Image via E! Online
Nicki Minaj caused quite a stir over the past week after releasing the cover art for her highly anticipated single, “Anaconda.” Her sexy pose showcasing that infamously criticized posterior created a social media frenzy of memes, jokes, and comments. She even inspired an open letter penned by Chuck Creekmur, owner of AllHipHop.com, on her intentions as a public figure with a legitimate influence on young girls like his daughter.
The 31-year old rapper was set to release her new single off of her upcoming album The Pink Print this past Monday, but later pushed the date back to next Monday, August 4. Now, rumors are circulating that the delay might have nothing to due with the criticism, but rather a possible remix release of Beyonce’s “Flawless” featuring Ms. Minaj (which I sincerely hope are true).
Nicki responded to the public criticisms by posting several photos on Instagram of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit covers and spreads of models exposing just as much skin. She captioned each photo “Acceptable” because we praise sexual poses from “supermodels”, but we condemn a female rapper for being equally proud of her body. I could not agree with her contention more because we can’t condemn Nicki for being a part of a culture that consistently idolizes sex appeal.
Personally, I see nothing morally, ethically, socially, or generally wrong with the cover art. Does Nicki HAVE to be in a string bikini with her cheeks out to sell records? Absolutely not, but if she WANTS to, then I think she has every right as an artist to do so. Mr. Creekmur brought up some valid points in his letter about past female icons in hip hop and today’s “gimmick” that comes along with nudity and lyrical content.
However, Nicki isn’t showing us anything that any gangster rapper hasn’t shown us in their music videos. Although Nicki has a massive, global fan base, which does include young girls, I don’t believe that we should expect artists to act as role models. Art is subjective, which means that at any given time, an artist will inevitable create something that is not supposed to be duplicated or even enjoyed by everyone.When I was in college, I performed in an amazing modern dance piece for a senior’s final project. Her theme of the human condition called for exposed costuming so she asked me if I was comfortable performing without a shirt. Even though I gladly obliged, our dance professors expressed a great deal of hesitation because of the school’s Christian values. I was not performing in a sexually suggestive manner, but the audience paid much more attention to the movement and the message than my half-naked body. Similarly, this cover art does not deserve so much critical attention and analysis — let’s just wait for the single and enjoy the music.
Plus, Nicki is definitely the Lil’ Kim of our time and we praised the Queen Bee for all kinds of risqué poses and outfits! Nicki has elevated her image into a more high fashion role, but she is still a woman who is proud of her assets. Let her feel herself for a minute (no pun intended)!