Best Albums of 2012 – ‘Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded – The Re-Up’ By Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj spent most of 2012 defending herself against critics over dance-pop songs like 'Starships' that littered the bottom half of her second album 'Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded.' Her polarizing album even ignited a radio feud with Hot 97 personality Peter Rosenberg.

The Young Money starlet pushed the haters back triumphantly with 'The Re-Up,' her reworked version of 'Roman Reloaded.' The revamped LP proves that Minaj can maintain a successful balance being in the rap and pop worlds. Songs like 'Freedom,' 'Boys,' and 'High School' remind us what we love most about the Queen Barbz -- her strength, lyrical ability and infectious flow.

Now that she's not looking for anyone's approval, Minaj vows to continue taking risks with her music whether critics like it or not. So far, her reign on the hip-pop throne remains untarnished.