Queen
by Nicki Minaj
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Variety
    Aug 11, 2018
    90
    An epic 19-track collection that stands as her best and boldest recorded work to date.
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    Aug 10, 2018
    85
    Queen includes 19 tracks, which some might consider to be too long for an album. But Minaj avoids boring her listeners by changing up her flow and the atomosphere of each track.
  3. The A.V. Club
    Aug 17, 2018
    83
    It’s a lot of fun, but not quite the instant classic for which Minaj seems to have been aiming.
  5. XXL
    Aug 14, 2018
    80
    Within the framework of Queen--equal parts an album for her fans, a victory lap and a reminder of Minaj’s unflappable meta presence--the enormity of her success and her cultural impact is undeniable. There are genuine moments of the excitement and fun Minaj associates with her beloved New York City.
  6. The Independent (UK)
    Aug 12, 2018
    80
    It may lack cohesion at certain points, but one thing is never in doubt: Minaj is still one of the best in her field.
  7. Pitchfork
    Aug 14, 2018
    76
    The connections between past and present, between style and form, make Queen feel like her most creatively honest album. She remains a force--whether you’re willing to bow or not.
  8. Entertainment Weekly
    Aug 14, 2018
    75
    Even when Minaj has no featured artist to outwit, it is still braggadocious tracks like “Hard White,” “Good Form,” and “Barbie Dreams” that display her innate lyrical skill. Minaj thrives when she has an adversary. ... Unfortunately, when there isn’t one, her larger-than-life persona can lose some of its dimension.
  9. Consequence
    Aug 12, 2018
    75
    At this point, she’s like a Starbucks coffee, a consistent product with a reliable buzz. The next cup probably won’t change your life, but it might just get you through the day.
  10. Exclaim
    Aug 14, 2018
    70
    Whether Nicki Minaj is the rightful queen of rap is up for debate, but the album, despite having several songs that were more filler than functional ("Sir," "Majesty," "Chun Swae"), highlights her ability to adapt to an ever-changing sonic landscape.
  11. Rolling Stone
    Aug 14, 2018
    70
    Despite some spectacular moments, Queen has a flabby, meandering mid-section.
  12. Sputnikmusic
    Aug 12, 2018
    70
    Queen’s greatest asset is Nicki’s dual propensity for virtuosic verses and catchy pop elements. She skillfully blends them on the album’s best tracks.
  13. HipHopDX
    Aug 14, 2018
    68
    There are no deep layers to be uncovered on Queen. No methodical analysis responding to her critics for her reliance on sexual ploys. Nary a mention of any mental anguish the grave allegations her brother faces.

Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Most Discussed Album of 2018
4
#4 Most Shared Album of 2018

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1891 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,459 out of 1891
  2. Mixed: 73 out of 1891
  3. Negative: 359 out of 1891
  1. AdamZlsnk
    Aug 10, 2018
    10
    When you think some Iggy or Cardi **** can take her spot, she proves why and how to be the QUEEN. I'll give you 10 minutes to name somethingWhen you think some Iggy or Cardi **** can take her spot, she proves why and how to be the QUEEN. I'll give you 10 minutes to name something by a female rapper this decade more harder and iconic than Barbie Dreams. GO!… Full Review »
  2. orlandoarceovaz
    Aug 10, 2018
    10
    Is the Nicki best album, Although many compare it with other rapers (Cardi B) this album has a lot of musical rap art
  3. Barb101
    Aug 10, 2018
    0
    *sighs* This is honestly the most messiest rollout possible for any era & album. I don’t even no where to start! With the album being*sighs* This is honestly the most messiest rollout possible for any era & album. I don’t even no where to start! With the album being postponed and delayed over the last 4 years you would expect the quality of the songs to stand out from her antics? YEA NO. She’s spent more time declaring herself the queen of rap then actually taking her time, and putting quality into her craft. Her Hate train hasn’t steamed from people being sick and tired of the little effort she’s presenting and giving out to the gp! Her team and fans are filled with a bunch of yes men who just agree and nod their head to everything she’s does and she wonders why everything she releases is a peace of SH*t! I mean cmon! she just finished the album 12 hours ago.. if that isn’t rushed then i don’t know what is! The constant delays and pushbacks and this is all you have to offer? Anyways, t let’s move on to the album. The songs were lackluster as hell. there were a majority of 5 songs that didn’t sound the same or were at least enjoyable to listen too. Barbie Dreams, LLC, & Nip Tuck are the only songs i can see myself listening too a week after this. She could’ve did better than this! SHES NO QUEEN OF RAP.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »