NICKI MOVES HER QUEEN

YMCMB/Republic’s Nicki Minaj has announced that she’s pushing the release of fourth studio album Queen. The set, which was supposed to drop on 8/10, will now come out on 8/17—the same day Republic labelmate Ariana Grande’s highly anticipated Sweetener is scheduled to arrive.

For what it's worth, Pitchfork recently reported that the move might be due to an issue clearing a Tracy Chapman sample.

In her new official statement (seen below), the star also hints at a "huge surprise" that can't be revealed until the day before the album. In the meantime, fans can indulge in her Apple Music Essentials playlist, which Minaj has taken over. Check that out here.

My darlings!!! I have a huge surprise that I can’t share until the day before #Queen drops. So in the meantime, check out this playlist I made for you guys. I did #FEFE with my new BFF from BROOKLYN. He’s a little funny looking but he’s really sweet under all those tats. 😩 New York til da DEF!!!! Ha! Last time I teamed up with YG was for his remix to “My Hitta.” We recently performed #BigBank at the BET Awards and had a blast wit my dudes Big Sean and 2 Chainz. I have classic bops with all 3 of them so I’m including them on this list. I’m super excited about my recent collaboration with Ariana Grande. She’s one of the realest artists I’ve had the pleasure of working with. She couldn’t fly with me to Turks to shoot the #BedVideo so we shot her scenes in Malibu. We’re actually working on edit number 2 for the #BedVideo to include all the fun stuff we had to remove. I love “Ball For Me” with Post Malone. Not sure why he won’t release the video. 🗣 It’s DOPE!!! 😜 I hope you enjoy my playlist. Can’t wait for you guys to hear my 4th album QUEEN ON AUGUST 17!!!!!!!