What’s better than a surprise track from Nicki Minaj? How about a collaboration with the late Juice WRLD? Back in late August, while the world was buzzing about the hints Nicki dropped about Pink Friday 2: Gag City Reloaded, we were all waiting with bated breath! Sure, we didn’t get the album we hoped for, but what we did get is something even juicier: the long-awaited “Arctic Tundra.” Not only does this track shine a spotlight on Nicki’s incredible journey in the music biz, but it also honors a heartfelt collaboration that almost was, with Juice WRLD. How cool is that? As we dive into the details of this track’s creation and its placement in the newly released Tenth Anniversary Edition of The Pinkprint, let’s unravel the magic that has been years in the making, and reflect on the legacy that these artists continue to build, even after they’ve left us. Grab your headphones, and let’s get into it!
Back in late August of this year, Nicki Minaj was teasing some tracks for the then upcoming Pink Friday 2 Gag City Reloaded. That never really came to fruition outside of another leg of her expansive tour. Luckily, though, not all was lost during that past Instagram Live session. Drake and Juice WRLD collaborations were the main draw, with one title in particular holding a special place in the Queen’s heart. “Blonde Hair,” aka “Girl With The Blonde Hair” is that one with Nicki stating, “It would be incredible for me I think to have Juice WRLD on this album.”
She continued, “Because before he passed that’s what we were talking about. He recorded a bunch of stuff when he was in my studio, but I don’t like to exploit people, and people’s deaths and stuff like that.” Well, it looks like Nicki Minaj was able to work things out because “Arctic Tundra” is now officially here, and it’s found a new home. This updated title appears on the Tenth Anniversary Edition of her massively successful 2014 project, The Pinkprint. Three other tracks are also on this fourth version of the album, including other collabs with Swae Lee, David Guetta and Davido, and Parker Ignite. Overall, it’s been a long time coming for “Arctic Tundra,” with origins of this record’s creation dating back to 2018.
I don’t need job applications for that pressure I apply
That is why they gotta lie, that is just how they get by
But my flow still gon’ be wavy and your flow still gon’ be dry
I done f***ed the world up in ten short years
Had teachers like Weezy F. and been all ears
Blue studs that’s VVS, then get more peers