Nicki Minaj has entered the metaverse with the launch of her first-ever virtual shop in Roblox, called ‘Nicki Minaj’s Gag City’.<\/p>\n
Created in collaboration with metaverse studio Karta<\/strong> and Republic Records<\/strong>, the immersive 3D shopping experience coincides with the release of Minaj’s new album, Pink Friday 2<\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n In the virtual shop, fans can interact with Nicki Minaj’s music and purchase exclusive digital items. Users can explore a 3D shopping experience to buy exclusive emotes \u2014 expressive character animations for Roblox avatars<\/strong> \u2014 and digital items inspired by the artist\u2019s iconic career moments and latest album.<\/p>\n For every user who visited the shop on the launch day on Friday (December 8), a virtual ‘BARBZ’ birthday badge was awarded, providing access to limited-edition items. Additionally, the first 100,000 visitors<\/strong> will receive a special free shoulder pet, celebrating Minaj\u2019s birthday and album release.<\/p>\n “This is the perfect way to celebrate the launch of Pink Friday 2 as my BARBZ will be able to dress up just like me. Can\u2019t wait to see thousands of Roblox Nickis running around Gag City!\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Nicki Minaj<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n The virtual shop also features built-in virtual photo opportunities, allowing users to take selfies and share them on social media. Various Nicki Minaj-themed user-generated content items, including fashion pieces like a white jacket, corset top, baggy trousers, ombre hairstyle, hairstyle headpiece, and short pink hair, will be available for users to try on or purchase.<\/p>\n Commenting on the launch of her virtual world, Minaj said: \u201cI\u2019m so excited to unveil this Gag City project, to give fans a new way of connecting with me and my music. This is the perfect way to celebrate the launch of Pink Friday 2<\/em> as my BARBZ will be able to dress up just like me. Can\u2019t wait to see thousands of Roblox Nickis running around Gag City!\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Minaj’s career in music and entertainment spans over a decade, marked by achievements including becoming the first woman to score 100 Billboard Hot 100 Hits with 133 total entries<\/strong> to date, the most among female hip-hop acts. She also has three No.1\u2019s, over 70 Top 40 hits<\/strong> and 23 Top 10s<\/strong>. She holds the record for the Most Billboard Hot 100 Entries Among Women in the 2010s.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Among other things, Minaj is notable for being the first female rapper to reach 1 billion views<\/strong> on YouTube with multiple solo tracks. She has amassed a total of nine videos surpassing the 1 billion-view mark, among them Super Bass<\/em> (2011) and Anaconda<\/em> (2014), giving her\u00a0the record for the highest number of such videos among all female artists.<\/p>\n Her debut album, Pink Friday <\/i>(2010), <\/i>sold over 375,000 copies<\/strong> in its first week. It made history by achieving \u201cthe largest sales week for a female hip-hop artist since Lauryn Hill<\/strong> in 1998.\u201d<\/p>\n In addition to her musical success, Nicki Minaj<\/a> has ventured into TV and film, secured high-profile brand deals, and established herself as a figure in the fashion and beauty industry.<\/p>\n Tony Barnes<\/strong><\/a>, Co-Founder of Karta, said: \u201cWe are thrilled to be working with the superstar and cultural icon Nicki Minaj on the launch of her official virtual fashion collection and shop on Roblox. As one of the most popular artists on the platform it will be awesome to see Nicki\u2019s fans, the BARBZ, interact with and enjoy this unique, immersive commerce experience.\u201d<\/p>\n “As one of the most popular artists on the platform it will be awesome to see Nicki\u2019s fans, the BARBZ, interact with and enjoy this unique, immersive commerce experience.\u201d<\/p>\n Tony Barnes, Karta<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Karta<\/a>, founded in July 2021 by Barnes, a music business veteran, and ex-Fnatic Erik Londr\u00e9<\/strong>, specializes in immersive shopping experiences. The metaverse studio helps brands, artists, and sports teams establish a presence in popular virtual worlds.<\/p>\n Back in August, Karta was tapped<\/a> by YG PLUS<\/strong>, a subsidiary of K-pop label YG Entertainment<\/strong>, to build a BLACKPINK<\/strong> experience on Roblox.<\/p>\n That same month, Karta launched<\/a> its Fortnite<\/strong> studio, partnering with IP owners from music, entertainment, and sports domains to create new takes on Fortnite maps and games.<\/p>\n\n
\n