Nicki Minaj: 'Lil Wayne Is Like My Father'

Nicki Minaj has likened her Young Money boss and mentor Lil Wayne to a father figure as he always used to lecture her on how to improve her career.

The 'Starships' rapper has developed a close bond with Wayne since signing to the YMCMB imprint in 2009, but says he no longer pushes her and advises her in the way he used to as she has conquered the music scene.

"I usually pick the beat when me and Wayne do something. I went to Miami and I started grilling him like, 'Hey, why don't you lecture me anymore?' and he says, 'you made it already I ain't got to tell you s**t," Nicki told MTV News.

"[It's] real funny. It's like having a strict parent and when you no longer have it [you] kinda want that. I told him, 'I miss when you would lecture me and tell me to keep on my grind and do this do and do that - where's the love?'"

Nicki says she and Wayne will never lose their close relationship and will always have time for each other.

 "He's always gonna be my mentor," Nicki added.