Nicki Minaj accepted the Game-Changer Award at Billboard 2019 Women in Music Awards and paid tribute to late rapper Juice Wrld during her acceptance speech.
“He held my hand and told me to stay calm and pray. I was shocked that he told me that, but right there in that moment, I did feel calm and wondered, ‘Hm, what am I actually worried about?'” she said about the rapper who joined her on the European leg of her Queen Tour.
“I know this is a Women in Music night, and I’m honored to be in the presence of all these women. But it doesn’t feel comfortable to talk about me when someone so important to our culture died,” Nicki continued.
Juice Wrld died of a seizure at Midway airport during a search by the feds, who discovered guns and drugs in the rapper’s possession.
“It’s important not to pass judgment, so people aren’t ashamed to speak out and ask for help. I just came here tonight to ask people to be a little more forgiving and understanding, especially with entertainers. We can’t have a bad day,” she said, referring to the rapper’s ongoing struggles with addiction.