Rapper Nicki Minaj’s dream of becoming a mom finally came true when her son arrived on September 30, 2020.
In 2014, Minaj shared with Complex that she wanted to get married and have her baby – in that specific order. The rapper also added that she would feel disappointed if she still weren’t a mom by the time she finished her fifth album. No amount of money would matter to her because, as a woman, she felt that she was put in this world to be a mother.
Fortunately, her life turned out the way she wanted it to be. She tied the knot on October 21, 2019, with her husband, Kenneth “Zoo” Petty, and welcomed her first child with him a year later. Both milestones happened before her long-awaited fifth album, which she’ll drop in October 2023.
Of course, she couldn’t be happier. According to the rapper, looking at her son always reminds her how blessed she is. She said, “I realized, for so many women, this is their dream. Their dream is to have a child, and not everybody gets that blessing.”
Let’s meet Nicki Minaj’s answered prayer and little bundle of joy.
“Papa Bear”
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Nicki Minaj gave birth to her baby boy in 2020, and she gifted fans with a glimpse of him three weeks later, marking her first anniversary with her husband. It was a photo of his tiny, adorable foot with a simple caption saying, “Happy Anniversary, my love ♥️”
Minaj shared her quite hilarious birth story in a Twitter Q&A. She said she had just gotten out of the shower, butt naked and scooting over to her husband for a back rub when her water broke. To her surprise, she was calm when it all went down and quietly said that she was about to be in labor.
She added that she was in labor “all night.” That is because her first epidural didn’t wear off fast enough that she could feel herself pushing. It was like she was trying to push for about two-and-a-half hours, but when the pain finally hit her, she pushed him out.
Though she wasn’t shy about posting him on her social media, Minaj hadn’t revealed his name. She only referred to him using his very cute nickname, “Papa Bear,” or sometimes just “Papa.” She used the same nickname even when she received her 2022 MTV Music Video Awards speech.
Though apparently, Papa Bear was supposed to be “Ninja.” In a fan radio interview with ET on January 1, 2021, Minaj revealed she changed his moniker at the last minute, which could still change. (Though we think Papa Bear has already stuck.) She said many people liked “Ninja,” but she didn’t like it hence the change.
Life as the son of the Nicki Minaj
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During the first few weeks after his arrival, Papa Bear definitely enjoyed the undivided attention of his mom. Minaj even shared that trying to tweet while feeding his son didn’t fly.
So, when a fan asked why she wasn’t hiring a nanny like all the other celebrities, Minaj simply said it was a difficult decision. Her son was just so into getting her attention every single day.
In fact, in March 2022, she shared an adorable clip of them playing peek-a-boo though not the traditional one. That’s because, in this game, Papa Bear would get his mom’s attention only to ignore her by pulling over covers over his face and hiding.
At first, this really worried Minaj, as she thought he was zoning out and not hearing her at all. However, she ultimately realized that her son just had a sense of humor.
When Papa Bear hit his first year, his parents went all out and gave him an epic Kung-Fu Panda-themed birthday. Not only that, but there was also a string of activities like face painting, balloon and headband making, a bouncy house, and even a photo booth. The rapper shared photos of the birthday bash on her Instagram.
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As for his second birthday, he had a Minions-themed one, and it was more extravagant than the first one. They had everything from ice cream to cotton candy to smoothies to popcorn machines, mocktail bars, bouncy houses (yes, more than one!), slime and Lego hat-making stations, and many more.
Now, if you thought Papa only enjoyed the bougie life on his birthdays, you’re wrong. His everyday life IS bougie.
For one, he has his own designer wardrobe, just like his mom. He’s got the whole Yeezy sneakers collection, Burberry outfits, Dolce & Gabbana sweatsuits, and Gucci tracksuits, to name a few. Even his stroller is luxury: Fendi.
Papa also got his own set of wheels which Minaj gifted to him on Christmas. It’s a tiny Lamborghini with customized plates of his own name. He also has a Mercedes, just so we all know. Not only that, but he had also ridden a private jet and even danced on his seat after his mom and dad joined in on a song when they boarded.
Nicki Minaj’s son Papa Bear is definitely living the life. (We’re all jealous, we know.)