Nicki Minaj Talks About the “Barbz” and How She Pioneered Naming Fanbases in Hip-Hop [Video]

Nicki Minaj, one of hip-hop’s most iconic figures, recently sat down for an interview with Vogue  and dropped some gems about the influence she’s had on the culture. Specifically, she took a moment to reflect on how her decision to name her fanbase the “Barbz” started a trend that has since become a staple for artists across all genres.

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According to Nicki, when she first started calling her fans the Barbz, there were only a few artists giving their fanbases specific names. “There were no rappers naming their fans,” she recalled. At that time, only Justin Bieber’s “Beliebers” and Lady Gaga’s “Monsters” were doing it. But soon enough, the trend caught on like wildfire, reaching not just hip-hop but music scenes around the globe.

In the interview, Nicki reflected on the surprising way this fan-naming phenomenon spread beyond pop music into hip-hop and other genres. “Now every single human being that becomes an artist gives their fans a name,” Nicki explained. This cultural shift wasn’t just limited to the U.S.—it even reached artists across the globe, including some of Nicki’s favorite African artists, who she says have adopted the practice of naming their fanbases too.

“I didn’t think it would spread to the hip-hop community at all,” Nicki admitted. However, she’s proud to see how this small idea has evolved into something much bigger. And while many artists have since followed suit, Nicki made it clear that her fanbase, the Barbz, will always be on top. “The Barbz are still superior,” she said confidently.

The Barbz have become an undeniable force in the world of music and social media, often mobilizing to support Nicki Minaj in any and every way possible. Whether it’s defending her on social platforms or breaking streaming records, the loyalty and dedication of the Barbz is unmatched. For Nicki, it’s more than just a fanbase—it’s a movement.

By creating a unique connection with her fans, Nicki didn’t just change how artists interact with their supporters, she helped redefine the relationship between musicians and their fan communities. In doing so, she set a new precedent in pop culture that has inspired countless other artists.