Quotes from Nicki Minaj

One of the first production deals I signed, the guy wanted my name to be Minaj and I fought him tooth and nail. But he convinced me. I've always hated it.

I love to move around. I'm not a person who likes to stay in the same place all the time.

So we become alive in a time of fear.

I hear the criticism loud & clear That is how I know that the time is near

I've gotten tons of awards and I believe when it's my time to get a Grammy, I'll get a Grammy.

Man I can't even count all of these hundreds Duffle bag every time I go to SunTrust

Really I peeped dude at the bar like really Lookin like he want a good time like really Said he had a friend for my homegirl Lilly Lilly Lilly Lilly

I think one of the things I was shocked about was how interested the world is in 'American Idol' and how people, writers, they write about 'Idol' all the time, and I guess I didn't expect that.

Pills n potions.. We're overdosin.. I'm angry but I still love you

I love my hair. But I don't even remember my original color because I started bleaching it so young. I was, like, 11.

But, by just being myself, I end up touching a lot more people who might never have paid much attention to a female rapper.

Self-righteous and entitled but they swearin' on the Bible that they love you When really they no different from all your rivals.

I think music gives so much inspiration. I listen to all kinds of music: pop, hip-hop, everything. I also love classical music.

You have to know that as long as you love who you are - your morals, your values, that type of stuff - you're OK.

I say nice things about Mariah all the time. I tell Mariah all the time how much of a fan I am of her. She's one of my favorite artists of all time... She's shaped a generation of singers.

If people are sitting in the barbershop talking about my butt, it's conversational. That's what people are gonna do.

I hate formal stuff. I love looking like a doll and all that stuff and playing dress up, but when I'm home, sweat pants, t-shirt. When I'm in the studio, sweat pants, t-shirt.

My rule is, whatever you were calling me four years ago is what you should be calling me now, because I don't like it when my family or close friends call me Nicki Minaj. To me I'm not Nicki Minaj when I'm with them.

My best and worst 'Idol' moments? I don't have a worst 'Idol' moment... I've been spectacular. Yes, I am going to toot my own horn. And then my best moment is every single moment. I'll toot it again!

My goal the whole time has been for people to see me as a stand-alone artist. I came out with Young Money, the biggest hip-hop label in the world at the time. And then it was, 'How do I branch away from Lil Wayne?'

I want people - especially young girls - to know that in life, nothing is going to be based on sex appeal. You've got to have something else to go with that.

If I'm traveling, I'll pack socks in my bag - really cute furry ones.

My advice to women in general: Even if you're doing a nine-to-five job, treat yourself like a boss. Not arrogant, but be sure of what you want - and don't allow people to run anything for you without your knowledge.

I cannot hold a grudge against Mariah Carey. What people don't understand is that I've looked up to her for so many years.