MTV VMAs 2022: Nicki Minaj Asks Fans To Take Mental Health Seriously [Watch]

Nicki Minaj received the coveted Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award on Sunday. She got emotional while talking about mental health during the acceptance speech at the MTV Video Music Awards 2022.

Surrounded by her ardent fans, famously known as the Barbz, Minaj accepted the award at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, and opened her speech about how this was the first time she jotted something down on the phone for her speech.

The 39-year-old hip hop star thanked the "key people" who inspired her, which included Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Foxy Brown and many others. She also paid gratitude to stalwarts like Kanye West, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Britney Spears and Eminem.

"I wish Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson were still here," the "Super Bass" singer said while remembering the icons.

Speaking about the importance of mental health, Minaj said, "I wish that people understood what they meant and what they were going through. I wish people took mental health seriously, even for the people who we think have perfect lives," the rapper said.

She also remembered some of her late colleagues and family members. "I wish Pop Smoke and Juice WRLD and Nipsey Hussle were here. RIP Daddy, my cousin Richard and my business manager Angela who I never got to say rest in peace to publicly."

The "Anaconda" singer thanked all the producers and artists she worked with and gave a shoutout to the artists with whom she collaborated during her career.

Before closing her speech, Minaj thanked the fans and her newborn baby, whom she fondly calls Papa Bear.

At the MTV Video Music Awards, the Queen of Rap enthralled the audience with a medley of some smash hit songs. She started her set with "All Things Go" and transitioned into a small rendition of "Roman Revenge."

She also rapped the famous verse from "Monster" by Kanye West, according to Rolling Stone. Her medley included hits like "Chun-li," "Beez in the Trap" and "Moment 4 Life."

Minaj concluded her performance with her greatest hit, "Super Bass," as she walked into the crowd. Taylor Swift was seen rapping with her.

Apart from her medley performance, Minaj co-hosted the MTV VMAs 2022 with Jack Harlow and LL Cool J.