Entertainment

Nicki Minaj's "Black Barbies" Calls Out Trump

by Amy Mackelden

While we're all still waiting impatiently for news of the next Nicki Minaj album, the hip hop artist has uploaded a track to SoundCloud for her fans, and it doesn't shy away from the current political climate. "Black Barbies" is Nicki Minaj's remix of "Black Beatles" by Rae Sremmurd, and the new version of the hit single will get fans of the singer pretty excited. Not only is the rapper on top form throughout the track, her remarks about the president-elect will resonate with people everywhere, particularly as an uncertain future lies ahead. The"Black Beatles" remix highlights Minaj's feelings about Donald Trump — and the artist isn't happy.

Part way through "Black Barbies," there's one line that is incredibly apt right now, following Donald Trump's win in the 2016 Election. In one blunt sentence, Minaj raps, "Island girl, Donald Trump want me to go home," making reference to the racist policies that the president-elect has discussed making throughout his campaign. This line is relatable for so many people, especially as the world waits to find out which of Trump's policies will be made a reality and which will be rhetoric that doesn't amount to action. Clearly, we're living in an incredibly unstable time, in which people throughout America feel unsafe following Trump's Presidential win. That just makes Minaj's reference even more powerful.

As one of the catchiest songs of 2016, "Black Beatles" has become somewhat of a sensation, thanks in part to its use in many of the Mannequin Challenge videos that have taken the internet by storm. Minaj's new version of the song is particularly welcome, as the Pink Friday singer brings her unique style to the track. Back in 2011, Mattel made a special edition, one of a kind, Nicki Minaj Barbie doll which was auctioned for charity, and it's exciting to hear the singer return to this theme. Especially considering fans of Minaj have often been referred to as Barbies.

"Black Barbies" isn't the first time that Minaj has spoken out about Trump. In Oct 2015 she told Billboard that Trump was "so childish," branding his presidential run hilarious. The fact that the rapper is now tackling Trump in her lyrics speaks volumes, and hints at the very real fears and concerns that citizens are having. For instance, also in "Black Barbies," Minaj raps, "Now I'm prayin' all my foreigns don't get deported," and it's important that an artist as successful as her is speaking out.

Hopefully, "Black Barbies" marks a return to the recording studio by Minaj. We need her more than ever.