Exclusive

Nicki Minaj: "Single and Ready to Mingle," Rihanna Ass-Grabbing Aside

We get the scoop on everything from the singer's love life to working with Lady Gaga and...Taylor Swift?!

By Marc Malkin, Brett Malec Jan 07, 2011 4:27 PMTags
Nicki MinajSlaven Vlasic/Getty Images

If you don't know who Nicki Minaj is, you better get with the picture!

The 26-year-old Trinidad-born beauty has worked with everyone from Kanye West and Jay-Z to newcomer Trey Songz. She was most recently rumored to be hooking up with fellow rapper Drake. And just this week, her debut album Pink Friday went platinum.

We sat down with Ms. Minaj for an exclusive interview yesterday when she stopped by E! to film a guest spot on Fashion Police (the episode airs tonight!) Read on to find out what she told us about her love life,  having her ass grabbed by Rihanna and possibly working with...Taylor Swift?!

You just shot the music video for your next single "Moment 4 Life," featuring Drake. What are you working on next?
We're shooting the video with Rihanna for "Fly" this weekend. We're going to save the world in more ways than one with the video and that's all I can say about that... I love Ri-Ri! I mean, when she's not grabbing my ass she's a sweet girl.

Who are some of your favorite artists outside of hip hop?
I like everyone. I don't listen to music based on genre. Like, I'll hear a song and then I'll live for that song for like months and I'll be like, "Who the hell is that?" I listen to Taylor Swift. I like Coldplay. I listen to gospel a lot. I listen to anything that's just beautiful music.

Would you do a song with Taylor?
Of course!

Personally, I think you should do a song with Lady Gaga, who you've been compared to in the past.
A lot of people say that to me! I'd definitely be open to it, yeah... I mean, Gaga is badass. Being compared to greats can never bother me.

What does all your success mean to you?
I'm proud that women, female rappers that come in this game after Nicki Minaj can see that, you know what? There is a chance for you to sell just as much as the boys and to be recognized. And you don't have to feel like, because you're a female rapper, you going to not be recognized. And so for that alone, I'm proud. I'm happy.

Lastly, are you single?
Yes. I'm single and ready to mingle [laughs].