Nicki Minaj Named In Time’s 100 Most Influential People + Idris Elba, Taraji P. Henson, Kendrick Lamar, Ryan Coogler

The official TIME 100 list has been released, highlighting world leaders and local activists, artists and athletes, scientists, moguls and a number of people who are running for President of the United States. This year, some of our favs include: Nicki Minaj, Idris Elba, Taraji P. Henson, Kendrick Lamar and Ryan Coogler.

In Minaj’s TIME interview, she discusses the topic of equal pay, advising women to be direct about how much they feel they are due.

One thing I learned along the way in business is the necessity for you to be unapologetic about asking for how much money you deserve. At a very early stage in my rap career, I was making six figures for shows…If I heard there was another rapper making that, I thought, ‘you know what? I get out there and demand or command a crowd. I get out there and make my fans happy. I get out there and give a real show. I want that, too.’ And I pushed myself to be better with my showmanship, but I also decided, you know what? I want to be compensated well.

She also has advice for women in business,

I would tell women starting out in business, if you know you’re great at what you do, don’t ever be ashamed to ask for the top dollar in your field. If I’m great at what I do, I can’t be denied. Some things may be overlooked but no one can deny my brand, and that’s the words of wisdom I would give to other young women.

Beyonce, Nicki Minaj

Minaj also reveals how collaborating with Beyonce has influenced her.

Whenever I do something with her, I can feel the impact online and in the venue, wherever we are. It just feels like young women are being empowered and inspired because I think it says a lot when you see two young women at the top of their field, whether they’re black or white, it just means a lot when you see them owning who they are and owning the business.

Click here for the complete list.

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