Nicki Minaj - Starships (explicit) -

: Minaj has publicly called "Starships" a "stupid song," stating in 2020 and 2024 interviews that she "cringes" at the sound of it and simply doesn't like it anymore.

The Official Music Video , directed by Anthony Mandler, was filmed in Oahu, Hawaii. It features Minaj as a pink-haired extraterrestrial who arrives on a beach, joining a vibrant, neon-colored party that reflects the song's "let's go to the beach" opening line.

: Minaj references her real name ("My name is Onika, you can call me Nicki") and includes direct, profanity-laced lyrics about self-ownership ("Jump in my hoopty... I own that") and social dismissal ("But f*** who you want, and f*** who you like"). Artistic Controversy and Minaj’s Stance Nicki Minaj - Starships (Explicit)

Despite its massive success, Nicki Minaj has famously distanced herself from the song in recent years.

: Built around the infectious refrain, "Starships were meant to fly / Hands up and touch the sky," which encourages a carefree, "high" state of mind. : Minaj has publicly called "Starships" a "stupid

: It has amassed over 1.5 billion streams on Spotify and debuted in the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100. Lyrical Content (Explicit Version)

Experience the high-energy visuals of the official explicit music video: Nicki Minaj - Starships (Explicit) (Official Video) NickiMinajAtVEVO YouTube• Apr 27, 2012 : Minaj references her real name ("My name

: Released in early 2012 after being recorded in November 2011 at Conway Recording Studios.