© Photo by Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic
Nicki Minaj opened up about the deeply personal inspiration behind her album “Pink Friday 2” in a recent interview. The loss of her father unexpectedly just after she had given birth was the impetus for the emotional lead single “Are You Gone Already.”
Minaj recalled taking a call from her cheerful father shortly before his sudden death, who was looking forward to visiting her family soon in California. Tragically, she was woken up later that night by her distraught mother informing her that her father had been killed in a hit-and-run accident. Overcome with grief, Minaj fainted upon hearing the devastating news – the first time that had ever happened to her.
The artist had even dreamed of losing a loved one in similar circumstances just days prior, in an eerie premonition. With the pain of her father’s passing still raw, writing “Are You Gone Already” allowed Minaj to process her emotions through song. She revealed the title to him on their final phone call, not knowing it would be their last conversation.
Elsewhere in the interview, Minaj provided context around her collaboration with Drake on “Needle.” The track was initially meant for inclusion on Drake’s “For All the Dogs” album but was deemed an ill-fit sonically. However, Minaj felt instinctively that it suited the vibe of her upcoming “Pink Friday 2” release instead.
While some fans were disappointed not to see the duo unite on Drake’s record as hinted, Minaj expressed that things worked out for the best, having “Needle” find its home on her album. The reframed account hopes to give a new perspective on how personal loss and artistic intuitions shaped two impactful songs.
