Top 10 Nicki Minaj Songs

Before Nicki Minaj became a hip-pop superstar, the N.Y.C. native earned her stripes on the mixtape circuit. On this joint, Minaj rap crazy punchlines over Lil Kim's 2003 song 'Jump Off' (produced by Timbaland). "My flow's stupid / Wheelchair bound / Take the small bus all year round," Minaj spits. It's also really interesting to hear Nicki Minaj paying homage to Lil Kim, who is now her ultimate rap nemesis.

This Nicki Minaj song another mixtape gem that has become a fan favorite and for good reason: It's arguably one of her best underground joints. Over Soulja Boy's booty ode '(She Gotta) Donk,' the queen of Queens brags about being the best on the mic. "I was on the plane wit Dwayne / You can call me Whitley I go to Hillman / Listen, I'm the baddest in the school, the baddest in the game / Excuse me honey but nobody's in my lane," she raps.

'Your Love' is the first single from Nicki Minaj's 2010 debut album 'Pink Friday,' but the song originally appeared on her 'Barbie World' mixtape. Over a sample of 'No More I Love You's' by Scottish songstress Annie Lennox, Minaj raps about a good man who is the "illest," using stutters and her island-accented vocals to deliver affectionate lyrics like, "You're like a candy store / And I'm a toddler / You got me wantin' more and ma ma more of / Your love, your love." The song went platinum with one million copies sold in the U.S.

At No. 7 on our Top 10 Nicki Minaj Songs list is one of the rapper's stronger tracks on her second full-length album, 'Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded.' On 'I Am Your Leader,' the Young Money queen raps braggadocios rhymes of superiority against her detractors. "Yes, I am your leader / You not a believer? / Suck a big d---!" she taunts. Rick Ross and Cam'ron also come through to kick some middle-finger-to-your-face rhymes with their girl Nicki.

Produced by T-Minus, this top Nicki Minaj song was inspired by a dream she once had, in which two kids grow up to become top-selling rappers. So who better to join her on the track than her Young Money label mate Drake. The song became Minaj's first No. 1 hit on Billboard's Rap Songs chart and it sold over one million copies. In the accompanying Cinderella-themed video, Minaj and Drake get fictitiously married, which sparked rumors that they were a couple outside of their music careers.

Nicki Minaj may have wanted to fly high on 'Starships,' but it has kept her grounded in controversy, so far. Currently, the dance-pop song is at the center of a brouhaha between her and New York radio personality Peter Rosenberg. Arguably, 'Starships' is her most polarizing track to date, with some calling it "pop perfection," while others accusing Minaj of selling out. Opinions aside, 'Starships' is another hugely successful track for Minaj, with its infectious lyrics and danceable beat.

Coming in at No. 4 on our Top 10 Nicki Minaj Songs countdown is another mixtape goodie from the Young Money princess. 'I Get Crazy' is from Minaj's 2009 mixtape 'Beam Up Scotty,' and the song was so hot that it garnered major radio airplay and charted on Billboard's Rap Songs chart. "So I got a bad b---- mentality / 'Cause I just came from another galaxy / I be with the president up in the White House / If we in the oval office, then its lights out," Minaj raps. The song also features Lil Wayne, but instead of lending his gravelly vocals to the track, he plays guitar on 'I Get Crazy.'

Nicki Minaj and Eminem are their maniacal alter egos Roman Zolanski and Slim Shady, respectively, on this haunting track from 'Pink Friday.' Both Zo and Shady lyrically slaughter any naysayers who stand in their way. "Is this the thanks that I get for putting you b----es on? / Is it my fault that all of you b----es gone? / Shoulda sent a thank-you note, you little h-- / Now I'mma wrap your coffin with a bow," raps Minaj, who may be referring to her nemesis on this track. Ruf! Ruf! Em and Minaj spit hot fire like dungeon dragons.

This is another great Nicki Minaj song from her platinum-selling second LP. The anthemic tune 'Champion' has the potential to become a chart-topping hit for Minaj if she ever releases it as a single. On the song, Nicki, Drake, Young Jeezy and Nas drop powerful testimonials of overcoming their struggles to achieve their success. "This a celebration, this is levitation / Look at how you winning now? / This to dedication; this is meditation / Higher education; this the official competitor elimination," Minaj raps. Although she shines on the orchestral-driven banger, Nas’ verse is a major standout on this fantastic song.

Coming in at No. 1 on our Top 10 Nicki Minaj Songs list is 'Super Bass.' Undoubtedly, this is the Harajuku Barbie's most popular song to date, with the feel-good, electro-pop tune becoming the summer anthem of 2011. It has also spawned several covers including 8-year-old Sophie Brownlee's cute rendition. As of May 2012, 'Super Bass' has sold a whopping 4 million digital copies. Talk about "boom, badoom, boom, boom, badoom, boom," baby!