Nicki Minaj Sets New Historic Rap Achievement
Nicki Minaj has made history as the first female rapper to achieve multiple Diamond-certified singles, cementing her legacy as the best-selling female rapper of all time.
.@NICKIMINAJ becomes the first female rapper to earn multiple solo @RIAA Diamond singles. pic.twitter.com/wGQRM7FWtj— chart data (@chartdata) November 18, 2024
This milestone was reached with the Diamond certification of her 2012 mega-hit “Starships,” which has sold over 10 million units in the United States, a monumental honor awarded by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The genre-defying track marked a pivotal moment in Minaj’s career as she ventured into pop-EDM, setting a trend that other rappers would follow in subsequent years.
Despite the commercial success of “Starships,“ Minaj has expressed mixed feelings about the track over the years.
“I hate ‘Starships,’ I mean ew, ‘Starships?’ I’m like, ‘Why did I do that?’ I really think that every time I hear it,” she candidly admitted in a 2020 interview.
“Starships” now joins “Super Bass” and “Bang Bang” as Diamond-certified singles in Minaj’s repertoire. This achievement ties her with Cardi B for the most Diamond singles by a female rapper in RIAA history, with both boasting three each.
2 SOLO diamond songs. like hello ?!?! @NICKIMINAJ pic.twitter.com/GYxUeH9nEH— taylor. ♕ (@OnikaHBMaraj) November 18, 2024
“Super Bass” became Minaj’s first Diamond-certified single in 2021. Released in 2011, the global smash hit not only became a cultural phenomenon but also a career-defining anthem. Celebrities like Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez famously performed the track, contributing to its widespread popularity. Minaj has publicly acknowledged their impact on the song’s success, expressing her gratitude when it earned Diamond certification.
“This one was released before the streaming era, so millions of fans actually purchased the song. I’m so grateful for you guys. Sending love & blessings your way,” the star wrote on Instagram.
@NICKIMINAJ WAKE UP DIAMOND DOLL pic.twitter.com/9jUJ2sdufy— (@viewbyshane) November 18, 2024
As Nicki Minaj continues to break barriers and shatter records, this historic achievement further solidifies her unparalleled influence in music. Congratulations to the Queen of Rap on this incredible milestone. Check out “Starships” music video below.
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