Hundreds of “Barbz” waited in anticipation to enter “gag city” and see the “queen” perform. This may sound like a foreign language to some, but to Nicki Minaj fans, these words encapsulate their experience at the “Pink Friday 2 World Tour.”
Following the release of her album, rapper Nicki Minaj announced a world tour, selling out many of the 59 shows spanning across two whole continents. She kicked off the tour in Oakland, California on March 1st to a vast crowd unaware of the journey they were about to take.
Before Minaj took the stage, the fans got warmed up by DJ Boof who played many of Minaj’s songs as well as some other hits by various artists. His high energy helped to get the crowd even more ready and excited for the show to come.
Prior to Minaj’s rise to the stage, mesmerizing visuals were displayed, which depict “gag city,” a fan made AI city to celebrate the release of the “Pink Friday 2″ album. She started off her set with “I’m The Best” and carried on with more fun songs and dances, notably “FTCU” and “Press Play.” After “Big Difference” Minaj departed from the stage to change from her first incredible outfit to the next while more vivid animations were played on the big screen. When she came back on for the next portion, the energy somehow even higher than before, fans got to hear favorites such as “Chun-Li,” “Red Ruby Da Sleeze,” and “Barbie World.” Then, after another wardrobe change, Minaj slowed things down with her more emotional and not as flashy pieces, adding bittersweet to the range of emotions fans were feeling at this point.
Contrary to other typical concerts, Minaj’s opening artists came on in the middle of her set. She featured multiple artists in this interlude, including singer and rapper Monica who performs “So Gone,” “U Should’ve Known Better,” “Before You Walk Out of My Life,” “Keep It To Myself,” “Angel of Mine,” “Why I Love You So Much,” and “Don’t Take It Personal.”
After Monica’s refreshing set, Minaj came on for her final handful of songs. She ended with a grand finale of hits, one after the other, including “Super Freaky Girl,” “Anaconda,” and “Super Bass.” Minaj created a special moment during “The Night Is Still Young,” giving the microphone to a fan to sing the chorus. She wrapped it all up with “Moment 4 Life,” “Starships,” and “Everybody.” These fun and popular songs made a great conclusion to an overall spectacular showcase of talent and entertainment.
However, the concert was more than just a show, it was a celebration of self-love and female empowerment. Going along with Minaj’s brand of a Barbie, a sea of pink and sequins were incorporated into many of the concert goers outfits. It was a heartwarming and beautiful sight to see such uniformity and solidarity of fans supporting their favorite icon.