Check out Nicki Minaj!

The Rap royal covers the newest issue of i-D magazine.

Arriving on the heels of her #1 smash ‘Super Freaky Girl,’ the femcee poses it up in a Luis Alberto Rodriguez-lensed shoot.

For the interview feature, Minaj is questioned by City Girls star JT.

Speaking candidly, she opened up about her forthcoming album, misconceptions, and more.

Head below for pics and quotes…

Nicki to JT on Super Freaky Girl & New Album:

“I knew the song would make people happy. Everything that feels nostalgic is making people feel better right now ‘cause we’ve had a couple of tough years. Once I started writing it, it became easy and fun. It’s been a while since I put out a fun song. With the remix, I was like, “The song is called “Super Freaky Girl”, so why don’t we see how other female voices would speak from a freaky girl perspective?” I heard your verse and was blown away. I was so taken aback by your ability to remain yourself on a song that seemed like a beat that you wouldn’t normally do. I’m in a really great place now. I feel like whenever I’m happy, I deliver the best music. And in order for me to deliver the best music for my album – which is coming out soon – I have to tap back into the essence of hip-hop. On the remix of “Super Freaky Girl”, all the girls tapped into that.”

On How She’s Perceived:

“There’s a huge misconception with people who come across as outspoken. The misconception is that we’re so strong. Just because a person fights back, doesn’t mean they’re not afraid. I have suppressed years’ worth of things that I’ve wanted to say. People have lied about me, and I didn’t respond. There’s always been a level of fear there because this is a business. This is not walking down the block and jumping double dutch. This is a job. And the same way people at a nine-to-five can lose their job, and won’t be able to pay their bills, an artist can lose their job. They can lose their spot; they can lose their money. So, there’s always some reservation there. But I’ve decided that I have to speak up now. You know, I see the hip-hop community praise so many other people for speaking up for themselves, but for some reason they seem to have an issue when I do it. Once I realised that there’s that double standard, I decided I don’t give a sh*t anymore. The last part of it is that if I never rap again, I will still leave this earth as an icon. I guess there is a little less fear now at this point in my career because I realise that my fans aren’t going anywhere. I’ve paid my dues.”

On Future Plans:

“The fifth album. I’m not gonna say when it’s gonna come out, but the album will be out soon. And I am working on a nail design company, where people will be able to buy my press-on nail with dope designs. I was already working on that before someone auctioned my press-on nail for $50,000 or whatever they spent on it.”

Your thoughts?

[Photo Credit: i-D / Luis Alberto Rodriguez]

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