Nicki Minaj: Va Va Voom

There’s something defiant about watching someone who refuses to apologize for being too much. Nicki has this way of occupying space—both physically in a frame and in the culture—that doesn’t ask permission. The bars, the persona shifts, the wigs, the unapologetic sexuality and ambition. She never sounds like she’s trying to fit into rap; she sounds like rap had to make room. I think what gets me is that she’s never performed modesty. She’s never softened her edges to make anyone more comfortable, and there’s something liberating about watching an artist at that level just commit completely to being exactly who she is, flaws and all, and dare you to look away.