“It’s very important to still have your inner child”: Nicki Minaj shares what her younger self would admire most about her

0JD Vance Speaks At Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest Youth Conference In Phoenix ©GettyNicki Minaj reflected on her personal growth during an appearance at the X Takeover event in Austin, Texas, where she shared what she believes her younger self would be proudest of about the woman she has become.

The rapper delivered a keynote address at the event held at Tesla’s Giga Texas in Austin on Oct. 10, 2026.

There, she took the main stage for a panel and discussion on creativity, culture, technology, building a global personal brand, and connecting with fan communities.

At one point during the Beyond the Spotlight conversation, Nicki Minaj was asked what her younger self would be proudest of about the woman she has become. The Super Bass hitmaker thoughtfully answered:

“She’d probably be proud that I still kept my sense of humor.”

The answer earned a collective chuckle from the audience as well as the host. The rapper went on:

“We don’t want to lose that. It’s very important to still have your inner child be present for what’s going on. They need to experience right now, right with us, in the present. They need to be there with you, rooting you on every step of the way.”

“So I think that’s what she would be proud of, that I didn’t get older and more serious. I kept my edge.”

During the interview, Nicki Minaj was also asked what fans could expect on a new album from her. However, the rapper laughed it off and said:

Nicki Minaj was originally scheduled to put out a new album in March 2026.

In September 2024, the rapper shared her plans for her sixth studio album, following 2023's Pink Friday 2. At the time, she hinted at what fans would expect from her forthcoming record.

“The new music is just too good to be thrown away on a deluxe album. Last night, the songs I recorded were just way too iconic.”

Then, in September 2025, she posted a "3.27.26" release date for the music project.

However, in October 2025, Nicki Minaj unexpectedly announced on X/Twitter that she was scrapping the album and quitting new music, publicly tagging JAY-Z and airing grievances related to Roc Nation.

"Ok I'm not going to put out the album anymore… No more music. Hope you're happy now @sc Bye, Barbz. Love you for life.”

Prior to this sentiment, Nicki Minaj made a cryptic post, offering a glimpse into her next album, as well as the people “in business.”

“Me winning makes them feel like they lost. They’re right. However, it didn’t have to be this way. Lots of ppl part ways in business. They know how successful my next album is going to be.”

She also alleged the parties who had been pushing back her album, writing:

“Tried to sign Wayne, Drake, me. So they keep wanting to take or stop my money simply b/c narcissists believe what you work hard for belongs to them. Fuming b/c they can’t siphon anymore energy, money, blessings, love, grace, joy, PEACE… the culture. No successful tours. Just vibes & payola.”