Entertainment Music Nicki Minaj on Being Single for the First Time in 20 Years: It's 'Okay to Keep Your Legs Closed' "Becoming single was one of the things that made me feel strong and powerful," the rapper told Elle By Jeff Nelson Jeff Nelson Instagram Twitter Jeff Nelson is the Senior News Editor, Entertainment at PEOPLE. For nearly a decade, he has worked across the brand's entertainment verticals, reporting on breaking news and writing and editing across platforms, as well as securing A-list cover exclusives, including Barry Manilow's coming out and an at-home interview with Madonna. Jeff has appeared as an expert on Good Morning America, Extra, HLN and SiriusXM, as well as at RuPaul's DragCon as a moderator. He studied magazine journalism at Drake University, graduating with a B.A. in Journalism & Mass Communication. People Editorial Guidelines Published on June 13, 2018 03:10 PM Share Tweet Pin Email Nicki Minaj is single and not ready to mingle. In Elle‘s July cover story, the “Chun-Li” rapper, 35, opens up about living the single life for the first time in 20 years. “It’s the first time in my life I’ve ever been single,” Minaj — who has been in serious relationships since she was 15 — told the women’s glossy. “I remember feeling like I could do anything at one time in my life, and somewhere along the line, I just started second guessing myself, for whatever reason,” she added. “As soon as I realized that I could actually live and breathe, and eat and sleep, and walk and talk without having a boyfriend, something clicked in me.” Karl Lagerfeld That epiphany fuels much of her upcoming fourth studio album, Queen, due Aug. 10. “Becoming single was one of the things that made me feel strong and powerful,” she said. “The fact that I am a young woman who doesn’t need a man for money. I don’t need a man for a job. I’ve never had to f— for beats. I’ve never had to f— for a record deal. I don’t have those pressures. I get up when I want, shop when I want.” Karl Lagerfeld The Grammy-nominated performer said the album — which includes new single “Rich Sex” — is about “it being okay to keep your legs closed.” RELATED VIDEO: It’s #NickiDay! Nicki Minaj Drops Singles ‘Chun-Li’ and ‘Barbie Tingz’ – and Twitter Explodes! Minaj was last romantically linked to Nas. She also famously dated Meek Mill and Safaree Samuels. Watch the full season of Search History on PeopleTV.com or download the PeopleTV app on your favorite device. The rapper opened up about her plans to remain chaste last year when she appeared on The Elle DeGeneres Show. “I’m just chillin’ right now,” Minaj told the talk show host. “I’m celibate. I wanted to go a year without dating any man. I hate men.”