Exploring Nicki Minaj’s Collaboration with BTS: Has the Rapper Worked with the K-Pop Boy Band?

Over her nearly 15-year career in the music industry, Nicki Minaj has collaborated with numerous artists, ranging from fellow rappers to various singers, creating chart-topping hits that have dominated the Billboard charts.

In 2018, Nicki Minaj teamed up with the popular Korean boy band BTS for a track titled “IDOL,”which was included in their third compilation album, Love Yourself: Answer, released on August 24, 2018. This dynamic song explores themes of authenticity and self-love, largely featuring Korean lyrics interspersed with English lines.

BTS and Nicki Minaj’s “IDOL”Climbs to No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1scjjbfNsk

BTS (방탄소년단) 'IDOL (Feat. Nicki Minaj)' Official MV (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1scjjbfNsk)

BTS released two versions of “IDOL”in 2018, with Nicki Minaj’s collaboration featured in the alternate version, which was available as a bonus track in the album’s digital bundle. A distinct music video was also produced for Minaj’s iteration. In her vibrant rap verse, she sported a striking short fluorescent wig, oversized printed co-ords, and eye-catching pink high heels.

To enhance the visual drama, she waved a large yellow hand fan throughout her performance. Notably, she incorporated some Korean lyrics into her rap, marking a significant accomplishment for the Trinidadian rapper.

The music video became an instant sensation upon release, amassing over 45 million views within just 24 hours. It ultimately set a new record for the most-watched video in that timeframe, overtaking Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do”from 2017.

Shortly after its release, Minaj’s version of “IDOL”reached No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Discussing the significance of their album during an appearance on the Graham Norton Show in October 2018, BTS rapper RM remarked:

“Life always has its dilemmas, and we have to embrace the pain because when the light shines, there are always shadows, and we cannot avoid that. My message is that we should find a way to love ourselves. Particularly for the youth, we can find happiness and live fulfilling lives.”

Nicki Minaj Released Her Fourth Studio Album in 2018

The year 2018 was pivotal for Nicki Minaj, marked by the launch of her fourth studio album, Queen.

The album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart, with an impressive over 185,000 album-equivalent units sold in its first week—a significant milestone for Minaj, as it was her first album in four years. Two singles from Queen, “Anaconda”and “Chun Li,”also made it to the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

A year before the release of Queen, Minaj discussed the album during an interview with T Magazine on October 16, 2017, expressing:

“Sonically, I understand what this album is going to sound like. I know what it will mean for my fans. This album represents everything in my life coming full circle and my journey to genuine happiness.”

The rapper also shared:

“Now, I can open up about what happened over the last two years of my life. I have discovered who I am. This album is about embracing Nicki Minaj, and I am truly loving her.”

One standout track from Minaj’s album, “Bed,”features her long-time friend and collaborator, Ariana Grande.

Minaj continued her musical journey with her fifth studio album, Pink Friday 2, which was released five years later in December 2023. The accompanying tour is set to commence in March 2024, with Minaj wrapping up the ongoing tour in New York on October 11.

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