Nicki Minaj has tried her hand at TikTok’s ongoing NPC trend.
As previously reported under mild duress here, the trend built around playful robotocism sees TikTok creators mimicking how a non-playable character in a video game might act in any given situation. While a number of stars on the platform have become associated with NPC’s rise, Know Your Meme tracks the likely origins of the trend to @natuecoco.
In a clip that started making the rounds over the weekend, Minaj—fresh off a Video of the Year nomination for "Super Freaky Girl"—is seen NPCishly responding to a number of items including a microphone, lemonade, and more. At one point in the clip, as seen below, Minaj reminds some of those tuned in for the stream that their behavior could get them blocked.
"Get them motherfucking hands out of here," Minaj, who couldn't help but laugh elsewhere in the stream, told those watching. "I done told y’all that, bitch. Don’t get blocked, bitch."
Tipping and gifts are a key part of the NPC trend. In arguably the most famous example, TikTok creator PinkyDoll—who recently floated the idea of an Ice Spice collab in response to a fan-made mashup—is known for delivering catchphrases like “ice cream so good” upon receipt of a gift.
In addition to that aforementioned Video of the Year nomination, Minaj is also up for several more potential honors at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards. In total, she was nominated in five categories this year, including Artist of the Year and Best Visual Effects.
Minaj—specifically, her "Red Ruby Da Sleeze" persona—also recently joined the Call of Duty universe alongside 21 Savage and Snoop Dogg.
