Nicki Minaj Previews New Song, Which Samples The ‘Diwali’ Riddim
Queen of Rap Nicki Minaj has once again hopped on the Jamaican wave, this time she’s going to sample the iconic Diwali Riddim.
Minaj previously sampled the Filthy Riddim for her 2019 song MEGATRON, and the Unfinished Business Riddim for her 2018 song Coco Chanel with Foxy Brown.
On Thursday, she posted a teaser for the new track titled Red Ruby Da Sleeze. The song, which is set for release on March 3, appears to sample the Lumidee version of Steven ‘Lenky’ Marsden‘s two-decade-old Dancehall riddim.
In the behind-the-scenes clip, the rapper mouths a section of the new song while background talents move to the beat in the dancehall-themed street party in Trinidad.
Her fit, a two-colored wig, huge triangular gold earrings with shades, jeans jacket and a black bodysuit, also alluded to Dancehall culture.
In a subsequent post, the Likkle Miss artist shared the official artwork for the song, a creative photo of her standing beside a chef in a kitchen. This time, she opted for a classy Jean Paul Gaultier dress and yellow St. Laurent heels.
Minaj goes on to thank Dancehall artist Skeng for the behind-the-scenes action she posted earlier stating, “…S/o to @skeng.don for making that lil vid happen that we shot last night in TRINI!!!! 🇹🇹 ♥️🥢 #RattyGang & 〽️🐝 💤…”
Released in 2002, the clap-filled Diwali Riddim had featured Sean Paul’s Get Busy, Wayne Wonder’s No Letting Go, both of which entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart, as well as Jamaican hits such as Bounty Killer’s Sufferer, Wayne Marshall’s Overcome, Danny English & Egg Nog’s Party Time, and Agent Sasco’s Ruffest and Tuffest.
Harlem singer Lumidee’s R&B rendition of Diwali in her song Never Leave You (Uh Oooh, Uh Oooh), went on to peak at No. 3 on the Hot 100 back in 2003.
Rihanna and Brick & Lace later had their own musical experiments on the riddim with Pon De Replay, and Love is Wicked, respectively.
Minaj had sampled Danny Browne’s Filthy riddim in her 2019 song MEGATRON, which peaked at No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Filthy riddim had featured hit songs such as Mr. Vegas’ Heads High, Sean Paul’s Nah Get Nuh Bligh, Lady G’s Breeze Off, Buju Banton’s Up Close and Personal, and Red Rat’s Ah Fi Who Gal.
On 2018’s Coco Chanel, she sampled the Unfinished Business Riddim, created Serani’s Daseca crew and Linton “TJ” White. That riddim featured songs such as Serani’s No Games and Mavado’s So Special.
Red Ruby Da Sleeze will be Minaj’s first solo release since 2022’s Super Freaky Girl, her take on Rick James’ Super Freak. Super Freaky Girl has spent 25 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, after peaking at No. 1.