Nicki Minaj Makes History: The First Female Rapper to Ever Debut at #1 on iTunes in 2025

In a groundbreaking moment for hip-hop, pop culture, and female artistry, Nicki Minaj has once again carved her name into the history books. With the release of her latest single, “Venomous Vibes,” the rap queen did what no other female rapper had ever accomplished before—debuting at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2025. It’s more than a chart placement; it’s a cultural eruption, a shift in what is possible for women in rap and popular music more broadly.

A Moment That Shattered Records

There have been many high points in Nicki Minaj’s career. From the rapid-fire bars on “Monster” to the iconic hooks of “Super Bass” and the genre-bending stylings of “Pink Friday”, she has never stopped evolving. Yet despite her longevity, commercial success, and peer respect, one milestone had eluded her: a solo debut at #1 on the Hot 100.

Until now.

Released on May 30, 2025, “Venomous Vibes” did not merely climb the charts—it rocketed straight to the top. In just seven days, the song accumulated over 90 million streams, 400,000 digital downloads, and broke Apple Music and Spotify’s single-day female rap streaming record. The accompanying music video, dripping in cinematic flair and symbolic imagery, racked up 60 million views within the first 48 hours, making it the most-watched hip-hop video of the year so far.

This isn’t just a personal victory for Nicki Minaj. It’s a landmark achievement for female rappers, for artists who are often underestimated, and for fans who have waited years to see their queen claim what many believe she has long deserved.

The Weight of the #1 Debut

In the era of streaming, debuting at #1 is not just a matter of popularity; it reflects cultural dominance, audience anticipation, and industry support. It means the artist didn’t just win the week—they owned the conversation.

For decades, the Billboard Hot 100 has served as the definitive scoreboard of American music. And in those decades, male rappers have regularly dominated the top spots—Drake, Eminem, Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar—with some even debuting multiple songs at the top. For female rappers, however, the climb has been steeper.

While women like Lauryn Hill, Cardi B, and Doja Cat have claimed #1s, a solo debut at #1—without a feature, without a remix, and without weeks of buildup—was a peak yet to be conquered. Until Nicki Minaj did it.

This victory is a testament to her enduring relevance, her ability to adapt across musical generations, and the unmatched loyalty of her fanbase, the Barbz, who mobilized like a digital army in support of their queen.

The Power of “Venomous Vibes”

To understand the impact of this moment, one must first dive into the track itself. “Venomous Vibes” is more than just a song—it’s a statement. From the moment the beat drops, it’s clear that Nicki Minaj came to reclaim her throne. Produced by a powerhouse team that includes Tay Keith, Boi-1da, and Illangelo, the track blends haunting trap drums, cinematic strings, and futuristic synths into a beat that feels both menacing and magnetic.

Lyrically, Minaj is in peak form. She flips metaphors with surgical precision, references mythology, luxury brands, and her own industry battles—all while exuding confidence, defiance, and undeniable charisma. The chorus is hypnotic, infectious, and unmistakably Nicki:

“I spit truth in venomous lines / They try to clip wings, but still I fly high / Mirror, mirror, who’s the baddest alive? / It’s Minaj with the mic—kiss your crown goodbye.”

The song doesn’t just showcase her lyrical dexterity. It reflects her resilience. Every line is laced with the spirit of someone who has fought for her place in a genre that often tries to pit women against each other or reduce their artistry to aesthetic.

And the fans heard her. Loud and clear.

A Victory Years in the Making

What makes this moment even more monumental is the journey it took to get here. Nicki Minaj has been a pillar of modern hip-hop for over a decade. From her 2010 debut with “Pink Friday” to her 2022 album “Queen of Hearts,” she has been the benchmark for female rap excellence. But with each release, she’s also had to contend with an industry that often favored male artists and dismissed women as novelty acts.

Despite this, she kept pushing boundaries. She mentored younger artists. She crossed into pop without losing her rap core. She built an empire that includes fashion, fragrance, and business ventures—all while never letting go of the mic.

And still, critics questioned her. Detractors speculated on her relevance. Industry gatekeepers hedged their bets on the next “Nicki replacement.” But time and time again, Nicki Minaj proved them wrong.

And with “Venomous Vibes,” she didn’t just prove them wrong—she made history doing it.

Fans and Fellow Artists React

The internet erupted when the news broke. Hashtags like #NickiDebutsAt1, #VenomousVibes, and #RapQueenNicki trended worldwide for days. Twitter was a war zone of celebration, disbelief, and overwhelming pride. Celebrities chimed in. Fellow artists—many of whom grew up idolizing Nicki—offered congratulations.

Doja Cat posted a selfie with the caption: “The GOAT did it. Bow down.”
Drake shared the single art on his Instagram story, writing, “Legendary doesn’t even begin to cover it.”
Cardi B, once seen as a rival, tweeted simply: “Congrats Nicki. You earned this one. No shade. Just respect.”

But it was perhaps the fanbase, the Barbz, who said it loudest. They’ve been with her