Red Ruby Da Sleeze

Album: Pink Friday 2 (2023)
Charted: 28 13
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In this confrontational track, Nicki Minaj states her dominance over other female rappers, taking aim at those who question her status as the Queen of Rap. The song marks the debut of Red Ruby Da Sleeze, a new alter-ego created by Minaj, who emphasizes her superiority in the genre.
  • Minaj specifically calls out several female rappers in the lyrics. They include:

    Megan Thee Stallion, whom she refers to as "Dorito bitches" (regarding Megan's appearance in a Doritos commercial).

    Latto, when she raps, "We don't be like Karen") (she called her "an entitled Karen" during a Twitter feud in the fall of 2022).
  • Minaj starts the song with a reference to Chun-Li, the iconic character from the classic video game Street Fighter, whom she channeled in a 2018 track of the same name.

    Red Ruby Da Sleeze, Chinese on my sleeve
    These wannabe Chun-Li's, anyway


    Minaj sees Chun-Li as a symbol of female power, with her left arm bearing a Chinese tattoo that translates to "God Is Always With You." She also uses the Chun-Li metaphor to criticize other female rappers she perceives as imitating her style, asserting that she is the only true "Chun-Li" in the rap game.
  • Go Grizzly and Cheeze Beats' production samples Lumidee's 2003 dancehall smash "Never Leave You (Uh-Oooh))." Lumidee's song has a gentle and entrancing vibe that contrasts with Minaj's combative lyrics.

    Atlanta producer Go Grizzly's other credits include "You Da Baddest" by Future featuring Nicki Minaj," and "Not The Only One" by Kevin Gates.

    Miami native Cheeze Beatz has also produced for Migos ("Handsome and Wealthy") and Cardi B ("Bartier Cardi").

    Go Grizzly and Cheeze Beatz previously teamed up to create the beat for Drake and 21 Savage's "Pussy & Millions."
  • Minaj interpolates "Never Leave You (Uh-Oh)" in the outro. She sends a message to her fans, rivals, and critics that she will never leave the rap game, regardless of the pressure to exit prematurely, as long as there is a demand for her music.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Linda Perry

Linda PerrySongwriter Interviews

Songwriting Hall of Famer Linda Perry talks about her songs "What's Up" and "Beautiful," her songwriting process, and her move into film music.

Superman in Song

Superman in SongSong Writing

Not everyone can be a superhero, but that hasn't stopped generations of musicians from trying to be Superman.

Grateful Dead Characters

Grateful Dead CharactersMusic Quiz

Many unusual folks appear in Grateful Dead songs. Can you identify them?

Jim McCarty of The Yardbirds

Jim McCarty of The YardbirdsSongwriter Interviews

The Yardbirds drummer explains how they created their sound and talks about working with their famous guitarists.

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & FireSongwriter Interviews

The longtime bassist of Earth, Wind & Fire discusses how his band came to do a holiday album, and offers insight into some of the greatest dance/soul tunes of all-time.