriate wig for every occasion!
When Nicki Minaj attended the 'Green Auction: A Bid to Save the Earth,' she matched her wig so well to her surrounding that she almost looked camouflage.
11. Another staple of Nicki's style was her bubblegum coloured lipstick.
In the 2010 - 2012 era Nicki was almost always seen wearing a baby pink lip gloss.
12. Nicki Minaj's outlandish outfits weren't reserved for the stage.
Even on the red carpet Nicki Minaj - real name Onika Tanya Maraj - would go all out and her Young Money label mates Lil' Wayne and Tyga were proud to pose with her!
13. Nicki Minaj Billboard Women in Music Awards
Nicki Minaj arrives at the Billboard Women in Music Awards at Capitale, New York City, USA on December 12, 2011.
14. When she wasn't at an event, Nicki would still wear unusual outfits.
Those hot pants are case in point. But let's be realistic, it's toned down compared to the previous outfit.
15. Then Nicki became a judge on American Idol.
Although she stuck with the wigs, when Nicki became a judge on American Idol her outfit choices started to become a little less 'out there.'
16. In 2013, Nicki was repeatedly seen wearing a new wig.
Nicki's hair stylist said: "I created that wavy, super-blonde hair with the dark roots — the wig. I created that to take her in a little more natural direction but still bold because she’s always been known for a little edge."
17. And then, out of nowhere, Nicki went completely natural again.
After going off-radar for a while Nicki shocked fans when she uploaded pictures to Instagram of herself just after a shower. With no make-up on and showing off her natural hair, it was a message that the old Nicki was back. Picture: Instagram
18. In the video for 'Lookin', Nicki's hip-hop roots were back (along with her real ones!)
Some thought the 'shower selfie' was a one-off. But Nicki proved her costume days were gone when she released the video for her new song 'Lookin' - and she looks amazing. Picture: Instagram
19. A matching pink long-sleeve cardigan and trousers?
That's when you know a change has come - The 2011 Nicki Minaj wouldn't be seen dead in this! Picture: Instagram
20. After that came an endless stream of Instagram photos of Nicki showing off her look.
Including these bikini ones!
21. Nicki Minaj MTV Movie Awards 2014
Last month Nicki attended the MTV Movie Awards wearing a sophisticated Alexander McQueen black dress, and everyone loved it. Her stylist said: "At that particular time I thought she should have a much more modern silhouette—luxurious, someone who is embracing high fashion" - certainly looks like it!
22. "Doing nothing will shock them even more"
Of her new look, Nicki said; "You can either continue doing costumes or you can just say, 'Hey guess what? This will shock them even more. Doing nothing will shock them even more."
23. Nicki Minaj at the Billboard Music Awards 2014
Nicki continued to showcase her new look in this revealing black dress, with cut out detailing. Picture: Getty
24. Meanwhile, back to Nicki's Instagram...
If you want to keep up to date with Nicki's 'Pink Print' style, then you need to get on her Instagram page.
25. Nicki Minaj's L'uomo Vogue Cover in October 2014.
Nicki switched things up in a big way with this turn on the cover of Vogue. Picture: Frances Cocarrozzini/L'uomo Vogue
26. Looking good Nicki!
Picture: Frances Cocarrozzini/L'uomo Vogue
27. Nicki Minaj decided to dye her hair blonde again!
She added: "Grizz said when my hair is blonde, I act "blonde". She's bak bi**h." Picture: Instagram
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