Meaning of “Bust Down Barbiana” by Nicki Minaj
“Bust Down Barbiana” is an unofficial remix of Blueface’s 2018 hit “Thotiana”. In Blueface’s track, Thotiana is a woman he is in a commercially-intimate relationship with. But in Nicki’s version, Barbiana is indeed herself. And as can be expected, Nicki has nothing but flattering things to say in her own regard.
The cleverness of this track is based on virtually every line in its sole extended verse ending with a word that rhymes with Barbiana. Most of these words, like blockiana and cockiana, are fictional. However, Nicki also name-drops a couple of real-life personalities such as Ariana Grande and Teyana (Taylor) that fit into this rhyming scheme. Overall, this freestyle is yet another display of the lyrical skill which has most rap fans agreeing that Nicki is the best female rapper in the game, even if at the end of the day, she doesn’t receive the most accolades.
Aside from its impressive wordplay and notable shoutouts, there is nothing particularly innovative about this track. Why? Because it is basically just Nicki bragging about herself, though in a fun way.
Facts about “Bust Down Barbiana”
- Writer(s): This rap was written by Nicki Minaj.
- Producer(s): This track (as well as the original it is based on) was produced by Scum Beats.
- Album/EP: This remix was released by Nicki as a pure single. It is not part of any album.
- Release Date: “Bust Down Barbiana” dropped on 6 February 2019.
- 1st Interesting Stuff: Shortly after the release of this track, Nicki’s most popular rival, Cardi B, also dropped a remix of “Thotiana”. The primary difference between hers and Nicki’s is that Cardi’s was official. Furthermore, Cardi’s version featured Blueface himself. Nicki’s version doesn’t feature Blueface.
- 2nd Interesting Stuff: Due to the ambiguity of its wording, Nicki’s shoutout to Ariana Grande (using wordplay on the title of Grande’s hit song “Thank U, Next”) was perceived as a possible insult by some. However, Ariana herself publicly deaded those rumors. In rubbishing them, she re-established the fact that she and Minaj are indeed homegirls.
- 3rd Interesting Stuff: Nicki uses the word “Barbiana” approximately 10 times in the song. The Barbiana represents her.
Where does Nicki Minaj give a shoutout to Ariana Grande in “Bust Down Barbiana”?
She does so in the following line:
“Thank you, next, Ariana (Ariana)”
The above is the fourth line in the verse.
