She's known for pushing the boundaries when it comes to music and fashion - and Nicky Minaj shows no sign of toning down her out-there image in her latest photoshoot.
The star - as famed for her crazy wigs and outrageous outfits as she is as a pop star - wore voodoo-style black and white face make-up for the cover and spread of quarterly American fashion magazine V.
The 26-year-old is the face of the magazine's 'discovery' issue promoting what's new and cool for 2011, dubbed The Shock Of The New.
Up front: Nicki Minaj looks stunning on the cover of U.S. fashion magazine V - on the left, as we usually see her, and on the right, in striking voodoo-style make-up
Strike a pose: Nicki also had her famous derriere painted in tribal patterns for part of the shoot by photographers Inez Van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin
As well as showing off her best assets however in a series of Versace frocks, the star is virtually unrecognisable in some shots due to the stage daub on her face.
In other shots, she flashes her Calvin Klein pants and has tribal patterns painted on her legendary bottom and toned legs.
Monster hits: The Trinidadian star, the protegé of rapper Lil Wayne, has shot to fame on the back of her outrageous style, both with clothes and music
On the up: The singer features in the Discovery Issue of the magazine, which lists the hottest things in music and fashion to watch out for in 2011
The headstrong star said in the accompanying interview: 'Everything I do has been approved by me personally. My team is mostly made up of guys, but none of them would ever think about telling me what to wear or what to do with my hair. They know that ultimately I'm gonna do what I'm gonna do. '
The edgy shoot is already one of the singer's favourites. She tweeted afterwards: 'Its safe to say my cover shoot in V Magazine is dedicated to my gays and fashionistas. My most bad ass shoot to date.
Although it's unlikely she's even seen it, Nicki's latest make-over also had shades of Papa Lazarou from cult British comedy The League Of Gentlemen and Baron Samedi from the James Bond movie Live And Let Die, as well as the 'voodoo queen' overtures.
Regardless of the inspiration, she's certainly a fan of the dressing up box, and has previously said of her style and numerous alter-egos, including one called Harajuku Barbie: 'I just always want to do "me", but "me" changes every day.'
'I would crumple up and die if I had to wake up and be the same person every day. I don't silence those voices anymore. I just let them speak.'
Alter ego: The 'voodooo queen' makeover could be the latest look for the chameleon-like star, who loves diving in the dressing up box
Unique style: The singer - who appears to favour Calvin Klein pants - said no-one ever told her what to wear if she hadn't approved it personally
The Trinidadian beauty also made her debut on Ellen DeGeneres's chat show in the U.S. yesterday.
'I can't believe I'm sitting here talking to you!' she said. 'I wanted to do well, but I couldn't foresee all this happening.'
After her chat with Ellen, Nicki made a performance of her new song Moments Of Life.
Blonde ambition: Nicki wearing a Barbie necklace on the Ellen DeGeneres show yesterday
The star's debut album, Pink Friday, has also just been confirmed a platinum-seller despite only being released two months ago.
This quarter's issue of V magazine is out tomorrow, 13 January.