I think we can all agree on the fact that Nicki Minaj is not known for being a classy individual. There is nothing subtle nor restrained about anything she does, and she would probably consider that assessment a compliment. However, there is a difference between being controversial with a message and merely provoking with thoughtless blog bait.
Her new video “Only” features the rapper as an Adolf Hitler-like figure leading an army of red arm-banded soldiers with flags draping a Swastika-like logo for her label Young Money in the background.
Now you’re thinking, Oh boy. Here we go again. Nazi, Nazi, Nazi. Does HEEB Magazine make a commision off every time we point out something controversial that is also Holocaust-related? Well, let it be known that we are not the only outlet offended by this inexplicable creative decision, if you could call it that. But the thing is, I’m not pissed off for the same reason everyone else is pissed off. And herein are the reasons why Nicki Minaj’s video is probably the most offensive thing I have seen in quite a long while (and keep in mind, I saw Interstellar this weekend so it’s got that for competition).
Minaj’s last video titled “Anaconda” was an homage to her robust derriere, with said tuchus occupying most of the spotlight. Like I said, she’s not known for her subtlety. She likes to get the blogosphere either aroused or angered. “Only,” as far as most of us non-anti-Semites are concerned, was a treatment intended to inspire the latter. And we’re all suckers because we’re talking about it. Nicki, who has always reeked of youngest child attention seeking desperation, is reveling in almost literally the whole Internet talking about her. To reinstate the premeditated nature of “Only,” director Jeff Osbourne has been retweeting every single tweet discussing his animated video out of pride.
And Drake. Shame on you. Homeboy, I am straight up calling you out as a Jew who has been outspoken about his Judaism (See: our 2010 interview with Drizzy). It’s possible that you recorded your contribution to the track before the lyric video was even discussed, but that being said, it’s been out a few days. You’re in it, albeit animated, wearing a priest’s collar, standing amongst off-the-charts iconography uncannily similar to that of the Nazi’s. Are you comfortable with that? Call me, Drizz. You need to meet my Holocaust surviving Great Aunt for a refresh.
The thing I’m having the hardest time understanding that if you consider the fact that Nicki was out to provoke, why provoke with this? What’s the intent? What’s the thought process? Are we already at the point of desensitization that imagery such as this is fair game. Judging from the YouTube comments, is 2014 the year that if we see something inherently foul referencing a historical moment decades after the fact, we’re being sensitive by calling it out?
But you know what…? The video already has 1.2 million views, so we all good, cuz.
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