Nicki Minaj has been steadily dropping more hints about her forthcoming fifth studio album. The rap star went Live on Instagram Saturday night (June 26) to play fans an unreleased song called “Big Barbie.” The track features Future and was initially recorded for her 2018 album Queen before being scrapped.
While chatting with fans, Nicki discussed her next album, which she referred to as NM5.
“This album will definitely be my best album thus far,” she said, according to one fan who tuned in.
Nicki also reportedly told viewers she has a “major announcement” and “surprise” that she’ll be revealing within the next “few days.”
On Monday (June 28), Nicki kept the interaction with her fans going. She tweeted, “Who God bless,” causing the remainder of the Bible quote — “No man can curse” — to start trending. The mother of one also said she “can’t wait” to release new music while replying to a fan.
Nicki returned earlier this year with the re-release of her 2009 mixtape, Beam Me Up Scotty. The tape included three new songs: “Seeing Green” with Drake and Lil Wayne, “Fractions” and a “Crocodile Teeth (Remix)” featuring Skillibeng. Beam Me Up Scotty debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, becoming the highest-charting re-released project from a rapper and the highest-debuting female rap mixtape in Billboard 200 history.
“I love you guys so much,” she celebrated with fans after the achievement. “Thank you. Can’t wait to share my album with you real soon. I have to say this. Don’t care who takes it the wrong way.”
“Beam Me Up Scotty no singles ‘Seeing Green’ is over 5 mins with no hook,” she continued. “Singles now are 2-3 mins, catchy hook. ‘Fractions’ is just rapping for over 3 mins, no hook. No videos (which is always the biggest push for females, myself included). No RADIO, very little playlisting due to a surprise release (artists get over 100 playlists for big launches). No TikTok challenges (which has become EXTREMELY helpful to all artists) love the app, btw. No merch to tie into sales AND NO PRE-EXISTING singles out to ADD to my FIRST WEEK SALES.”
Hear “Big Barbie” on Nicki’s Instagram Livestream and see her tweets below.