Nicki Minaj is one of the most unique rappers of all time. She’s given us numerous iconic guest verses from “Monster” to “Flawless (Remix),” everlasting hits like “Super Bass” and “Starships,” and legions of loyal fans in the Barbz. She’s also given us over twenty alter-egos in the course of her career. However, no alter-ego of hers has been more impactful than Roman. The voice at the center of Nicki’s most unhinged music, the “Roman” persona serves a conduit for Nicki to put forward a high level of theatricality and character work in her music, from beats to bars. And to understand Nicki, you need to understand Roman. This episode of Switched on Pop, producer Reanna Cruz takes us on a journey through the history of Roman, on the heels of Nicki Minaj’s latest record, Pink Friday 2. Sign up for the Switched On Pop Newsletter Songs Discussed: Nicki Minaj – Chun-Li Nicki Minaj – Red Ruby Da Sleeze Nicki Minaj – Itty Bitty Piggy Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Bon Iver – Monster Nicki Minaj – Roman In Moscow Nicki Minaj – Pound the Alarm Nicki Minaj – Starships Ludacris, Nicki Minaj – My Chick Bad Nicki Minaj, PTAF – Boss A** B**** (with PTAF) – Remix Nicki Minaj, Eminem – Roman's Revenge Nicki Minaj – Come On A Cone Nicki Minaj – Beez In The Trap Nicki Minaj – Roman Holiday Eminem – The Way I Am Eminem – My Name Is Lil' Kim – Queen B**** Nicki Minaj, Drake, Lil Wayne – Truffle Butter Trey Songz, Nicki Minaj – Bottoms Up (feat. Nicki Minaj) Nicki Minaj – Barbie Dreams Nicki Minaj – Super Freaky Girl – Roman Remix Nicki Minaj – My Life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.