Wednesdays news - Music Review: On sophomore album, Nicki Minaj feeds all fans with rap, R&B and ...

Music Review: On sophomore album, Nicki Minaj feeds all fans with rap, R&B and ...

But she’s also proved she’s more than hip-hop; with the success of “Super Bass” from her 2010 debut “Pink Friday,” she’s also become a hit pop singer. Her sophomore album, “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded,” showcases both sides of Minaj, and may get her steps closer to world domination.

Songs like “Automatic,” ‘’Whip It” and “Pound the Alarm” â€" all produced by RedOne â€" are catchy pop tunes that can go toe-to-toe with any recent hit from Britney Spears, Katy Perry or Ke$ha. They follow the similar formula for most songs on Top 40 radio, with a European-flavored beat and party vibe. “Starships,” another RedOne effort, is a huge hit on the charts, and is Minaj’s best solo standing outside of “Super Bass.”

Still, Minaj isn’t the world’s greatest singer: When she croons, there always seems to be a hint of Auto-Tune, which is unfortunate. She’s best on “Right By My Side,” an R&B duet with Chris Brown that was co-written by Ester Dean.

The first half of “Roman Reloaded” â€" which showcases Minaj as her male alter ego Roman â€" focuses on the entertainer’s rap side, featuring her boasting, boasting, and boasting some more. While there’s no denying she’s got it going on, cockiness can be a flaw, and it’s that here. It was part of the problem with her first album.

When less-focused with her standing in the rap world, Minaj is top-notch: “Champion,” with Nas, Drake and Young Jeezy, is great; “Marilyn Monroe” is touching and the Beenie Man-assisted “Gun Shot” is enjoyable.

For all her phenomenal success, Minaj, on the verge of 30, seems to be a talent that is trying to find her way. She can rap, sing (so-so) and she’s got stamina like the Energizer Bunny, yet those facets don’t always mesh together smoothly.

Can’t wait to hear what she finally comes up with.

CHECK THIS TRACK OUT: The best tracks from Minaj’s earlier mixtapes were ones when she got deep; you’ll get some of that on “Marilyn Monroe.”

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