Nicki Minaj was presented with the Game Changer award at the 2019 Billboard Women in Music ceremony on Thursday (December 12) night, and she paid tribute to Juice Wrld while accepting the award.
Nicki shared a story about collaborating with Juice Wrld and being on tour together, stating, "I had a great conversation with him one day and while we walked to the stage he held my hand and told me to stay calm and to pray. He said he had been trying to do just that. I was so shocked to hear him, of all people, tell me that. But right there in that moment with him telling me that, I actually did feel calm. And I felt like, what am I actually worried about?"
After calling him a "kindred spirit," Nicki revealed that she wishes she would've said something to him before his passing. She explained, "Looking back now, I wish I did something differently or said something to help," she said Thursday night. "He spoke to me in detail about how in love he was with his girlfriend and how passionate he was about music. And when he was in the studio with me, he did so many songs so quickly. He was honest and pure about what he felt and that inspired me."
Nicki then sent her condolences to Juice Wrld's family and friends, and she urged people struggling with addiction to get help. She also urged people to be more forgiving and understanding, especially of celebrities who Nicki feels have to be perfect all the time. You can hear her full speech above.
