Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded cover

Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded

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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.

Miles Marshall Lewis

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