ONTD

Some love to hate her. Some hate to love her.

In just a few short years, Nicki Minaj has gone from an underground Lil Kim-influenced emcee to full-fledged superstar in her own right.  Whether it’s music, movies (Ice Age 4) or perfume, the Young Money vixen is poised to take over the entertainment business with her army of Barbs behind her.

Earlier today, Miss Minaj made what is assumed to be the first of many visits to ABC’s The View. The rapper–dressed in black and blue-striped pants, red blazer and matching hat–joined guest host Olympian Gabby Douglas to promote her new fragrance Pink Friday and upcoming gig on American Idol.  Behind the couch sat a display of all of Nicki’s most “interesting” fashion choices. “I’m notorious for picking everything out,” she said. “I like to be in control of everything. In my opinion, it’s like a kind of disorder I have [laughs]. I’m more comfortable being cooky. I’m less comfortable showing skin.”

Naturally, the conversation led to her fiercely dedicated army of Barbs, some of who were in The View audience. While many have blasted her sometimes provocative lyrics and choice of words, it should also be noted that the 28-year old has nothing but good intentions when it comes to those who look up to her. “Five- and six-year-olds have to be parented by their parents. But, I love children. I love education and I love ambition. And I always tell my fans that,” she assures. “I’m really potty-mouthed and all that crazy stuff, but I’m realistic in telling them, ‘Hey, I worked hard for what I have and if you want to be successful, you have to work hard.’ I don’t like when girls depend on men.”

Whoopi Goldberg, who isn’t afraid to speak her mind, made it a point for Nicki to tell viewers how important being an individual is. Who better to do it than the VERY unique Nicki? “I like my Barbz to have individuality. And even if you’re not my Barb, I like you to feel like it doesn’t have to be the in thing; it doesn’t have to be cool.  And even if it’s something I do, you don’t have to love it…And love yourselves, Barbs.”

Perhaps one of the biggest milestones in Nicki’s career so far is a judging stint on American Idol (her rumored paycheck is $12 million). She joins fellow rookie judges Keith Urban and Mariah Carey, the latter whom she collaborated with on ‘Up Out My Face’ as well as Randy Jackson.  Though she kept mum on details of the new season, she notes that all of the judges are getting along great contrary to fueding rumors.  And let’s not forget about her Pink Friday fragrance set to debut in stores soon: “As a little girl growing up in Southside Jamaica Queens, if anyone would’ve told me I’d have my own perfume one day, and be able to inspire young black girls everywhere; to go into Macy or Nordstroms and see their face staring back at them- I wouldn’t believe them.”