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Playtime Is Over (mixtape)

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Playtime Is Over
Mixtape by
Nicki Minaj
ReleasedJuly 5, 2007
Recorded2006–2007
GenreHip hop
Length44:10
LabelDirty Money
ProducerBig Mike
Nicki Minaj chronology
Playtime Is Over
(2007) 		Sucka Free
(2008)

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

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After working with the hip hop group The Hoodstars, Minaj pursued solo music independently. She uploaded some of her songs to Myspace and reached out to people in the music industry.[1][2] Through Myspace, Minaj made contact with Fendi, the CEO of Brooklyn label Dirty Money Entertainment, and signed to Dirty Money.[3][4]

In the mixtape, Minaj debuted one of her alter egos, "Nicki Lewinsky".[5]

Release and promotion

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Minaj connected with fans on social media, did freestyles, and sold her mixtape from her car.[6][7][3]

As one of the first up-and-coming female rappers to garner buzz in the industry in over a decade, Minaj's work received significant attention.[8][6]

Reception and legacy

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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.[8] In 2008, she received Female Artist of the Year from the Underground Music Awards.[9] 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.[10]

"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."[11] 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.[12] 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.[11][13] "Playtime Is Over" was developed with the help of established artists.[12] Minaj credits collaboration, especially with Lil Wayne, as extremely helpful in increasing the popularity of her albums.[12][8] In addition, Minaj's early discography lead to high-profile features on songs by Wyclef Jean and Drake, which further increased her popularity.[8]

"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.[6] 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.[14]

Track listing

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No.TitleWriter(s)Original instrumentalLength
1."1-900-Ms-Minaj" (featuring Hell Rell, Red Café, Murda Mook, Ransom and Gravy)
  • writer
4:48
2."Dreams '07"
  • writer
2:39
3."Wuchoo Know"
  • writer
2:18
4."Interlude" (featuring Lil Wayne)
  • writer
1:50
5."Can't Stop Won't Stop" (featuring Lil Wayne)
  • writer
2:26
6."Playtime Is Over"
  • writer
1:46
7."Jump Off '07"
  • writer
2:24
8."Click Clack"
  • writer
4:02
9."40 Bars"
  • writer
2:09
10."Dilly Dally"
  • writer
  • "Kingdom Come" by Jay-Z
3:03
11."Warning"
  • writer
  • "Warning" by the Notorious B.I.G.
2:52
12."N.I.G.G.A.S." (featuring Angel De-Mar)
  • writer
3:48
13."Sunshine" (featuring Gravy)
  • writer
2:39
14."Letcha Go" (featuring Angel De-Mar)
  • writer
2:37
15."Sticks in My Bun"
  • writer
2:46
16."I'm Cumin'"
  • writer
2:03
17."Freestyle"
  • writer
1:01
18."Hood Story"
  • writer
  • "Glory" by Cam'ron featuring Noreaga
1:59
19."Ease Up" (featuring Ru Spits)
  • writer
3:39
20."Encore '07"
  • writer
4:10
Total length:44:10

References

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  1. ^ "Nicki Minaj Once Shut Down a Record Deal After Label Suggested Juelz Santana As Her Ghostwriter". The Source. March 13, 2020. In the embedded YouTube video, the topic is discussed at 22:25. Archived from the original on October 20, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  2. ^ Davis, Todd. "Nicki Minaj: On the Rise". RapIndustry.com. Archived from the original on July 18, 2012. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  3. ^ a b c Lipshutz, Jason. "Nicki Minaj Catches Eyes on Lil Wayne's Young Money Tour". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 30, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2015.
  4. ^ "Breaking Out: Nicki Minaj". Spin. April 2, 2010. Archived from the original on January 6, 2025. Retrieved January 15, 2025.
  5. ^ Davis, Allison. "Every Rap Song That Mentions Monica Lewinsky". New York Magazine. Archived from the original on May 18, 2015. Retrieved May 11, 2015.
  6. ^ a b c Stewart, Justin. "Nicki Minaj Officially Becomes A Young Money Millionaire". HipHopWired. Archived from the original on December 10, 2015. Retrieved April 1, 2015.
  7. ^ "Nicki Minaj: her Minajesty". Dazed. June 6, 2023. Retrieved January 15, 2025.
  8. ^ a b c d Concepcion, Mariel. "Nicki Minaj: Artists To Watch 2010". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 26, 2016. Retrieved February 27, 2015.
  9. ^ "Nicki Minaj – Beware Sucka MCs". Hip Hop Ruckus. Archived from the original on September 6, 2008. Retrieved February 27, 2015.
  10. ^ Scott, Chris (2011). The Simple Guide To Nicki Minaj. Archived from the original on March 13, 2023. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  11. ^ a b Nadeska, Alexis. "Nicki Minaj Channels Barbie In 'Playtime Is Over' Mixtape Shoot". MTV. Archived from the original on July 1, 2015. Retrieved April 1, 2015.
  12. ^ a b c Battan, Carrie. "Cover Story: Nicki Minaj". Archived from the original on March 24, 2015.
  13. ^ "7 Years After "Playtime Is Over": A 2007 Interview With Nicki Minaj". The Source. Archived from the original on September 8, 2014. Retrieved April 1, 2015.
  14. ^ Ramirez, Erika. "Ladies First: 31 Female Rappers Who Changed Hip-Hop". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 9, 2015. Retrieved April 1, 2015.
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