Nicki Minaj Samples Diwali Riddim for “Red Ruby Da Sleeze” – Watch Video

Top female rapper Nicki Minaj previewed her upcoming single, “Red Ruby Da Sleeze,” on Thursday, February 23.

A small video clip as well as the official artwork was posted hours apart on the artiste’s Instagram page. The caption in both posts revealed that the song will be released on March 3rd.

In the clip, the “Anaconda” singer sought to create a Jamaican vibe in the streets of Trinidad. Her outfit also complimented the vibe. She wore a black body suit with a jeans jacket, dark shades with large triangular earrings, and a pink and red wig to top it off.

In contrast, the artwork which was subsequently posted on the same day, depicted the rapper standing in a kitchen alongside a chef with a more classy look. Her outfit consisted of yellow St. Laurent heels and a vintage Jean Paul Gaultier dress. The same two-colored wig from the previous post was worn in this picture as well. In the caption, the Trini rapper shouted out dancehall artist Skeng for making the video she had posted earlier.

The instrumental used for the upcoming song seems to be a sample of Steve “Lenky” Marsden’s “Diwali Riddim”, which was released in 2002. The clap-filled riddim featured Wayne Wonder with “No Letting Go,” and Sean Paul’s “Get Busy,” which both entered the Billboard Hot 100 charts. Local hits on the riddim include Bounty Killer’s “Sufferer,” Agent Sasco’s “Ruffest & Tuffest,” Danny English & Egg Nog’s “Party Time,” and Wayne Marshall’s “Overcome.”

Other artistes who have sampled the riddim include Lumidee, Rihanna and Brick & Lace.

Minaj is not new to sampling Jamaican riddims as she previously sampled the Business Riddim in 2018 for her song “Coco Chanel,” which features Foxy Brown, and the Filthy Riddim in 2019 for her hit single “Megatron.” Additionally, the rapper has always professed her love and gratitude for the Jamaican culture and people, and will often times transition into speaking “Patois” in her live videos whenever Jamaicans are on.

RELATED: Nicki Minaj Coming to Jamaica Carnival – See Post

The rapper’s last solo song, “Super Freaky Girl,” was released in 2022. Fans are now eagerly awaiting the release of “Red Ruby Da Sleeze,” which many consider the Queen’s “comeback” song.

Watch the video below: