Nicki Minaj got the Video Vanguard Award at Sunday’s MTV Video Music Awards, where she paid tribute to artists who had influenced her.
Minaj started by saying, “I wrote this down, I don’t know why, but it was in my heart to say: I wish Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson were here.” “I wish people understood what they were saying and going through. I wish Pop Smoke, Juice Wrld, and Nipsey Hussle was here. R.I.P. to my dad, my cousin Richard, and my business manager Angela, to whom I never got to say “Rest in peace” out loud.”
She also talked about mental health and said, “I wish people took mental health seriously, even for the people you think have the best lives.”
Minaj, who co-hosted the event with LL Cool J and Jack Harlow, accepted the award after performing a medley of her hits, including her new single “Super Freaky Girl.”
Minaj acknowledged the influence of Lil Wayne, Foxy Brown, Lauryn Hill, and Jay-Z on her work. She also expressed gratitude to some artists she has worked with, including Kanye West, Beyoncé, Madonna, Eminem, Britney Spears, and Rihanna.
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