Last night (April 7) at the Best Buy Theater in New York City, Nicki Minaj and the Roots teamed up for the launch of the Casio Tryx camera, an innovative shape-shifting pocket cam. The event was invite-only, with the 'Pink Friday' creator taking a break from her opening slot on Lil Wayne's I Am Still Music tour.

The Roots and Nicki Minaj seemed like an odd combination. They are both hip-hop but each represents a different style of the genre. One, legendary and known for their progressive, rock-fused sound and the other, sassy and up-and-coming, known for quirky outfits, stage personas and revitalizing women in hip-hop.

During the show, the Roots proved after almost 20 years since their first album, 'Organix!' they are still a force in the music industry. At their core, the Roots are hip-hop, but their music is an eclectic fusion of jazz, funk and hardcore rock. The members are veterans, with Black Thought being one of hip-hop's greatest frontmen and Questlove owning the ability to compete with any legendary rock drummer.

At about 10:20PM Nicki Minaj hit the stage to her loyal group of Barbz and Ken Barbz, many rocking hot pink wigs. She opened with her popular diss track 'Roman's Revenge,' which some say is about her rival Lil' Kim. Rocking her blond Marge Simpson, Bride of Frankenstein-esque wig, Minaj ripped through the track, kicking, thrusting and jumping on every corner of the stage.



Watch Nicki Minaj Perform 'Roman's Revenge' at Tryx Launch



For everyone who says Nicki is just a gimmick, don't be fooled, she has performing chops. The New Yorker looked her fans right in the eye, smacked as many hands as possible and at one point signed hats, CDs and body parts. While every performer says they love their fans as a stock reply, Nicki is sincere. The love she received from New York City is what made her a star.

Backed by six dancers in pink wigs, Nicki performed favorites like 'Did It On 'Em,' 'Right Thru Me,' and her current single 'Super Bass.' She closed with 'Moment 4 Life,' her highest charting song on the pop charts.

Before leaving the stage, Nicki thanked Casio and said, "I'm a black girl from Southside Jamaica Queens in New York City -- that is why I tell you don't give up." Nicki has clearly never given up. And last night aggressively demonstrated why she has the wherewithal to survive the fickle entertainment industry.



Watch Nicki Minaj Perform 'Right Thru Me' at Tryx Launch

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