Meaning of “Pills N Potions” by Nicki Minaj

The song “Pills N Potions” covers the different kinds of cures people use whether literal drugs or mechanisms they adapt to deal with the hurt done them by loved ones.

Nicki sends a message that despite all the bad treatment she receives from her loved ones, she’s able to overlook them because her love is very strong.
She goes on to unravel the deception, ingratitude and pretense portrayed by her lover, while she stresses that she ignores these and still keeps loving him.

The singer also addresses her friends’ and fans’ opportunistic behavior. She sees them as generally selfish and only come around when they know they will benefit from her. However, Nicki chooses to do the opposite which is to forgive them regardless.

Summary

The main message captured in “Pills N Potions” is Minaj’s resolution to deal with the pain and anger she feels by choosing Love. Her belief is that love is strong enough of a cure to transcend all the negativity.

Facts about “Pills N Potions”

• This track is the lead single from Nicki Minaj’s 3rd album. That album is entitled, The Pinkprint. On that same album appears her hit single “Anaconda“.
• American singer/songwriter, Ester Dean, together with Dr. Luke and Cirkut collaborated with Minaj in penning this single.
• In addition to penning this track, Luke and Cirkut also provided their expertise on the production of the song.
• “Pills N Potions” was officially released on May 21st, 2014 via Cash and Young Money records.
• Video director, Diane Martel, who directed the music video for Nicki’s 2010 single, “Right Thru Me” is also credited for helming this song’s visual.
• The track’s corresponding video was released on the 9th of June 2014 via YouTube. The clip features a cameo by American rapper/actor, The Game.
• “Pills N Potions” samples the 1997 song “I Get High (On Your Memory)” by American singer, Freda Payne.
• Reggae/dancehall musician, Busy Signal interpolated lines from this single in his 2014 song, titled, “Hustler Anthem (Lighters Up)”.
• “Pills N Potions” was sampled by the musical duo, Superfruit on their 2015 track, “Hip Hop Goes Broadway”.
• This single fared quite okay in several regions across the world. It reached the top 50 in many countries, including the United States and The UK, where it peaked at No.24 and No.31 respectively.