Global rap superstar Nicki Minaj has officially released her iconic 2009 mixtape Beam Me Up Scotty on major streaming platforms for the first time, giving fans worldwide the chance to relive one of the most defining projects in her career. The updated version also includes brand-new tracks, reaffirming Minaj’s unmatched versatility and continued dominance in the rap game.
The re-release marks a significant moment in hip-hop history, as Beam Me Up Scotty remains one of the most influential mixtapes of the 2000s — the project that introduced Nicki Minaj to a global audience and cemented her reputation as one of the fiercest lyricists in the industry.
A Gift to Fans After 12 Years
Speaking during an Instagram Live session to announce the project, Minaj reflected on the importance of the release and the journey it represents.
“This is the 12-year anniversary of the Beam Me Up Scotty mixtape,” she told fans. “Because this is the 12-year anniversary, we thought we would do something special. I have never ever in life put my mixtapes on streaming services, so what we’re doing tonight is we are putting Beam Me Up Scotty for the first time ever on streaming services.”
The original mixtape was first released on April 18, 2009, and served as Minaj’s third official mixtape, following Playtime Is Over (2007) and Sucka Free (2008). It featured an impressive 23 tracks, including fan-favorite records such as Itty Bitty Piggy, I Get Crazy, and her remix of Drake’s Best I Ever Had.
At the time, Beam Me Up Scotty helped propel Minaj from underground acclaim to mainstream success, catching the attention of industry heavyweights like Lil Wayne and Drake, who later became her frequent collaborators and labelmates under Young Money Entertainment.
New Songs for a New Era
In addition to reintroducing her classic material, Nicki Minaj included three brand-new songs on the streaming release — Seeing Green featuring Drake and Lil Wayne, Fractions, and a remix of Crocodile Teeth with Jamaican dancehall artist Skillibeng.
The standout track Seeing Green reunites the original Young Money trio — Nicki, Drake, and Lil Wayne — for the first time in years, instantly sparking excitement among fans. The track serves as a nostalgic reminder of their chemistry while proving that Minaj’s lyrical prowess remains as sharp as ever.
“People have been asking for the original Young Money energy for a long time,” Minaj said during her Instagram Live. “It felt like the right time to give them something classic but new.”
The inclusion of Fractions and the Crocodile Teeth (Remix) also showcases Minaj’s ability to move seamlessly across styles and genres — from hard-hitting rap to Caribbean-infused rhythms — reflecting her Trinidadian heritage and her enduring global influence.
A Legacy That Redefined Women in Rap
When Beam Me Up Scotty was first released, it was groundbreaking in its approach. At a time when the rap scene was largely male-dominated, Minaj broke barriers with her sharp lyricism, confident delivery, and unapologetically bold image.
Her unique alter egos and theatrical style brought an entirely new dimension to hip-hop, inspiring a new generation of female rappers to embrace their individuality and artistic freedom.
Songs like Itty Bitty Piggy became viral anthems long before the TikTok era, and her lyrical dominance on features for Lil Wayne, Gucci Mane, and Busta Rhymes positioned her as the face of female empowerment in the rap industry.
The mixtape not only solidified her spot as a top-tier lyricist but also marked the beginning of her transformation from underground talent to global superstar.
From Mixtape Queen to Global Icon
Following the success of Beam Me Up Scotty, Minaj released her debut studio album Pink Friday in 2010, which went on to achieve multi-platinum status and produced chart-topping singles such as Super Bass and Moment 4 Life.
Over the years, she has continued to dominate charts and headlines with her dynamic flow, colorful visuals, and unmatched stage presence. Her influence can be seen across genres, from rap and pop to dancehall and R&B.
Minaj’s most recent studio album, Queen, was released in 2018 and featured hits like Chun-Li and Barbie Dreams. The album reinforced her position as one of the most powerful female voices in music.
Consistent Relevance in Modern Music
Despite taking a brief break from releasing solo projects, Minaj has remained one of the most in-demand collaborators in the industry.
In 2020, she earned her first-ever Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 single with Doja Cat’s Say So (Remix) — a long-awaited achievement in her illustrious career. She followed it up with several high-profile features, including 6ix9ine’s TROLLZ, A$AP Ferg and MadeinTYO’s Move Ya Hips, Ty Dolla $ign’s Expensive, Mr Eazi and Major Lazer’s Oh My Gawd, and Mike WiLL Made-It’s What That Speed Bout?!
Each collaboration reaffirmed her adaptability and ongoing relevance in an ever-changing music landscape.
A Documentary and a New Album on the Horizon
Fans eager for new solo material won’t have to wait much longer. Minaj has confirmed that her fifth studio album is currently in the works and “coming soon.”
In addition, HBO is preparing a six-part documentary series chronicling Nicki Minaj’s life and career, from her early beginnings to her status as one of the most influential artists of her generation. The series promises a rare glimpse into her creative process, personal struggles, and triumphs, although a release date and title have not yet been announced.
A Timeless Mixtape That Shaped a Generation
The re-release of Beam Me Up Scotty not only brings nostalgia for longtime fans but also introduces a new generation to the era that defined Nicki Minaj’s rise. For many, the mixtape represents the golden age of modern hip-hop — a time when mixtapes were the heart of creativity and authenticity.
By bringing the project to streaming services, Minaj has immortalized a piece of hip-hop history and reminded the world of her unmatched impact on the culture.
As streaming continues to shape the future of music, Beam Me Up Scotty’s arrival on digital platforms serves as both a celebration and a reminder: Nicki Minaj’s influence remains timeless, and her throne in hip-hop is far from vacant.
