Nicki Minaj Biography (2025): Real Name, Age, Origin, Family, Faith & Net Worth
Nicki Minaj, whose real name is Onika Tanya Maraj is a global rap icon whose impact stretches beyond borders and cultures. She built a career that was founded on challenging the stereotypes about women in rap music. Nicki Minaj went toe to toe with the predominantly male hip-hop industry at the time and came out on top. Coming from a challenging childhood to dominating the rap scene is no small feat. That’s why her supporters crowned her the ‘Queen of Rap’ because of her undeniable influence on the modern generation. She opened a lot of doors and broke many barriers for female rappers in the industry.
Quick Facts
| Profile | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Onika Tanya Maraj (later Maraj-Petty) |
| Date of Birth | December 8, 1982 |
| Age (2025) | 42 years old |
| Place of Birth | Saint James, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago |
| Nationality / Origin | Trinidadian-born; raised in Queens, New York, USA |
| Parents | Father: Robert Maraj; Mother: Carol Maraj |
| Siblings | Jelani (older brother), Micaiah (younger brother), Ming (younger half-sister) |
| Spouse | Kenneth Petty (m. 2019) |
| Children | One son, nicknamed “Papa Bear” (born 2020) |
| Faith / Religion | Raised in a Christian (Pentecostal) environment |
| Profession | Rapper, singer, songwriter, actress |
| Net Worth | Estimated at around US$150 million (as of 2024–2025) |
Early Life and Background
Nicki Minaj was born as Onika Tanya Maraj on the 8th of December 1982. She was born in the Port of Spain in the country of Trinidad and Tobago. Her father was Robert Maraj, while her mother was Sarah Maraj. She had a difficult early childhood as her father was battling drug addiction, and he was abusive as well. When she was five years old, Nicki and her brother relocated to Queens, New York, to join their mother, who had already moved there. For her secondary education, she attended Elizabeth Blackwell Middle School and eventually got admission to study at the university
Career Beginnings and Rise to Fame
Nicki entered the music industry by firstly singing backup tracks for local artists and uploading her own work to the social network known as MySpace. Her breakout came after she had released several mixtapes before she was eventually discovered and signed by Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment. Her debut studio album, ‘Pink Friday’, was a massive success and immediately put her above most of her peers in the industry. Over the years, she’s incorporated music styles such as pop and reggae into her music.
Personal Life, Family & Faith
Nicki Minaj married Kenneth Petty in October 2019 and gave birth to a son whom she affectionately calls “Papa Bear.’ Even though she doesn’t talk about her faith much, it is known that she was raised as a Christian. Her childhood struggles were the fuel that empowered and spurred her to change the narrative for herself and for her family.
Legacy and Influence
Nicki Minaj is regarded as one of the most influential artists of all time. Her impact is profound and stretches throughout the whole world. Both fans and critics praise and adore her for her rapid flow, incredible lyricism, and beautiful vocals. She opened a lot of doors for female artists in general and stomped down on the narratives whilst conquering the industry.
