The song of the summer? It’s a dream come true for the many fans of both Nicki Minaj and AQUA’s “Barbie Girl” as the long-awaited musical collaboration, “Barbie World,” has finally hit the airwaves around the world. This upbeat single, featured on the Barbie movie soundtrack (coming soon), brings together the fierce talents of Nicki Minaj, Ice Spice, and RiotUSA, promising a track that will leave listeners captivated and dancing.
The reunion of Minaj, Ice Spice, and RiotUSA is a proven hit trio, especially given their previous successful collaboration on the remix of Ice Spice’s chart-topping hit, “Princess Diana.” The bangin’ remix climbed all the way to the #4 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing the undeniable chemistry between these three talented artists.
“Barbie World” seamlessly blends the best of hip-hop, incorporating elements of drill & Jersey club. The resulting song is a sleek, but energetic fusion that showcases the individual musical styles with the well-known lyrical prowess of both Minaj and Ice Spice. But what truly sets this track apart (and will have you singing along from the get-go) is the iconic sample from AQUA’s timeless hit, “Barbie Girl.” Fans will be thrilled to hear the familiar hook woven into the fabric of this exciting collaboration that blends several genres of music in a perfectly mastered song.
Hear the original hit song here:
Initially, there were some rumors that the Greta Gerwig-helmed Barbie movie would not include the iconic “Barbie Girl” in its soundtrack (possibly due to some trademark troubles between Mattel and AQUA in the past), which definitely left fans a little disappointed. However, “Barbie World” is a wonderful surprise for barbie fans, as it not only features the iconic sample but also pays homage to the original. The new single doesn’t rely on the original hit but rather infuses it with a fresh & modern twist. “Barbie Girl” was a sensation back in 1997, reaching #7 on the Hot 100 and becoming AQUA’s biggest hit to date.
The highly-anticipated collaboration was first revealed by Minaj herself on June 10 through a tweet that read, “It’s #barbie #bitch, if you still in doubt” Known for her bold and over-the-top expressions, Minaj has been know to have a close connection to the Barbie doll and she even emulated the iconic toy on the cover of her debut album, Pink Friday, which soared to the top of the Billboard 200 back in 2010.
During a recent episode of her “Queen Radio show” on the amp app, Minaj shared her thoughts as to why she decided to team up w/ Ice Spice on the “Barbie World” single. She expressed, “This is the first time that someone had put this sample in a way that didn’t make me uncomfortable or gimmicky. I figured out that it needed to be a beat that would still give Barbie & Nicki.” Her discerning judgment plus her commitment to maintaining the integrity of the Barbie brand in her music truly shines through in this track that is sure to be on every DJ playlist during the summer.
The upcoming “Barbie: The Album” is set to release on July 21, 2023, bringing the magic feels of the movie to streaming/digital download platforms all over the world. The highly-anticipated soundtrack boasts an impressive lineup of artists, including Dua Lipa, Khalid, Fifty Fifty, Gayle, Lizzo, Kali, Charli XCX, PinkPantheress, and more. With such an eclectic mix of amazing talent, this album promises to be a hit, capturing the essence of the Barbie universe in every note.
“Barbie World” is just a taste of what’s to come, an electrifying collaboration that showcases the creativity of Nicki Minaj w/ Ice Spice. As the release of the Barbie movie draws near (weeee!), you can expect a lot of barbie-themed influence in fashion, music, and more.
