Various media outlets, such as BBC News, Billboard, NME, Yahoo! News and GQ have referred to Minaj as the "Queen of Rap". while NPR Music, XXL, LA Times and T Magazine have referred to her as the "Queen of Hip Hop".
Minaj is known for her animated rapping style and "unique" flow. Her rapping is distinctive for its speed and the use of alter egos and accents, primarily British cockney. She often both sings and raps in her songs, and has made use of metaphors, punch lines, and word play.