Nicki Minaj's fashion evolution deserves a moment 4 life.
The award-winning rapper has always worn designs that are so unbelievably bold, it's hard to imagine how she even dreamed them up.
Case in point? For the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, Nicki dropped jaws in a whimsical outfit that featured a holographic armored corset which she paired with a tulle ballerina skirt and multi-colored leggings. The mixed-matched stockings were tame accessories compared to the stuffed animals attached to the garment.
She wowed once again at the MTV VMAs four years later with an equally head-turning ensemble, glimmering in a gold, plunging gown with see-through fabric and lavish lace embroidery. While the gilded design wasn't over-the-top compared to her 2011 get-up, it was still worthy of praise.
Come Aug. 28, the 39-year-old will make a triumphant return to the MTV VMAs. She will not only receive the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, but she's expected to perform for the first time since 2018. Plus, she is co-hosting the star-studded affair with LL Cool J and Jack Harlow.
But before the "Tusa" rapper hits the red carpet and takes center stage at the 2022 MTV VMAs, relive her best fashion moments over the years.
Keep on scrolling below!
Nicki Minaj paired her black leather jacket with ripped pants and a Barbie statement necklace at the 2009 BET Hip Hop Awards.
The 35-year-old performer wore a bold white gown on the 2010 BET Awards red carpet, but it was her orange hair that stole the show.
The rapper brought the wow-factor by rocking this embellished Manish Arora midi dress at the 2010 American Music Awards.
At the 2011 Grammy Awards, the "Super Bass" singer completed her Givenchy leopard-print look with a bleached bouffant accented with a black stripe
The "Anaconda" performer showed that she is a fashion risk-taker at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards when she showed up in this bright candy-colored ensemble and sherbet-colored locks to match.
Minaj rocked a pink, sparkly dress with a magenta bra and red boots at the 2011 iHeartRadio Music Festival.
On the 2011 American Music Awards red carpet, the fashionista matched her green and black ensemble with pink locks for another show-stopping look.
Minaj stood out in a neon gown while making her way into the 2012 American Music Awards.
The "Moment 4 Life" singer made a big statement in her nun-like, red Versace look at the 2012 Grammys.
Minaj made fans do a double take when she stepped out in this multi-color pastel look at the 2012 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards.
The MTV Video Music Award winner posed on the carpet in a navy blue Tommy Hilfiger gown with cutouts around the midriff at the Met Gala.
At the 2013 Billboard Awards, Minaj stunned in a sophisticated red gown.
Cutouts were once again the name of the game for Minaj at the 2014 Billboard Awards.
The performer owned the red carpet in a metallic, animal-print mini dress at the 2014 MTV VMAs.
Minaj graced the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards stage in a two-piece, silver ensemble that wowed the crowd.
At the 2015 Grammys, the "Barbie Dreams" rapper showed off her curves in a form-fitting black gown.
Minaj glowed in gold on the carpet at the 2015 VMAs before taking the stage with Taylor Swift to open the show.
The "Bang Bang" performer showed off her glamorous side in a blue floor-length gown on the white carpet at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards.
Minaj brought the fun in a two-piece, bubblegum pink, latex jumpsuit when arriving at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards.
So glamorous! The rapper showed off her toned legs in a black and red H&M custom look at the 2017 Met Gala.
The "Tusa" rapper wowed at the Harper's Bazaar Icons event in a multicolored floral strapless gown by Oscar de la Renta.
At the 2018 Met Gala, Minaj wore a red, Oscar de la Renta gown, which was inspired by the night's theme of Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.
Minaj took the 2018 VMAs carpet by storm with her nude body suit and tulle skirt before performing her songs "Majesty" and "Barbie Dreams" during the big show.
Nicki stepped out in style to sit front row at Versace's spring/summer fashion show. Her decorative skirt, ornamented with boldly printed paintings, was truly a work of art.
Nicki brought her fashion A-game to the Marc Jacobs fall 2020 runway in a floral mini-dress with dramaticlly ruffled sleeves that cascaded down the sides.
The "Super Bass" rapper made a grand entrance at the 2022 Met Gala in a black tiered Burberry gown—complete with feathers and ruffles! Nicki's oversized belt and leather baseball cap added extra oomph.
Nicki lit up the stage, performin her iconic hits at the 2022 MTV VMAs, in a bedazzled pink corset, mini skirt and massive pink bow.
Nicki brought the glitz and glam to the 2022 MTV VMAs in a hot pink Dolce & Gabbana satin gown.