As the Queen of rap, Nicki Minaj has had a line of musical influences throughout her career, making her the legendary artist she is today. More recently, she credited the late Whitney Houston for inspiring her as well as being connected with her since her childhood.
The musician, who just dropped her new album "Pink Friday 2," appeared in an interview with Andy Cohen on his show "Watch What Happens Live" to share some of her biggest inspirations from the music industry.
"I don't think people realize how much singing or singers like Whitney [influenced me]. Whitney's first album, I know it front to back," she declared.
She noted that when she was a young girl, she would spend time with her aunt on the weekends and they would play Houston's songs on an actual turntable and she considers it as one of her most fun memories.
"I have a real connection to her," she added. (via Billboard)
Aside from Houston, Minaj also noted that Diana Ross and the Supremes' tracks were played at her aunt's home.
Nicki Minaj Talks About Upcoming 'Pink Friday 2' World Tour
Elsewhere in the conversation, Minaj opened up about her upcoming world tour this 2024 and what songs should fans expect her to perform live.
Although the rapper already had countless hit tracks in the past, she noted that the main focus of her tour is her latest album.
"I've done three world tours by now, so my fans know the material, so my focus on this tour will definitely be the new album, creating a world of that album and sprinkling everything else around that," she explained.
READ ALSO: Nicki Minaj Shatters Streaming Chart Records, 'Pink Friday 2' To Debut #1 on Billboard 200
She later assured her supporters that there would be throwbacks like she always did and noted that she would perform her "rap stuff" and "pop stuff" for everyone to enjoy themselves.
"I make sure my fans feel well-fed at the show," she added.
Nicki Minaj 'Pink Friday 2' World Tour
Last week, the musician finally unveiled the tour dates for the North American leg of her tour this 2024. She will visit major cities across Canada and the United States before going to Europe and the United Kingdom.
In early reports, the musician is expected to perform in Brooklyn, Charlotte, Seattle, New Orleans, Oklahoma, and a whole lot more.
In addition to her standard tour dates, she is among the performers at the Rolling Loud Festival.
More details about her concerts are available on her official website.
READ MORE: Nicki Minaj 'Pink Friday 2' World Tour: Rapper Shares North American Dates; Here's How to Get Tickets
