Still Gagging Over #GAGCITY: A Review of Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday 2 Tour in Houston

A Barbie Dream (Mostly) Fulfilled: Highlights, Hot Takes, & Why You Should Still See the Queen Slay

A week after experiencing the electrifying energy of Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday 2: #GAGCITY tour in Houston, I'm still buzzing. Stepping into the Toyota Center felt like entering a vibrant Barbie world, filled with a fanbase spanning generations.

The pre-show buzz was unlike anything I'd encountered before. My fellow floor section "Barbz" transformed the space into a chorus, effortlessly spitting verses word-for-word. This infectious camaraderie, courtesy of the Toyota Center's open floor plan, was an experience I'll treasure. However, a minor quibble – DJ Boof's set, though starting promptly at 9 PM, wrapped up rather quickly, leaving a wait of about an hour and a half before the main event.

Nicki Minaj, the undisputed Harajuku Barbie, arrived on stage a little past 10:15 PM and delivered a performance that was both theatrical and impeccably executed. A true highlight was the set design, a dazzling 10/10 that brought her entire career to life – from her early mixtapes all the way to Pink Friday 2.

Joined by powerhouse vocalist Keisha Renee and a stellar line-up of guests – Monica, 50 Cent, BeatKing, Kirko Bangz, and T Wayne – Minaj delivered an unforgettable show. The Houston stop on the Pink Friday 2 World Tour showcased everything that makes her a force to be reckoned with.

Here's where a little constructive criticism comes in: the energy dipped slightly during a 30-35 minute intermission around midnight, just before the show's final moments, which saw the energy levels skyrocket again. Would I see the show again? Absolutely. Would I recommend it to a first-timer for the European leg? Without a doubt.

Nicki Minaj's reign as the #9 highest-grossing tour by a Hip-Hop artist and the #1 by a female rapper ever, is undeniably well-deserved. #GAGCITY delivers a powerful experience, proving why the Queen reigns supreme.