Nicki Minaj calls on Drake, Nas, and Young Jeezy to collaborate on 'Champion.'
Nicki Minaj may have the most stacked Rolodex in all of the universe. First she collaborates with Madonna and M.I.A. on "Give Me All Your Luvin'," then she gets a real live kiss from Madge on her birthday and now, she's collaborating with Drake, Nas and Young Jeezy on her new song "Champion," from her just-leaked Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded album (scheduled for an official April 2 release.) Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if Obama sang the hook to her next song. (Which would be... the BEST.)
Produced by Da Internz (Rihanna's "Birthday Cake") Nicki's rightfully first on deck on "Champion." And though she doesn't assume her alter ego "Roman," she does get emotional as she rhymes about the tragic loss of her cousin: "Cause they killed my little cousin Nicholas/But my memories only happy images/This is for the hood/This is for the kids." Drake, Nas, and Young Jeezy all slay their verses (natch), and although this record may not be as radio-friendly as Nicki's pop-laden "Starships" it's a never-forget-your-roots homage and a testament to Nicki's artistic diversity.
MTV News recently caught up with Nas, who talked about recording with Nicki: "Nicki hit us up, I got love, so it was nothin'--I did the record....If I feel it, I can get on it. I heard the track. I felt it. I loved it." Yo, I feel it and I love it too! Any shot I can spit a quick verse on your next song, Nicki? Yeah? No? OK, that's cool, I get it.
+ Listen to Nicki Minaj featuring Drake, Nas, and Young Jeezy, "Champion," and watch Nas talk about recording with Nicki below.
Photo credit: Getty Images
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