Nicki Minaj's 'Pills N Potions' Music Video: Look By Look
A still from Nicki Minaj's 'Pills N Potions' video.
Photo: Young Money Records
I didn't go to sleep last night until well after 4 a.m., and it's not just because I had to finish the seaosn-two finale of Orange Is The New Black (although that certainly was part of it). Nicki Minaj promised a Monday night release for her "Pills N Potions" video, and I was NOT about to miss that extremely important moment. And while I might have ghastly dark circles under my eyes now, I can confidently say that it was totally worth it.
After Nicki released a teaser of the video late last week, we just KNEW the full video would be amazing. (I mean, the 45-second clip already featured seven different looks.) The final product contains a perfect mix of stripped down and crazy—which also describes Nicki's current personal style, TBH. Who else could pull off subtle Alice in Wonderland imagery AND pasties over the course of a few minutes? Nobody, that's who.
A still from Nicki Minaj's 'Pills N Potions' video.
Photo: Young Money Records
The video begins with Nicki smoking an e-cigarette in a sheer white top and flawless eyeliner. You can already tell she's going to look naturally gorgeous throughout the entire song.
A still from Nicki Minaj's 'Pills N Potions' video.
Photo: Young Money Records
But don't think natural and gorgeous = boring...because HI, PASTIES!
A still from Nicki Minaj's 'Pills N Potions' video.
Photo: Young Money Records
Before Nicki's taped up nips can even fully register, we're introduced to her third look—a white tank, casual updo, and scads of delicate gold jewelry. Hey, Nicki, could I please borrow whatever magical elixir you use to make your skin glow like that? Thanks.
A still from Nicki Minaj's 'Pills N Potions' video.
Photo: Young Money Records
Next comes an all-black ensemble (my personal fave) consisting of a black sweater, HUGE fur vest, and a loose side-braid. Oh, and the coolest pair of lace knee-high boots I've ever seen.
A still from Nicki Minaj's 'Pills N Potions' video.
Photo: Young Money Records
So, are you ready for some trippy visuals yet? Silver waterfalls flowing from Nicki's eyes should do the trick.
A still from Nicki Minaj's 'Pills N Potions' video.
Photo: Young Money Records
The Game cameos as the love interest in "Pills N Potions," wearing baggy jeans and briefs throughout the video. Nicki looks equally laid-back in her sleeveless white shirt and shorts.
A still from Nicki Minaj's 'Pills N Potions' video.
Photo: Young Money Records
Nicki then busts out the rabbit ears featured on the single's cover art, as well as a SpongeBob SquarePants jacket by Moschino. You'll actually see bunnies pop up a LOT in this video (The White Rabbit = Alice in Wonderland reference #1).
A still from Nicki Minaj's 'Pills N Potions' video.
Photo: Young Money Records
Uh-oh. It looks like The Game stepped out of line, and Her Minajesty had to decapitate him. We've all been there. (The Queen of Hearts/"Off with his head!" = Alice in Wonderland reference #2).
A still from Nicki Minaj's 'Pills N Potions' video.
Photo: Young Money Records
But this song is about forgiveness, so The Game doesn't have to be sans head for long. As the lyrics state, "I'm angry, but I still love you." In other words, "I chopped off your head, and perhaps that was a little rash of me." It looks like Nicki gave her man a cozy fur coat as an apology, so I think they can probably move past the whole beheading incident.
GIF: Young Money Records/Caitlin Morton
Anyways, remember those lace knee-high boots I mentioned earlier? Above is undeniable proof of their power.
A still from Nicki Minaj's 'Pills N Potions' video.
Photo: Young Money Records
Are you intimidated yet? If not, you probably will be after seeing Nicki's weapon-like braces.
A still from Nicki Minaj's 'Pills N Potions' video.
Photo: Young Money Records
We then get a better view of that fur vest from earlier in the video. I'm pretty sure she's only wearing the pasties and some shorts under there...
A still from Nicki Minaj's 'Pills N Potions' video.
Photo: Young Money Records
...yep! Nicki sheds her vest for the following shot, confirming my suspicions as she lies under a cloud of colorful smoke (The Hookah-Smoking Caterpillar = Alice in Wonderland reference #3).
GIF: Young Money Records/Caitlin Morton
By this point, we've seen almost all of Nicki's outfits, so the directors thought it would be a good idea to bring back that liquid silver imagery from earlier. I'm no pro, but I definitely approve of their decision. These effects are totally mesmerizing.
GIF: Young Money Records/Caitlin Morton
(Yes, Nicki did use her video to debut her third fragrance, Onika.)
GIF: Young Money Records/Caitlin Morton
Warning: This next one is the best. The best of life.
GIF: Young Money Records/Caitlin Morton
Told ya.
A still from Nicki Minaj's 'Pills N Potions' video.
Photo: Young Money Records
After four-and-a-half minutes of graphics, emotions, and #FASHUN, the video ends with Nicki walking through gray fog in a white shirt and ankle boots. The whole effect is very mysterious and open-ended—we can't wait for the sequel!
+ WATCH NICKI MINAJ'S 'PILLS N POTIONS' MUSIC VIDEO!
