Nicki Minaj: I’m Combative Because “I Went Through A Lot Of Bullying” As A Child

elle Nicki Minaj

4:36 pm, March 14th, 2013

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Nicki Minaj goes au natural for the April issue of Elle, appearing on the mag’s cover without her signature heavy makeup, fake eyelashes and colored wig.

The “Super Bass” singer says it was difficult to go bare because she feels her wacky look “has become a part of me,” explaining, “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 photo shoot was a real accomplishment in my eyes,” adds Minaj.

The “American Idol” judge also opens up to the mag about being picked on as a child, revealing, “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 [Trinidad]. My brother and I had accents. It was very tough,” she shares.

Minaj offers, “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.”

Perhaps that’s one explanation of why the rapper’s initial tiff with fellow “Idol” judge Mariah Carey elevated so quickly into a full-on feud.

The issue hits newsstands on March 26.

What do you think of Minaj’s candid interview?

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