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Watch Nicki Minaj Deliver a Powerful Reading of Maya Angelou’s ‘Still I Rise’

1 minute read
Recording artist Nicki Minaj speaks onstage at A+E Networks 'Shining A Light' concert at The Shrine Auditorium on November 18, 2015 in Los Angeles, California.
Recording artist Nicki Minaj speaks onstage at A+E Networks 'Shining A Light' concert at The Shrine Auditorium on November 18, 2015 in Los Angeles, California.Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for A+E Networks
By Megan McCluskey

Nicki Minaj offered an inspiring rendition of Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise” at A&E Network’s Wednesday night benefit concert, Shining A Light: A Concert for Progress on Race in America.

Several other notable musicians, such as Pharrell, Bruce Springsteen, John Legend and Sia, took part in the show to address racial inequality in America and raise money for United Way Worldwide.

Angelou’s poem broaches on the themes of racism, misogyny and sexuality, issues that Minaj has been outspoken about in the past, and the 32-year-old artist gave a fittingly stirring delivery of the piece. “Does my sexiness upset you? Does it come as a surprise, that I dance like I’ve got diamonds at the meeting of my thighs,” she recited to a cheering audience.

See the full reading below:

 

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Write to Megan McCluskey at megan.mccluskey@time.com