NICKI MINAJ: AGENT PROVOCATEUR

She’s run the charts and made the big boys of rap bow down to her— and now, as an American Idol judge, Nicki Minaj owns prime time . The Queen of Hip-Hop redefines success.

Thomas Whiteside; Styled By Joe Zee On her dramatic make-under for her ELLE photo shoot: "When I saw myself with barely any makeup at, it was such a… like, I'm so, so attached to my pink lipstick, it's hard. I feel that it's become a part of me. To go in front of the camera, without pink lips or big ol' crazy lashes— you know, nothing— I felt naked. It was scary! So this photo shoot was a real accomplishment in my eyes." Strap-trim napa leather jacket, Tom Ford, price on request, at Tom Ford NYC, Las Vegas, Beverly Hills, call 310-270-9440. Leggings by American Apparel, $28, visit americanapparel.com .