Why Nicki Minaj wanted to walk away from music?

Published: May 28 2025

Nicki Minaj, a music mogul whose iconic status is anchored in her chart-dominating hits and unwavering boldness, has recently delved into the challenging periods of her music career, revealing moments when she teetered on the brink of quitting. The renowned rapper behind "Side to Side" confessed in a recent interview with Vogue Italia how the relentless spotlight, since her meteoric rise to fame in the mid-2000s, has exacted a heavy toll on her psyche.

Why Nicki Minaj wanted to walk away from music? 1

"I've been subjected to every conceivable criticism imaginable," Nicki shared, her voice tinged with poignancy. "There have been countless times when I contemplated throwing in the towel." Yet, she added with resilience, "I'm glad I didn't. My hope is that my journey serves as a beacon of inspiration, urging children, adults, and all who may face adversity, to persist despite the odds."

Elsewhere in the interview, the "Starships" anthem creator unveiled her decision to postpone motherhood in favor of dedicating herself to her career and providing for her family. Today, however, she cherishes her four-year-old son with her husband, Kenneth Petty. "As a woman in this industry, I deferred my dreams of motherhood," Nicki revealed, her tone laced with introspection. "Numerous women in my field, especially those older than I, never had the chance to experience parenthood."

The 42-year-old artist continued thoughtfully, "While some do not harbor regrets, others do. I, too, postponed it." Nicki also recounted how the relentless pursuit of success often compelled her to forgo cherished holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving, sacrificing the semblance of a "normal" life in order to support her family. Her words painted a vivid picture of the personal sacrifices entailed in achieving professional greatness.

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