NEW YORK, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- Nicki Minaj covers the December issue of V magazine in a revealing red dress and a beret, but in its cover story, the rapper opens up about her real goal as an entertainer: to inspire females.
"I always feel it's important for me to show females that they can be in charge of their own situation," Minaj told the publication.
"I came into the game creating my own brand. I was doing things very early on that set me apart from people who just took orders and allowed their brand to be created for them. I love women who take control, who set standards, and who believe in themselves enough to lead the way in terms of their career. I've done that. When I win and when I lose."
On the subject of female empowerment, Minaj addressed the very controversial cover of her single "Anaconda" -- a picture that finds her squatting with her back to the camera in a pink G-string -- and said the media is "disrespectful" for criticizing the illustration, yet keeping quiet when it comes to events like the Victoria's Secret fashion show.
"You're talking about newspeople who don't even know anything about hip-hop culture," she said. "It's so disrespectful for them to even comment on something they have no idea about. They don't say anything when they're watching the Victoria's Secret show and seeing boobs and thongs all day. Why? Shame on them. Shame on them for commenting on "Anaconda" and not commenting on the rest of the oversexualized business we're a part of."
In the end, the rapper says she's gong to "always push the envelope, because I'm Nicki Minaj. I have to."
"No matter who I'm on a song with, I feel like I have to say at least one thing no one else is willing to say. Whether it's Madonna, Britney, or Beyoncé, they always tell me, 'Yes. Be Yourself. Talk your shit.'"
The December issue of V will hit stands on Nov. 13.
