Nicki Minaj The Pinkprint [Explicit Content] (Parental Advisory Explicit Lyrics, Deluxe Edition)

Although it was explained in pre-release promo material as a return to her early hardcore rap style, Nicki Minaj's third studio album landed as the diva's own 808s & Heartbreak, although one with an extra booty-worshiping summer hit ("Anaconda") plus some bad ballers that really do bring back mixtape memories ("Feeling Myself," where special guest Beyonc? acts like a wonderful cross of Lil' Kim and Grace Jones; then there's the traptastic "Only," which is just too nasty to summarize). "Trini Dem Girls" is an oddball, although quite enjoyable, dancehall plaything that barely fits on the LP as well, but the rest is a deep dive into breakups, heartache, and rebirth. "Bed of Lies" with Skylar Grey, "All Things Go," and "The Crying Game" are superior, stylized R&B and pop blends that find Nicki singing more and revealing much more than previously. Still, it's the small, simple confessional "I Lied" that comes off the best, putting a long-term relationship to rest with all the confus