If you’ve followed the Queen of Rap for more than five minutes, you know her hair is basically its own character. From the towering pink beehives of the early 2010s to the sleek, 40-inch jet-black "bust down" looks of recent years, Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty rarely sticks to one script. But there is one specific era—actually, more like a specific moment—that keeps popping up in fan edits and Pinterest boards: Nicki Minaj with dreads.
Honestly, it wasn't a permanent lifestyle choice. She didn't go through a years-long locking process. It was a wig. But in the world of the Barbz, a single music video look can carry more weight than a three-year album cycle. The "dreads" look (which were actually long, blonde faux locs) became a piece of hip-hop fashion history for a very specific reason: it was a direct tribute.
The Y.U. Mad Moment: A Lil Wayne Transformation
The most famous instance of Nicki Minaj with dreads happened back in 2011. She was filming the music video for Birdman’s "Y.U. Mad," featuring her and her mentor, Lil Wayne.
Nicki didn't just show up to rap her verse. She showed up as Lil Wayne.
Basically, she did a full drag-inspired cosplay of Tunechi. She had the oversized white tee, the camouflage shorts, the red Beats by Dre headphones around her neck, and, most importantly, the waist-length blonde dreadlocks. It was a meta-moment in hip-hop. Seeing the "Harajuku Barbie" ditch the blunt-cut bangs for a gritty, skater-rapper aesthetic was a shock to the system.
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The locs were a striking platinum blonde, mimicking the various stages of Wayne’s own hair journey. Because she was playing a character, the hair wasn't meant to look "natural" in the traditional sense—it was meant to be loud, heavy, and undeniably Wayne. It’s funny how a look intended as a parody or a tribute ended up being one of her most requested styles for fan art.
Were They Real Locs or Faux Locs?
Let's clear this up: Nicki Minaj has never actually locked her natural hair.
She has been very vocal over the years about the health of her real hair. She often posts "hair growth" videos on Instagram showing off her natural length and texture, which she keeps protected under her rotating collection of wigs. The dreads we saw in "Y.U. Mad" and a few subsequent photoshoots were high-quality faux locs or a custom-constructed lace front wig.
In 2011, the technology for loc wigs wasn't quite where it is today. If you look closely at the "Y.U. Mad" behind-the-scenes footage, you can see the weight of the hair. It was bulky. It moved differently than her synthetic pink bobs.
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Why the look worked:
- Contrast: The blonde against her skin tone was a classic Nicki move, but the texture was a total pivot.
- Cultural Context: In 2011, seeing a mainstream female rapper in locs—even as a costume—wasn't as common as the "Goddess Locs" trend we see now with stars like Meagan Good or Chloe Bailey.
- The Vibe: It gave her an edge. It moved her away from the "doll" aesthetic and into a more "street" lane, even if just for four minutes of a music video.
The Controversy and the Kim Comparisons
You can't talk about Nicki Minaj with dreads without mentioning the inevitable comparisons. Back when those first photos hit the internet, some critics tried to say she was "borrowing" the look from Lil' Kim, who famously rocked various braided and textured styles in the late 90s and early 2000s.
Social media was a different beast back then, but the "fan wars" were just as intense. While some saw it as a biting reference to her rivals, most objective viewers saw it for what it was: a Young Money family moment. She was literally standing next to Lil Wayne, dressed as Lil Wayne, in a video for the head of the label.
Recreating the Look Today
If you’re looking to channel that specific "Nicki with dreads" energy, the game has changed. You don't have to struggle with a heavy, poorly-ventilated wig.
- Goddess Locs over Traditional Dreads: Most people today go for a "Goddess" or "Bohemian" loc style, which adds wavy human hair pieces to the ends of the locs. It’s a softer, more feminine version of the look Nicki sported.
- Color Play: Nicki’s locs were 613 blonde. If you’re going to do this, go bold. The "Barbie" element is the color, not just the texture.
- The Weight Factor: If you're getting faux locs installed, ask for "distressed" or "butterfly" locs to keep them lightweight. The 2011 version was heavy enough to cause a neck ache.
The Legacy of the "Nicki Locs"
Why do we still care about a wig she wore for one day over a decade ago?
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It’s about versatility. Nicki Minaj proved early on that she could inhabit any persona. Whether it's the Roman Zolanski character with the wild curls or the Lil Wayne tribute with the blonde locs, she used hair as a tool for storytelling.
She hasn't revisited the look much lately. These days, she seems to prefer the "Queen" aesthetic—super long, super straight, and incredibly expensive-looking bundles. But every now and then, when a fan asks for a throwback, the "Y.U. Mad" dreads are the first thing people mention.
It was a moment where the most famous woman in rap decided to look like the most famous man in rap, and somehow, she still made it look like her own.
What to do if you want this look:
If you're planning on rocking Nicki Minaj with dreads as a style choice, focus on the 613 blonde shade. Look for a high-quality crochet loc or a full lace faux-loc wig to avoid the tension of a traditional install. Most importantly, wear it with the same "Gag City" confidence she had on that video set.
To keep your natural hair safe under a look this heavy, always use a silk or satin cap before putting on your wig, and don't leave a heavy loc install in for more than six to eight weeks. Your edges will thank you later.
Actionable Insight: If you're looking for the exact visual reference for your stylist, search for "Nicki Minaj Y.U. Mad video stills." This provides the best angles of the blonde locs, showing exactly how they were layered to frame her face while maintaining that signature hip-hop volume.