Nicki Minaj 'Cried' And Was 'Brainwashed' In the Beginning Of Her Career, Says Former Manager Big Fendi
Nicki Minaj's former manager Big Fendi recently sat for an interview with Power 105.1's "The Breakfast Club". Fendi talked about Minaj 's initial career days and how he came in contact with her.
Reportedly, Fendi met Nicki through My Space and encouraged her to change her name from Nicki Maraj to Nicki Minaj. He further said in his interview that the change in the name of the Jamaican singer was done for the marketing purpose and it was suggested by both Jadakiss and Busta Rhymes. Fendi also holds trademark to Nicki Minaj and NickiMinaj.com as he revealed in the interview, according to Hiphopdx.
"I didn't get nothing," Big Fendi said. "Nah, Nicki tried to offer me a finder's fee of 15,000. I laughed at it. Can't be serious...Actually, I own the trademark to Nicki Minaj. I own NickiMinaj.com. I actually [own her trade]. So, in a minute you gon' see a lot of things coming off those shelves," he said to the radio station.
Fendi talked at lengths about the initial contract Nicki Minaj got from Young Money. The contract apparently did not offer any royalties and there was no advance mentioned either. After reading through the contract Fendi asked Nicki not the sign the contract, according to the reports.
"So, when I got the contract Nicki started ducking me. Because Wayne gave me one of those Cash Money contracts from the '80s. It was no royalties on it. No advance, nothing. So, I told Nicki 'Yo, I ain't signing this contract. I ain't gonna let you do that to yourself," he further said, adding, "she started crying."
It has also been reported that Nicki is still signed to Fendi's Dirty Money Production. In the interview Fendi also said that Mizay Entertainment's Deb Antney was responsible for "brainwashing" Nicki. When Nicki went on to meet Deb she tried telling her that Fendi is taking her in wrong direction among other things, as Nicki former manager further said in the interview.
Nicki Minaj's current album is "The Pink Print," and she has been busy promoting her album. Minaj's rep is yet to say anything about Fendis' interview.
Here see Big Fendi's full interview: