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"Anaconda" is a song by American rapper Nicki Minaj, from her upcoming third studio album, The Pinkprint (2014). It was released on August 4, 2014 by Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records, and Republic Records as the second single from the album.[1] Production for the track was handled by Polow Da Don and Da Internz.[2] "Anaconda" peaked at No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100, consequently becoming Minaj's highest charting single in the United States to date
Critical reception
Anaconda" received generally positive reviews from critics. Carolyn Menyes from Music Times gave the song a positive review, calling it a bit "raunchy" but was "expected" and saying "Anaconda" continues Minaj's promise to move away from her poppier singles such as "Super Bass" and "Starships", and go back to her hardcore rap roots. Kory Grow fromRolling Stone praised the use of the "Baby Got Back" sample and said the song stayed true to the theme of the original.[6] Kevin Goddard from HotNewHipHop gave the song a positive review saying "Nicki’s raunchy new version may be the next big thing to hit the industry."[7] Dan Reilly from Spin said "Minaj takes the good Sir's '92 ode to protruding posteriors and adds a heavy dose of 2014 sex lingo".[8] Hot 97 DJ Peter Rosenberg, who Minaj previously had a feud with after he criticized her pop single "Starships" for being a sell-out song and dissed her on the stage of Summer Jam in 2012, praised the song saying "she found her new smash rap record".[9] NBC host Al Roker called the music video "vile" and "desperate". Roker said, "It almost seems like Nicki Minaj has gotten desperate and needs to do something to get her crown back."[10]
Sir Mix-a-Lot praised the song, saying he had "a whole new level of respect for Minaj" after hearing the record and that he became a "fan for life" of Minaj.[11]