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The Tragic And Triumphant Story: 5 Shocking Facts About Nicki Minaj's Parents, Robert And Carol Maraj

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The journey of global superstar Nicki Minaj, born Onika Tanya Maraj, is deeply rooted in the complex and often turbulent lives of her parents, Robert and Carol Maraj. As of late 2025, the narrative around the Maraj family remains a powerful mix of tragedy, resilience, and advocacy, particularly following the devastating loss of her father and her mother's ongoing work.

The family's history, spanning from Trinidad and Tobago to the bustling streets of New York City, shaped the rapper's raw, uncompromising artistry. Understanding the dynamic between Robert and Carol Maraj—a relationship marked by struggle, domestic violence, and eventual reconciliation—is key to grasping the core of the woman behind the "Queen of Rap" title. The most recent updates center on the legal aftermath of a tragic hit-and-run, which brought the family's private pain into the public spotlight once more.

Robert and Carol Maraj: A Complete Family Profile and Biography

The parents of Nicki Minaj, Robert and Carol Maraj, provided the foundational, albeit challenging, environment for the future rap icon. Their lives were a blend of Caribbean heritage, artistic pursuits, and personal struggles that profoundly influenced Onika Tanya Maraj's life and music.

  • Full Names: Robert Maraj (Father) and Carol Maraj (Mother)
  • Origin: Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago
  • Nicki Minaj's Birth Name: Onika Tanya Maraj
  • Father's Occupation: Financial Executive and Part-Time Gospel Singer
  • Mother's Occupation: Singer, Author, and Domestic Violence Advocate
  • Ancestry: Robert was of mixed Afro and Indo-Trinidadian ancestry. Carol is also of mixed heritage.
  • Children (Nicki's Siblings): Jelani Maraj, Micaiah Maraj, Maya Maraj, and Ming Maraj (Nicki has four siblings in total, not six as sometimes reported, but the family unit is large).
  • Family Move: Robert and Carol moved to Queens, New York, leaving a young Onika with her grandmother in Trinidad for the first few years of her life.
  • Robert Maraj's Death: Tragically killed on February 12, 2021, at the age of 64, in a hit-and-run accident in Mineola, New York.
  • Current Status: Carol Maraj is an active advocate and continues to release music, channeling her experiences into her work.

1. The Tragic Hit-and-Run Death of Robert Maraj and the Driver’s Sentence

The most defining and recent event concerning Nicki Minaj's parents is the tragic death of her father, Robert Maraj. In February 2021, Robert Maraj was struck by a vehicle while walking on a road in Mineola, Long Island, New York. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries the following day.

The incident was a devastating hit-and-run. The driver, Charles Polevich, fled the scene and failed to call emergency services. Polevich later surrendered to police and was charged with leaving the scene of an accident and tampering with physical evidence.

In a recent update, Polevich was sentenced to one year in jail in May 2024. The sentencing drew controversy, with many feeling the punishment was too light for a crime that resulted in a fatality. This legal closure brought a painful end to one chapter of the Maraj family's grief but did little to ease the loss.

2. Carol Maraj's $150 Million Lawsuit and Domestic Violence Advocacy

Following her husband's death, Carol Maraj, Nicki Minaj's mother, took significant legal action. In March 2021, she filed a staggering $150 million lawsuit against Charles Polevich, the driver responsible for the hit-and-run. This civil suit seeks to hold the driver financially accountable for the immeasurable loss and suffering he inflicted on the family.

Beyond the legal battle, Carol Maraj has emerged as a powerful voice against domestic violence. Her advocacy stems directly from her own harrowing experiences in her marriage to Robert Maraj, a period Nicki Minaj has openly discussed in her music and interviews.

Carol Maraj is the founder of a non-profit organization dedicated to helping survivors and families escape abusive situations. She has also channeled her pain and resilience into her career as a gospel singer and author, using her platform to raise awareness and provide hope to others who have survived similar traumas.

3. The Difficult Childhood and Nicki's Complex Relationship with Her Father

Nicki Minaj's early life was marked by significant turmoil due to her father's struggles. Robert Maraj battled drug and alcohol addiction, which led to a volatile and sometimes abusive home environment.

Nicki has spoken candidly about the fear and instability of her childhood, recalling an incident where her father allegedly burned down their family home. These traumatic experiences are often cited as the emotional fuel for the intensity and depth found in some of her most personal tracks on albums like Pink Friday and The Pinkprint.

Despite the initial difficulties, the Maraj family experienced a period of healing and reconciliation. Nicki Minaj confirmed that she and her father had mended their relationship before his death. Robert Maraj had reportedly overcome his addiction, and the family was on better terms, making his sudden, violent passing even more heartbreaking for the "Super Freaky Girl" rapper.

4. The Caribbean Roots and the Move to New York City

The foundation of the Maraj family story is laid in Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago. Nicki Minaj was born there, but her parents, Robert and Carol, made the life-altering decision to move to the United States in pursuit of better opportunities.

This move, however, created an early separation that deeply affected the future star. For the first few years of her life, Onika was left in the care of her grandmother in the Caribbean. She eventually joined her parents in Queens, New York, around the age of five. This cultural duality—the vibrant, warm Trinidadian upbringing juxtaposed with the harsh, ambitious landscape of New York City—is a core theme in her identity and musical style, often referenced in her lyrics and interviews.

The Maraj family's relocation was a classic immigrant story, driven by the desire for a better life, but it came with its own set of unique challenges that contributed to the family's complexity.

5. The Artistic Legacy: Gospel and Rap Intersect

Both of Nicki Minaj's parents had a connection to the world of music, an artistic lineage that undoubtedly influenced the "Monster" rapper. Robert Maraj was a part-time gospel singer, lending his voice to religious music alongside his career as a financial executive.

Carol Maraj is also an established gospel singer in her own right. Her decision to pursue a singing career, even as an adult and a mother, showcases a resilience and artistic drive that mirrors her daughter's ambition. This shared passion for music, particularly the powerful, storytelling nature of gospel, provides a fascinating backdrop to Nicki Minaj's development as one of the most lyrically complex and versatile artists in hip-hop history.

The Maraj family's story is a testament to the fact that even global icons emerge from deeply human, flawed, and ultimately resilient family structures. The ongoing legal battles and Carol Maraj's continued advocacy ensure that the legacy of Robert and Carol Maraj remains a relevant and evolving part of the Nicki Minaj narrative.

nicki minaj parents
nicki minaj parents

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