Special Elle Feature: Nicki Minaj, Willow Smith, Aretha Franklin

Nicki Minaj….On being a rapper: “I always wanted to play with the boys. I didn’t want to be a pawn in their game or have a sidekick role. I wanted to be more of a lead character – a superhero.”

From what we can tell, Elle’s April 12th issue is going to be full of pretty amazing women. The feature is called Gold Dust Women and honors the “women in music sounding off in 2011.”

Jennifer Hudson…..On performing in gay clubs when she was younger: “In high school I was like, ‘Well, these are drag queens lip-synching, and I can really sing; why can’t I go up there?’ I would win all the talent shows.”

Willow Smith…..On her full length album: “It’s going to be a party beat. I think you’re gonna like it!”

Aretha Franklin…..On wardrobe options for her tour: “I am going to rock this [size] 16. Sixteen probably sounds large to girls who wear 10s and 12s, but I love it, because it looks good on me.”