Released: 2023
“My Life” by Nicki Minaj is an unabashed declaration of her self-ownership and a pointed clapback at her critics. Minaj unapologetically asserts her independence and resilience, while simultaneously grappling with the solitude and scrutiny that come with success. She effortlessly weaves in pop culture references and utilizes unique wordplay to deliver a power-packed narrative about her life in the limelight.
In the first verse, Minaj uses basketball metaphors to symbolize her unending grind and success. She self-referentially coins herself “queen sleeze”, reiterating she’s not one to be trifled with. The line “I got bigger fish to fry, that’s why I got a bigger net” suggests she has bigger goals and won’t waste time on petty quarrels.
The chorus sees Minaj expressing frustrations about constant judgments and criticisms. She refuses to let them dictate her love life and decisions, asserting, “it’s my life”. The repeated line “my life” further underlines her control over her destiny.
The second verse is filled with confident boasts. References to “the jammies” and “tuck that ass to sleep like your mammy” demonstrate Minaj’s knack for conjuring vivid images while delivering threats in a playful manner. Yet, amidst the braggadocio, there’s a note of vulnerability as Minaj reflects on the transient nature of material wealth and the constant threat she feels around her, with the line “gotta keep a hitter ’round”.
The bridge features a sample from “Heart of Glass” by Blondie serving as a backdrop to Minaj’s commentary on love and relationships. By repurposing this new wave classic, she cleverly reshapes a song about fragile love to emphasize her own resilience and reinvention.
Overall, “My Life” presents Minaj at her sharpest – unapologetic, assertive, and defiant. Amidst the industry noise and haters, she stands tall, employing biting wit and raw introspection to convey her journey, reinforcing her status as a force to be reckoned with in the game.
