Nicki Minaj has surprised fans by announcing that she will release a completely new album titled Pink Friday 3, rather than the previously planned deluxe edition of Pink Friday 2. The rapper shared the news over the weekend, explaining that the new material she’s been working on deserves its own spotlight.
Originally, Minaj was set to drop the deluxe version of Pink Friday 2, dubbed PF2: Gag City Reloaded, on September 13. The deluxe was highly anticipated, especially after Minaj teased new tracks and performed unreleased songs during her ongoing tour. However, the release date passed without the album becoming available, leaving fans curious about its status.
On Sunday, September 15, Minaj took to social media to clarify her decision. “Instead of doing a deluxe to Pink Friday 2, I’ve decided to do a brand new album,” she tweeted. “I’ll still incorporate new songs like ‘Mamita’ and the ‘anxiety’ song for the remainder of the tour… and I’ll announce the new date within the next couple weeks.”
Minaj elaborated on her choice, expressing that the new music she’s created is too significant to be included merely as bonus tracks. “The new music is just too good to be thrown away on a deluxe album,” she wrote. “Last night, the songs I recorded were just way too iconic. I love you guys so much. You know that. I know you do. I’ll still give you something leading up to the announcement, so no worries.”
She emphasized the importance of being intentional with her work, especially during this successful period of her career. “This era has just been so successful, rewarding, satisfying,” Minaj added. “After much thought, I want to be certain that I am being intentional about every single decision being made around both PF2 and PF3.”
The rapper also reflected on the personal significance of Pink Friday 2, her first album released since becoming a mother to her son, affectionately known as Papa Bear. “As my first album as Papa Bear’s mama, it’s just very special to me for so many reasons you guys aren’t aware of,” she shared. “I put every song on there in a specific order. So to honor that, I’m going to give it the respect and integrity it deserves as a beautiful body of work and not add anything else to it.”
Minaj acknowledged that adding too many new tracks to the deluxe edition felt “a little sloppy” and wanted to ensure that each song received the attention it deserved. “One or two songs is no big deal, but five to seven songs feels a little sloppy right now, in my humble opinion,” she explained.
This announcement comes amid her second leg of the North American Pink Friday 2 World Tour. Despite some fans expressing dissatisfaction over late starts and setlist choices at recent shows, Minaj has been committed to providing a unique experience at each tour stop. She addressed these concerns by explaining her dedication to her craft and assuring fans that their support is appreciated.
The tour is scheduled to continue with performances in cities like Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, St. Louis, Tampa Bay, Miami, Raleigh, and will conclude in her hometown of Queens on October 11.
Pink Friday 2, released on December 8, 2023, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 228,000 album-equivalent units in its first week. This achievement marked the largest opening week for a rap album by a woman in the 2020s and the biggest for an R&B/hip-hop album by a woman in 2023.
Fans, known as the Barbz, have reacted positively to the news of Pink Friday 3, expressing excitement over receiving a completely new album instead of a deluxe edition. While this means a longer wait for new music, Minaj assured her followers that the decision was made with their best interests in mind and promised to provide updates in the coming weeks.
As anticipation builds for Pink Friday 3, Minaj’s commitment to delivering high-quality music remains evident. Her decision reflects a desire to honor her artistry and offer fans a thoughtfully crafted project that stands on its own.
.@NICKIMINAJ announces her 6th studio album titled #PinkFriday3. It doesn’t have an official release date:
— CELEBSLOVENICKIMINAJ (@celebslovenicki) September 16, 2024
Nicki Minaj via twitter:
“Dear Barbz,
IMPORTANT #GagCity ANNOUNCEMENT:
Instead of doing a DELUXE to Pink Friday 2, I’ve decided to do a brand new album. I’ll still… pic.twitter.com/7GC8WUoTo3
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