Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded

Many rap purists will say they prefer Nicki Minaj music from her late ’00s mixtape era — there were more bars and zero pop overtures. Her second album digs in its Louboutin heels with the pop-rap formula she started on Pink Friday, with equally mixed results. The Lil’ Kim digs on “Stupid Hoe” and “Come on a Cone” sound like sophomoric fun. “Beez in the Trap” represents the cream of Roman Reloaded’s hip-hop side, with its echo effects and 2 Chainz’s guest turn. Then there’s “Starships,” a failed attempt at balancing rap and pop à la “Right Thru Me.” Musically, Roman Reloaded has as many personalities as Nicki Minaj/Roman Zolanski/Harajuku Barbie/etc.