Born Onika Maraj, Trinidadian-born rapper-singer Nicki Minaj moved to Queens, New York, as a small child. She later attended the legendary LaGuardia High School for the performing arts, where she concentrated on drama after feeling too hoarse to sing on the day of her audition. Nominated as Choice R&B/Hip-Hop Artist, Minaj has had a string of hits including “Your Love” and “Super Bass.” Her powerful flow and hooky songs have always set her apart—“I wanted to be as strong as the boys and as talented as them and I wanted to show them I could do what they did,” she told Vibe.