Lady in red: Nicki Minaj is certainly riding high on a wave of success as she shined on the cover of the September issue of Vogue Arabia

‘I wasn’t 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 into money, but I never had to do any favors to get my songs played on the radio, always conducting myself like a lady,’ she told editor-in-chief Manuel Arnaut. ‘This might have given me an aura that makes people afraid, but I’m not here to play. I’m just as smart, talented and creative as any man.’

Nicki radiated power in the classic, crimson-colored set which was photographed by Emma Summerton.

She’s known for being a strong voice in an industry that doesn’t necessarily favor female entertainers.

‘It’s sad that women don’t get the recognition they should,’ she said. ‘That doesn’t just happen in music, it’s in Hollywood, too.

Queen: The 35-year-old powerhouse lyricist looked positively stunning in the luxurious spread as she credited an impeccable work ethic for helping her reach the success she deserves

‘I read all the time about women in Hollywood feeling like they’re not paid as much as men, etcetera… We need to speak up for ourselves and for other women. We need to put our foot down.’

And while Minaj isn’t afraid to show her tough skin, she also admits to being human and vulnerable to harsh criticism.

‘I think anybody who says they don’t care about horrible things being said about them or lies being spread about them is not being truthful,’ she said. ‘I’m a human being and, of course, it bothers me when I read lies or horrendous things about myself … I took time to create something for my fans that I knew was going to be perfection.’

The stellar series was shot in New York by an all-female team, including stylist Anna Katsanis at the helm of Nicki’s looks, and hair and makeup looks created by Kim Kimble and Sheika Daley.

Gorgeous: One black-and-white image featured the songstress in a tight lace dress, with the series styled by Anna Katsanis

Minaj recently called out Travis Scott online and claimed he used his girlfriend Kylie Jenner and their daughter Stormi to fuel interest in his latest album Astroworld.

‘I put my blood sweat & tears in writing a dope album only for Travis Scott to have Kylie Jenner post a tour pass telling ppl to come see her & Stormi. lol. Im actually laughing,’ she wrote on Twitter.

The Queens, New York native, whose full name is Onika Tanya Maraj, said she talked to Scott, and ‘he knows he doesn’t have the #1 album this week,’ in spite of his Billboard status.

She then declared: ‘I love my fans for the #1 album in AMERICA! … 4 albums in, #1 in 86 countries.’

Nicki performed Majesty at the MTV Video Music Awards on Monday evening, and nabbed the silver moonman for Best Hip Hop Artist.

Powerhouse: Nicki performed Majesty at the MTV Video Music Awards on Monday evening, and nabbed the silver moonman for Best Hip Hop Artist