Even though Nicki Minaj’s Billboard Women in Music’s inaugural Game-changer award should have been a call for celebration during last night’s ceremony, she opened her acceptance speech with a heartfelt homage to 21-year-old rapper Juice WRLD who recently passed away due to a drug overdose. She recalled a time when the rapper, who she described as “passionate” with a “kindred spirit,” gave her sound advice.
“He held my hand and told me to stay calm and pray. I was shocked that he told me that, but right there in that moment, I did feel calm and wondered, ‘Hm, what am I actually worried about?'” Nicki dished.
She also spoke about the importance of mental health and encouraged people to withhold judgment and be more forgiving when it comes to drug addiction. What do you think of Nicki’s acceptance speech? Our thoughts and prayers go out to Juice WRLD’s family, friends and fans.