Nicki Minaj is apparently in good graces with all things Barbie.
The chart-topping hip-hop superstar — who likens herself to the iconic doll and has an ardent fanbase called “Barbz” — released her new song “Barbie World” on Friday. The 2-minute track features Ice Spice, the white-hot, Bronx-born rapper who scored success with TikTok-powered “Munch (Feelin’ U)” last year and has since worked with Taylor Swift.
For their second collaboration, Nicki and Ice sampled Aqua’s 1997 hit song “Barbie Girl” to create the fourth single from “Barbie the Album,” the soundtrack to Greta Gerwig’s forthcoming “Barbie” movie.
Filmmaker Hannah Lux Davis directed the pink-hued music video, which also dropped Friday. It features the rappers hanging out in a Barbie-pink pool house, flying on jet skis through pink clouds, and riding around in a pink convertible — all while reigning over their Barbie World.
As many of her fans may already believe, being granted permission to sample “Barbie Girl” is long overdue for Nicki Minaj.
Barbie’s manufacturer Mattel Inc. previously filed civil action against Aqua and its label, MCA, over the Danish band’s pop mega hit. According to the New York Times, courts dismissed the lawsuits with a judge later ruling the song was protected as a parody.
Last year, the toymaker sued Rap Snacks for copyright infringement upon the release of “Barbie-Que Honey Truffle” chips. The popular Black-owned snack company partnered with Minaj to launch the product, which Mattel said used its iconic Barbie-stylized trademark without permission. Minaj was not named in the lawsuit.
“Barbie the Album,” featuring Lizzo, Charli XCX, Dua Lipa, PinkPantheress and Khalid, among others, will be available July 21. The Margot Robbie-headlined film opens in theaters that same day.