Nicki Minaj Elle Magazine Cover - April 2013

Nicki Minaj is cover girl of next month's (April 2013) Elle Magazine.

On her toned-down look
When I saw myself with barely any makeup at, it was such a... like, I'm so, so attached to my pink lipstick, it's hard. I feel that it's become a part of me. To go in front of the camera, without pink lips or big ol' crazy lashes-- you know, nothing-- I felt naked. It was scary! So this photoshoot was a real accomplishment in my eyes.

On being bullied during her childhood
I went through a lot of bullying early on. Girls made my life a living hell. We had come to America from a different country. My brother and I had accents. It was very tough. So I've always put up this wall-- it was a self-defense mechanism growing up-- because I was almost expecting people to attack me. And I still have it. It's sad.

Her Advice to the Ladies to Gain Respect
My advice to women in general: Even if you're doing a nine-to-five job, treat yourself like a boss. Not arrogant, but be sure of what you want-- and don't allow people to run anything for you without your knowledge. You want everyone to know, Okay, I can't play games with her. I have to do right by this woman. That's what it's all about.

On Her Plans For world Domination
My goal in the beginning was to buy my mother a house. Now I realize, Okay, if I really focus and become a key player in business, then I can build an empire. I'm thinking of a legacy that I can be proud of and wealth that my grandchildren can use to go to college. So world domination-- in terms of providing for my family-- is absolutely my goal.