Learn About Nicki Minaj’s Parents: Insights into Robert and Carol Maraj
Credit: Getty Images
Key Information
- Nicki Minaj was born in Trinidad to parents Robert and Carol Maraj.
- Robert passed away following a hit-and-run incident in 2021.
- Carol established a foundation focused on combatting domestic violence.
Before embarking on her illustrious rap career, Nicki Minaj, born Onika Tanya Maraj, was raised in Trinidad by her parents, Robert and Carol Maraj. At the age of three, Nicki’s family relocated to New York City, initially leaving her with her grandmother in Trinidad. Two years later, they brought her and her brother to South Jamaica, Queens.
During her early life, Nicki faced significant challenges, particularly related to her father’s struggles with drug addiction. Though he sought rehabilitation and worked toward sobriety, Robert tragically died in February 2021 due to a hit-and-run car accident. Reflecting on her father’s passing, Nicki expressed deep sorrow in a letter to fans, stating, “I find myself wanting to call him all the time. More so now that he’s gone. Life is funny that way.”
Immigration Journey and Early Life
Carol and Robert Maraj
Carol Maraj Instagram
Nicki’s parents immigrated to the United States when she was only three years old, leaving her with her grandmother amidst a large family environment. They returned to bring Nicki to their new home in Queens when she was five. Reflecting on her childhood, Nicki recalled the struggles of not being able to afford the latest trends and the impact of being teased by classmates for it.
“A girl I considered a friend of mine — in front of all these people — looks at me and says, ‘You think your mother could afford that?’” she recounted. “When you hear things like that, you put them somewhere in your subconscious, and you make yourself a promise.”
Musical Influences
Carol Maraj attends the 2015 Dress For Success Something To Share Gala in New York City.
Chance Yeh/Getty
Nicki attributes part of her musical talent to her mother, Carol, who is a gospel singer. Discussing her track “What Makes You,” Nicki noted, “This song is more pop, not gospel. It encourages people to love themselves and build their self-esteem. It’s really a feel-good song, it’s different from what I usually do.” Carol shared that she often sang while performing household chores, providing a soundtrack to Nicki’s early years. Carol fondly recalled that her children would rush to listen whenever she sang.
Supportive Parents
Nicki Minaj and her mom, Carol Maraj.
Carol Maraj Instagram
Throughout her upbringing, both Carol and Robert supported Nicki’s artistic ambitions. They facilitated her education at LaGuardia High School, a prestigious performing arts institution in New York City. In interviews, Carol revealed that Nicki would sometimes seek her mother’s counsel during challenging times, seeking prayers for the issues she faced.
Struggles with Addiction and Recovery
Robert Maraj
Carol Maraj Instagram
Nicki has been candid about her father’s battle with substance abuse, noting that Robert’s addiction deepened as crack cocaine became prevalent in New York during the 1980s. This tumultuous period impacted the family significantly, with Nicki sharing that Robert’s behavior oscillated between peaceful and violent depending on his substance use.
Despite the difficulties, Robert eventually sought help and entered rehabilitation. Speaking of her father’s transformation, Nicki expressed gratitude for his recovery, stating that he became a different person through faith and redemption.
A Mission for Change
Nicki Minaj and mother Carol Maraj attend the 2015 BET Awards.
Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic
In light of her experiences with domestic violence, Carol founded the Carol Maraj Foundation, aimed at assisting women dealing with similar struggles. Carol shared, “Me being a survivor of domestic violence, I started to think a lot about other women. I started feeling a burden for them.” Her foundation focuses on providing aid and resources for women in vulnerable positions, aiming for financial independence to meet ongoing needs.
Father’s Untimely Passing and Aftermath
Robert Maraj tragically lost his life on February 12, 2021, in a hit-and-run accident in Long Island, New York. He was 64 years old when the incident occurred. Following his passing, Carol filed a $150 million lawsuit against the driver involved, highlighting issues of accountability and justice.
Carol’s lawyer criticized the responsible party for their actions, stating, “Polevich’s behavior was criminal, cowardly, and immoral. We will hold him responsible for his reckless actions that led to Robert Maraj’s death!”
While Nicki Minaj did not publicly discuss her father’s death immediately, she later described it as “the most devastating loss of my life.” As she continues her journey through grief, the impact of her parents’ lives on her career remains profound.
