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When Nicki Minaj announced she would be going on tour, I knew this was a historical moment I couldn’t miss. “I’m doing this for middle-school me,” I told myself as I dropped a stack on a second-row ticket to Gag City. I used this mantra a few times to justify more concert-related purchases, but regardless, it was worth it.
I attended her May 1st show at The Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, NY. Atlantic Avenue was flooded with pink-adorned fans everywhere. Vendors selling merch and alcohol, boyfriends forced to be their girlfriends’ personal photographers, custom-made outfits, glitter, and more. Fans from all over the country came to enjoy Minaj’s last New York show and celebrate her critically acclaimed album.
“Pink Friday 2,” Nicki Minaj’s fifth studio album, was released on December 8, 2023, on the rapper’s 41st birthday. This sequel to her debut album “Pink Friday” (2010) marks 5 years since her previous studio album, “Queen” was released. Upon the release of “Pink Friday 2,” Minaj became the first female rapper to have three number-one albums. Nicki Minaj’s “Pink Friday 2 World Tour” is also the highest-grossing tour by a female rap artist.
Witnessing this sold-out tour firsthand is almost indescribable. The joy I felt being a part of this audience can’t be quantified. Minaj’s star power should be studied—everyone from the security center stage to the excited fans outside Barclay’s radiated good vibes and positive energy. You could tell how happy people felt just being in the vicinity.
If you are thinking about attending this concert and aren’t sure, I compiled a list of pros (glows) and cons (chills) below that I noticed to help you decide.
DJ Boof kicked off the show with a very hype mix to get the crowd moving. Turning up with fellow concertgoers was one of my favorite moments from the night. Minaj opened the show with one of my favorite songs from her “Pink Friday” album, “I’m The Best.” I used to listen to this song every morning in High School to get my energy up. The concert flowed between a mix of her older hits with tracks like “Monster,” “High School,” and “Save Me” while incorporating songs from “Queen” and her latest body of work.
The stage design was amazing and fit the Gag City theme perfectly. When I say Nicki’s mic was onnn, it was on! I heard her perfectly, and you could tell she was performing live. Now, the Queen may not be the best dancer, but she hit all her marks, giving the girls a little one-two.
Nicki Minaj is not known for her punctuality, so the show started late—2 hours late. With all of the excitement, it was hard to notice at first. There were moments during the show where her disappearances on stage were noticed and felt. I believe the number of costume changes was unnecessary and decreased energy. If you don’t know, I am a Monica stan, but some of her song choices also brought the energy down. That was disappointing, considering all of the amazing hits she has. It would have been nice to have heard more throwback tracks like “Why I Love You So Much” or “Love All Over Me,” songs that would encourage more crowd participation. Check out clips from her performace here.
Overall, the concert was great, a time was had, and I highly recommend you attend her next show.
My Rating:
Minaj surprised the crowd by performing “Pink Friday Girls” with the iconic Cindy Lauper. My jaw hit the floor when the legend hit center stage. Lauper, an 80s Queen, channeled the era in a patterned blazer and teased-for-the-gods vibrant hair. Check out moments from their performance on my YouTube here; the hug at the end is too sweet.
“Ooouuu,” Young M.A had us going crazy when she stepped out to perform her Brooklyn banger. It was so hard to keep still and record during this part of the show. Skip to her performance in my YouTube video here.
Kai Cenat also made an appearance, hyping the crowd up with his dance moves during Nicki’s performance of “Everybody.”
After completing the North American leg of her world tour, Nicki Minaj announced a second phase with 22 shows added in the fall. Minaj is completing the European leg and will kick off the next American wave in September. Barbz can access presale tickets for the new dates starting May 29th.
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