Nicki Minaj has revealed she has thought about quitting the music industry many times despite all her success. 

The rapper, 42, is one of the world’s best-selling music artists and the best-selling female rapper with over 100million records sold.

But the hitmaker admitted that the inevitable criticism that comes with being in the spotlight has got to her over the years.  

Speaking to Vogue Italia, Nicki said: ‘I’ve heard every possible criticism about me. I’ve thought about quitting so many times. 

‘I’m glad I didn’t. I hope my story can be an inspiration, and push kids, adults, anyone, not to give up.’

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Nicki Minaj has revealed she has thought about quitting the music industry many times despite all her success

The rapper, 42, is one of the world’s best-selling music artists and the best-selling female rapper with over 100million records sold

Nicki is mother to a four-year-old boy – whose name she has not made public – with her husband, Kenneth ‘Zoo’ Petty.

The star told how she delayed becoming a mother for the sake of her career and providing for her family members.

She said: ‘As a woman, I put off becoming a mother. A lot of women in the industry, especially older than me, never had children. Some don’t regret it, but others do. I put it off. 

‘And I didn’t go to every Thanksgiving, every Christmas, or birthday party because I had to work to support my family. I think the price was not having a ‘normal’ life.

‘Things are different now, because I can give my son things I never had, but there are things I want to make sure he has, and I still need to figure out how to give them to him. 

‘When we go out, for example, I have to worry that someone will take his picture.’

Nicki also spoke about the discipline she received at a young age, saying: ‘I was one of those kids who could tell when an adult was stupid. 

‘The lack of discipline around me made me want to be the opposite. And I’m not always like that.

Nicki said: ‘I’ve heard every possible criticism about me. I’ve thought about quitting so many times. ‘I’m glad I didn’t’ 

The star told how she delayed becoming a mother for the sake of her career and providing for her family members (pictured with her four-year-old son) 

‘But I believe in working hard to get what you want. I had to fight for everything. I had nothing, and I wanted it more than anyone else.’

Nicki was ambitious from a young age and would tell people she would one day become a star.

She said: ‘And when my friends were drinking, or smoking weed, or trying to hit the clubs, sure, I went too, just not as often. Everyone used to say I had a natural high. 

‘That’s how I was — happy, but focused. I used to tell people, ‘I’m going to make it.’ Almost like I already knew.’ 

The full interview is available in the issue of Vogue Italia on newsstands from May 28 and at vogue.it.