A Look at Nicki Minaj's Ex-Boyfriends Before Her Marriage to Kenneth Petty
Now happily married to Kenneth Petty, Nicki Minaj's romantic journey before tying the knot was marked by a series of high-profile relationships that often captured public attention. Her ex-boyfriends included notable figures such as Safaree Samuels, Meek Mill, and Nas, with some relationships confirmed and others remaining as persistent rumors. These connections have shaped her personal life and career, offering a glimpse into the love life of one of hip-hop's most iconic stars.
Profile Summary of Nicki Minaj
Real name: Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty
Nickname: Nicki Minaj
Gender: Female
Date of birth: 8 December 1982
Age: 43 years old (as of March 2026)
Zodiac sign: Sagittarius
Place of birth: Saint James, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Current residence: New York City, New York, United States
Nationality: Trinidadian-American
Ethnicity: Trinidadian
Religion: Christianity
Sexuality: Straight
Height: 5'2" (157 cm)
Weight: 137 lbs (62 kg)
Hair colour: Black
Eye colour: Dark brown
Mother: Carol Maraj
Father: Robert Maraj
Siblings: 4
Marital status: Married
Spouse: Kenny Petty
Children: 1
School: Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School
Profession: Rapper, singer
Social media: Instagram @nickiminaj, Facebook @nickiminaj, TikTok @nickiminaj, X @NICKIMINAJ
Before the Ring: Nicki Minaj’s Ex-Boyfriends Revealed
Before her marriage to Kenneth Petty in October 2019, Nicki Minaj experienced a range of romantic relationships that spanned from early connections to widely publicized affairs. Here is a detailed exploration of the men who were part of her life prior to her current marital bliss.
Lewis Hamilton (2018)
In September 2018, rumors swirled about a potential romance between Nicki Minaj and British Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton after they were seen together at a New York Fashion Week event. The speculation intensified when they were spotted vacationing in Dubai, riding an ATV bike. However, their public appearances soon dwindled, and neither party ever officially addressed or confirmed the relationship, leaving it as a fleeting chapter in Minaj's dating history.
Eminem (2018)
Speculation about a relationship between Nicki Minaj and Eminem emerged in 2018, fueled by lyrics in YG's song Big Bank that referenced the rapper. Both artists seemed to playfully engage with the rumors. During a concert in Boston, Eminem humorously asked the crowd about dating Minaj, to which she responded on X with a lighthearted post, suggesting a studio collaboration. Despite the playful banter, no romantic involvement was ever substantiated, highlighting the often-blurred lines between friendship and rumor in the entertainment industry.
Nas (2017)
Nicki Minaj and Nas had a brief romantic involvement in 2017, building on a professional relationship that began with collaborations in 2012. Dating rumors sparked when Minaj shared a cozy photo of them at a New York City restaurant on Instagram, captioned with a regal reference. The relationship ended amicably in late December 2017, with reports citing challenges due to their long-distance lifestyles—Nas in Los Angeles and Minaj in Miami. This short-lived romance added to the intrigue of Minaj's love life.
Meek Mill (2015–2016)
Meek Mill and Nicki Minaj's relationship was one of her most publicized, beginning in early 2015 after years of friendship and collaboration. They openly displayed affection on social media, but the relationship soured by late 2016, leading to Minaj confirming their breakup in a January 2017 X post. The split was followed by public disputes and diss tracks, culminating in a 2020 altercation involving Minaj's husband. This tumultuous affair underscored the highs and lows of celebrity romances.
Safaree Samuels (2002–2014)
Safaree Samuels was Nicki Minaj's longest relationship, spanning approximately 12 years from 2002 to 2014. They first met as members of the rap group Hood$tars, transitioning from friends to romantic partners. Their breakup in 2014 was widely speculated to be referenced in Minaj's song Bed of Lies. In interviews, Safaree cited a loss of respect and feeling like an employee rather than a partner as reasons for the split. Post-breakup, they engaged in public feuds and legal disputes, marking a significant and complex chapter in Minaj's personal history.
Drake (Rumoured)
Drake and Nicki Minaj have never confirmed a romantic relationship, despite a close friendship and flirtatious dynamic that began in 2009 after both signed to Young Money. Drake has openly expressed admiration for Minaj, sparking persistent rumors over the years. Their connection faced a brief hiatus during Drake's feud with Meek Mill but was rekindled in 2017, leading to collaborations like the 2023 track Needle. This rumored involvement highlights the speculative nature of celebrity dating gossip.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Did Nicki Minaj and Meek Mill date? Yes, they were in a public relationship from 2015 to 2017.
- For how long did Nicki Minaj and Safaree Samuels date? They dated for about 12 years, from 2002 to 2014.
- Who is Nicki Minaj's current husband? She is married to Kenneth Petty.
- How did Nicki Minaj meet Kenneth Petty? They met as teenagers in South Jamaica, Queens.
- When did Nicki Minaj get married? She married Kenneth Petty in October 2019.
- Who is Nicki Minaj's baby daddy? Her husband, Kenneth Petty, is the father of her son.
- Did Nicki Minaj date Drake? No, their relationship was never officially confirmed, remaining a rumor.
Nicki Minaj's history of ex-boyfriends offers a fascinating look into her personal life, featuring celebrities like Safaree Samuels, Meek Mill, and Nas. Despite the media frenzy surrounding these past relationships, she has found enduring love with her husband, Kenneth Petty, with whom she shares a son. This journey from high-profile romances to marital stability reflects the evolving narrative of one of music's most prominent figures.
