In the recent unveiling of her acclaimed album, Pink Friday 2, Nicki Minaj presented a dynamic mix of high-energy anthems like “FTCU” and the Lil Uzi Vert collaboration “Everybody,” complemented by more introspective tracks.
During a recent discussion with Apple Music’s Ebro Darden on Thursday (Jan. 4), Minaj explored the emotional depth of “Are You Gone Already.” This poignant song draws its inspiration from the heartbreaking loss of her father, Robert Maraj, in a tragic hit-and-run accident in 2021.
Minaj shared,“My father had just passed. So, right after I had the baby, and it was during Corona, and nobody knew what was going on, so, one day, I was rocking the baby, and I don’t normally have the phone on me when I’m rocking him.” She recounted a call from Maraj that day, expressing his eagerness to visit California and assist her.
That fateful night, Minaj received the devastating news of her father’s accident from her mother, a moment that caused her to faint. Reflecting on that moment, she said, “After I had my baby was the first time in my life that I ever fainted; I never knew what it felt like to faint,” she explained. “What was interesting, why I said, ‘Are you gone already?’ [was] because I knew he was gone already.”
In 2022, the individual responsible for Maraj’s death faced legal consequences, receiving a one-year jail sentence. Additionally, their license was suspended for six months, and they were ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
During her conversation with Darden, Minaj also discussed her collaboration with Drake on “Needle.” Originally intended for Drake’s For All The Dogs, the track found its place on Pink Friday 2 after Drake felt it didn’t align with the sonic direction of his own project.