Nicki Minaj had credited herself for the resurgence of female rappers in music.

While acknowledging theinfluence of those whocame before her, the rap mogul has said that her role in the music industry has been to re-establish what it means to be a female rapper.

Speaking to XXL about her career, the 'Anaconda' superstar said,"My role was really reintroducing the female rapper to pop culture."

“I don’t think [female rappers] got that much credit. I think female rappers have always been dope and influential, but I think I sort of came in at a time where big business was paying attention, so I was able to capitalize off of a lot of deals and business ventures.”

Referencing how she redefined the opportunities that female rappers can take, she states,“I aligned myself with a lot of brands, and I was able to show that a female rapper was able to sell products.”

She namechecks Foxy Brown and Lauryn Hill amongst her biggest rap influences, also mentioning Lil' Wayne, Jay-Z, Eminem and rumoured boyfriend Nas.

Nicki is currently working on her fourth studio album, the follow-up to 2013's'The Pinkprint', which is expected to drop early next year.

Thanks to her epic collaborations with the likes of Yo Gotti ('Rake It Up'), Katy Perry ('Swish Swish', bish) and DNCE ('Kissing Strangers'), it doesn't feel like she's gone anywhere but we are'ready'for some new straight-up Nicki.

Words: Ross McNeilage

'Listen to your ''favourite'' tracks no matter where you are with the MTV TRAX music app. No ads, no limits, no monkey business. Download it now for FREE at mtvtrax.com. '

'WATCH NICKI MINAJ AND KATY PERRY'S 'SWISH SWISH' VIDEO BELOW'