Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty ( née Maraj; born December 8, 1982), known professionally as Nicki Minaj ( / mɪˈnɑːʒ / min-AHZH ), is a Trinidadian-born [a] rapper, singer, and songwriter based in the United States. She is known for her musical versatility, sharp lyrics, animated flow in her rapping, alter egos and accents.