Nicki Minaj’s hit single “Only” was released on October 28, 2014.
The Making of “Only”
“Only” is a rap song by Nicki Minaj featuring Drake, Lil Wayne, and Chris Brown. It is the third single from her third studio album, “The Pinkprint,” which was released in December 2014. The song was produced by Dr. Luke and Cirkut and written by Nicki Minaj herself.
The Release
After much anticipation, “Only” premiered on October 28, 2014, during an episode of Nicki Minaj’s MTV documentary series called “Nicki Minaj: My Time Again.” The track quickly gained popularity and became a fan favorite.
The Collaborators
With a star-studded lineup of guest artists, “Only” brought together some of the biggest names in the music industry at the time. Drake’s smooth verses perfectly complemented Nicki Minaj’s fiery rap style while Lil Wayne delivered his signature punchlines. Chris Brown’s soulful vocals added a melodic touch to the track.
The Lyrics
One of the standout features of “Only” is its provocative lyrics. The song explores themes of power, desire, and dominance. Nicki Minaj’s verses showcase her fierce attitude and lyrical prowess while addressing her critics head-on.
“I never f***ed Wayne; I never f***ed Drake
On my life man, f***’s sake
If I did I’d menage with ’em and let ’em eat my a** like a cupcake”
These bold lyrics sparked controversy upon the release of the song but also showcased Nicki Minaj’s unapologetic and fearless approach to her music.
Reception and Success
“Only” received positive reviews from music critics, praising the collaboration and the production value of the song. It peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and reached the top 10 in several other countries.
The song’s success can be attributed to its catchy beat, memorable verses, and the chemistry between Nicki Minaj, Drake, Lil Wayne, and Chris Brown. The combination of their individual fan bases further propelled “Only” to become a chart-topping hit.
The Music Video
To accompany the release of “Only,” a music video was also unveiled. Directed by Hannah Lux Davis, the video showcases a dark and futuristic aesthetic. It features each artist in various scenarios that reflect the song’s themes of power and dominance.
Controversy Surrounding the Music Video
The “Only” music video faced criticism for its use of Nazi-inspired imagery. This led to accusations of insensitivity and cultural appropriation.
Nicki Minaj addressed these concerns on Twitter, stating that she did not intend to offend anyone and that she was unaware of the specific references made in the video’s production.
In Conclusion
“Only” marked another successful collaboration for Nicki Minaj as she joined forces with Drake, Lil Wayne, and Chris Brown to deliver a powerful rap anthem. The song’s release in 2014 solidified Nicki Minaj’s status as one of the leading female artists in hip-hop while showcasing her ability to create chart-topping hits with influential collaborators.