Nicki Minaj, while promoting her forthcoming studio album *Pink Friday 2*, makes a stunning appearance on the cover of US Vogue, adorned in a delicately draped cream Valentino couture gown. This December issue marks Minaj’s debut on the cover of US Vogue, a significant milestone in her nearly 15-year career in the rap industry.

Minaj has previously graced the covers of the Arabian and Japanese editions of Vogue in 2018 and 2019, respectively. In this milestone issue, she opens up about her new album, the pressures of fame, and the joys and challenges of raising her 3-year-old son, affectionately referred to as “Papa Bear” (Minaj has yet to publicly reveal his birth name).

“There’s a freeness that you have around you when you’re at your best, when you’re doing your thing at your peak,” Minaj shared with Vogue. “But once you start knowing that you’re being judged, there’s no longer that free spirit. People who excel at something make it look easy, but they also deal with a lot of fear of letting people down and letting themselves down. Once you make it, it’s like anything you say can be used against you.”

Minaj touched on the controversy that arose in 2021 following a tweet where she expressed skepticism about Covid-19 vaccines. “I’m one of those people who doesn’t go with a crowd,” she explained. “I like to make my own assessment.”

Minaj also discussed her role as an emblem of body positivity for women of color with curves, yet she admitted she hasn’t always felt positive about her own body. “I just looked at a video that I posted on Instagram when I was 25, and I would f**king pay to look like that right now,” she confessed. “But today I can say that I’m at peace with who I am and how I look.”

The rapper revealed she had recently undergone breast reduction surgery and shared her contentment with her new physique. “Actually, I love it,” Minaj said. “I used to want a bigger butt, and now I look back and realize how silly that was. Love your curves, and love your non-curves. There’s nothing wrong with any of it.”

Reflecting on her personal growth, Minaj emphasized the importance of gratitude. “When you look around and try to keep yourself in a grateful frame of mind… the things that you can be thankful for seem to start adding up,” she explained. “That’s the thing that’s changed in me. It’s not that I’ve taken these amazing steps. It’s just about finally being happy with who you are as opposed to where you are.”

Nicki Minaj’s candid conversation with Vogue not only highlights her evolving perspective on fame and self-acceptance but also showcases her continued influence and presence in the music and fashion industries.