Playtime Is Over is the debut mixtape by Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj. It was released on July 5, 2007 by Dirty Money Records. It features guest appearances from Hell Rell, Red Café, Murda Mook, Ransom, Gravy, Lil Wayne, Angel De-Mar and Ru Spits.
Background
After releasing five songs with the rap group The Hoodstars, Minaj left the group to pursue music independently.[1] She uploaded music to Myspace and reached out to music producers.[2] Through Myspace, Minaj made contact with Fendi, the CEO of Brooklyn label Dirty Money Entertainment. Fendi signed Minaj to Dirty Money, and Minaj then featured on a film called "The Come Up."[3] Her appearance on "The Come Up" caught the attention of Lil Wayne, who later signed her to Young Money Entertainment.[3]
Composition
Minaj was involved in writing all of the lyrics on "Playtime Is Over".[4] Its songs mostly feature either her or another artist rapping, with the chorus from the original instrumental removed. Most lyrics consist of either wordplay or direct insults that establish Minaj as better than other rappers, and suggest that her music is worth listening to.[4] It was argued that the lyrics of the mixtape were deeper than that of her subsequent commercial singles.[5]
Most of the instrumentals on "Playtime Is Over" are sampled from other, more popular songs, and original instrumentals are similar in style. The mixtape features rhythmic, synthesized beats with bass, in a 4/4 time signature.[6] While Minaj's later commercial discography would contain pop-rap, "Playtime Is Over" is predominantly hip-hop music accompanied by fast-paced rapping.[7][8] "Playtime Is Over" established many of the motifs that are present in Minaj's later work. As Minaj's first published work as an individual rapper, "Playtime Is Over" debuted Minaj use of alter egos such as "Nicki Lewinsky"[9] and engagement with British cockney.
Release and promotion
"Playtime Is Over" is the first in a series of mixtapes, all released without a major record label, that were marketed to establish a core fan base who identified with the lifestyle described in her mixtape.[10] Minaj established a small fan base before releasing "Playtime Is Over" by communicating with her fans online on Twitter, Myspace, and personal blogs. "Playtime Is Over" allowed Minaj to reach more hip-hop enthusiasts, and activity on social networking sites pushed her further into the mainstream.[3]
Public reception
As one of the first up-and-coming female rappers in over a decade, Minaj's work received a lot of attention.[11] Even though Minaj was a female rapper in a male-dominated genre, "Playtime Is Over" focused on the mixtape's lyrical content and the public responded positively.[3] Fans found her charismatic and serious about her work.[4]
Critical reception
After the release of "Playtime Is Over" (and the subsequent release of Sucka Free), her work garnered acclaim from many other artists, including Robin Thicke and Gucci Mane.[11] In 2008, she received Female Artist of the Year from the Underground Music Awards.[8] Minaj's early discography also received BET awards for Best New Artist and Best Female Hip Hop Artist, and got her nominated for a Teen Choice Award.[12]
Legacy
"Playtime Is Over" established Nicki Minaj's physical persona as popular and amiable, like a Barbie doll. In an article by MTV, Minaj stated that "We're going with the whole Barbie doll theme so I'm gonna be doing a lot of kooky poses because I have to look like a doll straight out the box. But I'm not a Barbie that needs to play—Playtime is Over."[13] The cover of "Playtime Is Over" shows Minaj with pink lipstick in a pink plastic-looking case, which resembles a packaged barbie doll. However, the music in her mixtape created made Minaj appear aggressive and flaunting; she attacked other rappers directly and boasted about herself through her wordplay.[4] I'm the fearless Barbie doll."[3]MTV states that the two contrasting personalities allowed Minaj to relate to a wide audience, and were therefore instrumental to her success as an artist.[13][14] "Playtime Is Over" was developed with the help of established artists.[4] Minaj credits collaboration, especially with Lil Wayne, as extremely helpful in increasing the popularity of her albums.[4][11] In addition, Minaj's early discography lead to high-profile features on songs by Wyclef Jean and Drake, which further increased her popularity.[11]
"Playtime Is Over" is considered unique (compared to albums from other, similar female rappers) in that Minaj put a lot of emphasis on the content of the mixtape, instead of on her sex appeal.[10] Minaj's continued emphasis on her lyrical content, instrumentals, and delivery are reasons why Billboard credits Minaj as being one of the most influential female rappers.[15]
