How did Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj meet?

Hip-hop legends Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne have a long history together. Throughout the 2010s, the Young Money rappers made a lasting impression on music and provided opportunities for emcees to pursue similar careers.

Lil Wayne with Nicki Minaj | Chris McKay/Getty Images

Nicki Minaj’s early professional days

The beginning of Nicki Minaj’s rap career was in 2002. She joined the Hood$tars, a New York rap group made up of rappers Safaree “SB” Samuels, Loustar, and Svn-Up, who would later become her longterm partner.

After Hood$tars broke up in 2005, Minaj attempted to pursue a solo career. She put out the mixtapes Beam Me Up Scotty (which was re-released in 2021), Sucka Free, and Playtime Is Over in the late 2000s.

Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne | Denise Truscello/Getty Images

On a DVD, Lil Wayne discovered Nicki Minaj.

During her ascent in New York, Minaj had an appearance in the hip-hop DVD series The Come Up. It was made by rapper ʀirty Money’s indie label, ʀirty Money Records, which is situated in New York.

Minaj had several appearances on Come Up DVDs. Lil Wayne reportedly found her on one of these street DVDs, according to MTV News. Lil Wayne, who had been a prominent presence in the hip-hop industry for more than a decade, and Minaj were both included on the Come Up DVD that followed, which was titled “Wayne’s World.”

During one of her Come Up performances, \irty Money candidly stated, “I f— with only the best,” when seated next to a youthful Minaj. “If she weren’t the best, I wouldn’t even be here right now. I f— with the best.”