Nicki Minaj - The Pinkprint Universal

THE Minajesty said she wanted to return to her hip-hop roots after the release of her second album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, and the US rapper has clearly done so with her third record, The Pinkprint.

Inspired by Jay Z’s The Blueprint, Nicki Minaj wanted to lay down an example for female rappers.

Much has already been made of single Anaconda and its raunchy video, but that doesn’t set the tone for the rest of the 16-track LP, with Minaj putting her emotions on the line with tracks like I Lied, All Things Go and Grand Piano.

Collaborations with feisty females include Feeling Yourself featuring Beyonce, Get On Your Knees with Ariana Grande (co-written with Katy Perry) and Bed Of Lies with Skylar Grey, although there is also Only with rap heavyweights Drake, Lil Wayne and Chris Brown.

Her quickfire spits, fast beats and tongue-in-cheek lyrics remain a strong feature on The Pinkprint, which should please fans.