Nicki Minaj discusses her new look, upcoming album 'The Pink Print'

NEW YORK, April 22 (UPI) -- Nicki Minaj discussed her new look and upcoming album The Pink Print in an interview on Monday.

The 31-year-old singer wore makeup in natural tones and a simple black dress for her appearance on MTV News. Once known for her outlandish demeanor, costumes and hair, Minaj has introduced a decidedly toned down attitude and appearance in recent months.

"It's not a makeover, it's coming full circle," the star says of her changes. "I went so far to the other side that there's only one place to go from there. You can either continue doing costumes or you can just say, 'Hey, guess what?' This will shock them even more. Doing nothing will shock them even more.'"

Minaj says she has significant changes planned for her upcoming album as well. She plans to release her third studio album, The Pink Print, later this year, and many of the songs will return to her rap roots.

"The tracks on Pink Print are back to my hip-hop roots," the singer says. "And I don't think it's something that I'm necessarily trying to do... I'm just gonna do what my heart tells me to do."

When asked if the new album will include songs similar to past hits "Starships" and "Super Bass," Minaj responds with an emphatic "Hell no."