Nicki Minaj has a new album coming [1] this Summer, which means we'll likely be hearing a lot more from the outspoken rapper [2] ahead of the Aug. 10 release. The Barbie Tingz emcee [3] is ramping up her promotional trail by gracing the July cover of Elle US magazine [4], and inside she's opening up about everything from working with famed fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld ("I couldn't think straight anymore. I was like, Oh my God, I couldn't . . . it felt like a dream,") to her current relationship status after recently teasing a romance with fellow rapper Eminem [5].

"I remember feeling like I could do anything at one time in my life and somewhere along the line, I just started second guessing myself for whatever reason," Nicki revealed to the outlet. "As soon as I realised that I could actually live and breathe, and eat and sleep, and walk and talk, without having a boyfriend, something clicked in me. Becoming single was one of the things that made me feel strong and powerful."

According to the 35-year-old NY native [6], she's enjoying the newfound freedom she has being solo for the first time since she was 15. "The fact that I am a young woman who doesn't need a man for money. I don't need a man for a job. I've never had to f*ck for beats. I've never had to f*ck for a record deal. I don't have those pressures. I get up when I want, shop when I want." Amen, sister. Amen! Keep reading to see more photos from Nicki's Elle spread, then mark your calendars for the release of Queen this August!