Nicki Minaj Explains Why She Collaborated With Tekashi 6ix9ine In CRWN Interview
Off the heels of the release of her fourth studio album Queen, Nicki Minaj stopped by to chat it up with Tidal’s Elliott Wilson for the newest episode of his CRWN interview series on Aug. 14. One standout moment from the segment, came when Minaj addressed the backlash surrounding her collaboration with Tekashi 6ix9ine.
As you may know, Nicki and Tekashi previously worked on the single “Fefe,” which quickly gained massive attention – both good and bad. Some critics blasted the artist for working with the 22-year-old, who previously copped a guilty plea to using a 13-year-old child in a sexual performance when he was 18 years old.
Despite the negative feedback, Minaj maintained that her collaboration with 6ix9ine was the right decision. “The reason [‘FEFE’] drew my interest was not because 6ix9ine was popular, it’s because it reminded me of ‘Slumber Party’ by Gucci Mane,” she explained, rejecting Wilson’s question that she did it to gain popularity votes. “Shout out to my baby Tekashi. I love him,” she added.
The “Barbie Dreams” artist did not speak on 6ix9ine’s legal case, however (the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office recently recommended the rapper serve up to three years in prison and register as a sex offender).
While Nicki may not select her features based on popularity, she said that the music industry is primarily based on that principle. “Labels do not care about talent anymore,” she said. “It’s about popularity.”
Elsewhere in the interview, Nicki spoke about her previous relationship, rap beefs, and, of course, her new album, Queen.
READ MORE: Tekashi69 And Nicki Minaj’s “Fefe” Music Video: Watch
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