Nicki Minaj Gives Fans a Taste of 'Pink Friday 2,' Debuts New Tracks at the 2023 MTV VMAs

Minaj performed her new song "Last Time I Saw You" live for the first time, along with an extra snipped of her new LP

Nicki Minaj may have been emceeing the 2023 MTV VMAs — but she wasn't too busy to take the stage to perform, too.

The Queen of Rap, 40, took a break from her hosting duties to bring her new single — as well as an extra taste of her long-awaited fifth LP Pink Friday 2 — to the MTV stage.

First, Minaj, who was last year’s video vanguard honoree, performed “Last Time I Saw You,” the latest single off her upcoming fifth studio album Pink Friday 2.

With pink-lit clouds surrounding her as she stood above the crowd with a microphone in hand, Minaj showed off her vocal skills beyond the clever raps she's best known for, before giving the crowd another reason to look forward to her next album.

"MTV, it wouldn't be right if I didn't give y'all a Pink Friday 2 exclusive," Minaj announced before working her way into an unreleased track that showed off some swift wordplay.

Related: A History of Nicki Minaj at the VMAs

Later on in the show, the 25-time VMA-nominated star is expected to return for another performance with fellow rap royalty to honor the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

Check out PEOPLE's full MTV VMAs coverage to get the latest news on music’s big night.

The “Ruby Red Da Sleeze” rapper was also nominated for six Moon Persons this year. Her song “Super Freaky Girl” is up for best hip-hop, best visual effects and video of the year, while her collaboration with Yung Blue, “Love in the Way” saw a nod for best R&B but lost to SZA's "Shirt." Her hit with with Ice Spice, “Barbie World,” is up for song of the summer. She’s also competing for the top prize of artist of the year.

Related: Taylor Swift, SZA, Miley Cyrus and More Lead 2023 MTV Video Music Awards Nominations — See the List!

The rap star last took the stage at the 2022 VMAs. She hosted last year’s event alongside LL Cool J and Jack Harlow and performed a medley of her hits, including songs like “Monster” and “Super Bass” before receiving the video vanguard award.

“Last Time I Saw You” was released in late August, several months after the “Starships” rapper confirmed her album Pink Friday 2 was on the way. Since then, she’s confirmed the highly anticipated album and follow up to 2018’s Queen will be out on Nov. 17.

Related: Sean 'Diddy' Combs to Receive Global Icon Award and Perform at 2023 MTV VMAs Ahead of New Album

Minaj was among the exciting slate of performers, also including Anitta, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, Demi Lovato, Doja Cat, Fall Out Boy, Karol G, Kelsea Ballerini, Måneskin, Olivia Rodrigo, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Shakira and Stray Kids, among others.

The 2023 MTV VMAs are airing live from The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Tuesday, Sept. 12 on CBS and BET, BET Her, VH1, Comedy Central, CMT, Logo, MTV, MTV2, Nickelodeon and Paramount Network. Viewers can also catch the show through an MTV.com live stream or on Paramount+.

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