At long last, rap artist Nicki Minaj released her new single “Last Time I Saw You” on Friday, Sept. 1 as a preview to her upcoming album “Pink Friday 2” due to come out Friday, Nov. 17.
As of recently, according to “Pop Crave” on Twitter, Minaj has become the first rapper in history to have 40 songs hit #1 on US iTunes and currently pacing for a Top 30 Debut on the Billboard Hot 100.
I remember hearing the announcement on Minaj’s Instagram that the song had dropped. I quickly opened Spotify and allowed the song to woo me all through it.
As someone who’s been a fan of Minaj, I’ll have to say this is one of the best singles I’ve heard from her since her debut album. Ever since the drop, it’s the only thing that’s been on my mind, every day when I come into school, go to work or go on walks, it’s all I ever listen to.
I love how Minaj’s style in music is not like any of the newer rap artists. She has her own style and can be versatile in many genres of music apart from rap. Whether it’s pop, R&B, Latin, etc, Minaj is just one of those artists whose next moves are unpredictable and aren’t afraid to experiment within their careers to keep not only themselves, but their fans entertained.
After I heard the first 20 seconds of the song, I quickly fell in love. My jaw dropped to the floor. There’s nothing in this world I love more than Minaj’s singing voice and when I heard her hit those notes, my heart melted in awe.
In the beginning, the song starts off with the beat of drums, so I thought it was going to be just like what I’m used to hearing from Minaj. Then the song throws in this almost galactic melody which took me by surprise since it was different from what I was used to hearing from rap artists. I also loved how the song transitions into the chorus; this part was one of my favorites because it gave off such a euphoric, almost nostalgic vibe. It made me feel like I was in one of those old-school music videos from the early 2000s.
Once the song got into the rap verse, it had me in my feelings, but in a good way. The flow and rhythm, I felt on a personal level. I love how Minaj made the verse about the loss of all relationships. Marriages, best friends, losing a loved one to name a few. I could even picture myself in the song if it were to have a music video.
My favorite part of the whole song was the refrain. When Minaj sang the verse, I immediately jumped out of my seat and started dancing along. Honestly, the best part of the song.
The song ends with Minaj vocalizing the bridge and the chorus as she sings the words “Bombs Away.” This part alone was enough to send me straight into heaven. I can say with my full chest that there’s no one in this world who loves Minaj’s singing voice more than me. Anytime she hops on a track and starts singing, I cry tears of joy, her voice is just so angelic and healing it can cure all of my problems.
I believe “Last Time I Saw You” is one of Minaj’s best singles she has dropped throughout her music career. It’s cute and catchy and spreads a deep message without sounding too serious and heartbreaking so you’re still able to understand what she’s trying to say while also vibing out to the song. I’m extremely thrilled to see what more Minaj has in store for her fans as she continues to express herself in this new era of hers when she drops “Pink Friday 2” this November.
