Nicki Minaj capped off a banner year at “VH1 Big in 2015 with Entertainment Weekly.” Queen Latifah honored her fellow rap queen for her accomplishments during the ceremony, which aired Monday night.
“Nicki, I’m thrilled to be here for you tonight,” said Latifah. “You’re a force within the hip-hop community. You’ve become an inspiration to women everywhere. I love how you are never afraid to speak your mind.”
She praised her for being “one of the greats,” adding, “No one can take that away from you.”
With Meek Mill by her side, a humbled Nicki accepted her award. “Queen Latifah, I am so obsessed with you because you’re just so genuine and so sweet,” said Nicki, who personally asked for Latifah to honor her. “She knows what it takes to be a woman in a male-dominated field.”
The “Anaconda” rapper, who celebrated her 33rd birthday, December 8, also shared some empowering words for women. “I hope that if I inspire women to do anything, it’s just to never take no for an answer. No matter what field you’re in, go after your biggest dream. Do not settle. Do not allow people to tell you that you can’t do anything you put your mind to.”
She ended the speech by thanking her fans, family, and her “baby,” Meek.
