Nicki Minaj’s husband, Kenneth Petty, has been a big part of her life long before fame. They met as teens in Queens, reconnected years later, and married in 2019.
Their relationship often sparks public discussion, mostly because of Kenneth’s legal past. Still, Nicki stands by him completely, calling him her true love and protector who understands her beyond fame.
Despite constant attention and criticism, the couple stays focused on their family life. Together, they’re raising their son, whom Nicki lovingly calls “Papa Bear,” keeping their bond strong and private.
Profile summary
| Profile Summary | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kenneth “Zoo” Petty |
| Famous As | Nicki Minaj’s Husband |
| Date of Birth | April 7, 1978 |
| Birthplace | Queens, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Former Music Industry Professional |
| Known For | Marriage to rapper Nicki Minaj |
| Spouse | Nicki Minaj (married October 21, 2019) |
| Children | One son, born September 2020 |
| Education | Attended LaGuardia High School, New York City |
| Criminal Record | Convicted of attempted rape (1995) and first-degree manslaughter (2006) |
| Sentence Served | Approximately 11 years combined |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Notable Fact | Reconnected with Nicki Minaj after decades apart and has appeared in her music videos |
| Current Residence | Los Angeles, California, USA |
Who Is Nicki Minaj’s Husband? All About Kenneth Petty
Nicki Minaj’s husband, Kenneth “Zoo” Petty, is someone she’s known long before her fame. The two first met as teenagers in Queens, New York, and their story eventually came full circle years later. Kenneth isn’t part of the entertainment world, but his life has been tied closely to Minaj’s ever since they reconnected. The couple got married in 2019 and share a son together. Despite his controversial past and several legal issues, Minaj has stood firmly by his side, often defending their relationship publicly and describing him as her true soulmate.
He and Minaj met in high school
Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty’s connection goes way back to their teenage years. They both attended LaGuardia High School in New York City, where their friendship quickly turned into a young romance. Though they lost touch for years after school, Minaj often spoke about how real their bond felt even back then. She mentioned him in a few interviews and even referenced their early relationship in her lyrics. It’s clear that their time together as teens left a mark on both of them, even before fame and music took over her life.
He and Minaj have been back together since 2018
Years after their high school days, Nicki and Kenneth found their way back to each other in 2018. Their rekindled relationship quickly made headlines when Minaj confirmed their romance on social media. Fans were surprised at how fast things moved, but Minaj seemed genuinely happy and often shared small glimpses of their love online. Kenneth even got a tattoo of her name, showing his commitment early on. The two didn’t waste much time before taking their relationship to the next level, and by the following year, they were officially husband and wife.
He’s a registered sex offender
Kenneth Petty’s past has been the center of public controversy. In the mid-1990s, he was convicted of attempted rape, which made him a registered sex offender in New York. The case resurfaced when he and Nicki went public with their relationship, drawing criticism and attention from fans and the media. Minaj addressed the situation directly, saying that the incident happened when they were both teenagers and defending him against online backlash. Despite the ongoing public scrutiny, she’s consistently stood by him, emphasizing that she knows the real story and trusts her husband completely.
He pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter
Aside from his earlier conviction, Kenneth also served time for a separate serious charge. In the early 2000s, he was involved in an incident that led to the death of a man named Lamont Robinson. Kenneth was charged with second-degree murder but later pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter. He served around seven years in prison before being released in 2013. While his criminal record has been a major focus of public discussion, Nicki has often reminded people that he’s moved past that part of his life, choosing to see him for who he is now rather than his past mistakes.
Minaj has repeatedly defended their relationship
Nicki Minaj has never shied away from defending Kenneth or their marriage. Whenever people criticized her for being with him, she fired back, reminding them that he’s someone who loved her long before fame or money entered the picture. She’s spoken on her radio show and social media about how real their bond is, calling it deeper than what outsiders could understand. Even when celebrities or talk show hosts brought up his past, Nicki stood firm, saying everyone deserves a chance to change and that happiness isn’t something money or public approval can buy.
He and Minaj got married in October 2019
Nicki and Kenneth officially tied the knot in October 2019 after getting a marriage license earlier that year. The ceremony was small and private, reflecting their decision to keep their relationship out of the spotlight. Minaj later confirmed their marriage with a simple Instagram post featuring matching “bride” and “groom” items. She even changed her name to Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty. Over the years, she’s spoken warmly about married life, saying that having someone who truly understands her brought peace and stability. The couple recently celebrated their fifth anniversary, marking another milestone in their journey together.
He and Minaj share a son
In 2020, Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty became parents for the first time. Nicki revealed her pregnancy through photos showing her baby bump, and fans flooded her with congratulations. Their son, affectionately nicknamed “Papa Bear,” was born in September that year, though the couple has kept his real name private. Nicki often shares bits about motherhood online, calling her son the greatest joy of her life. She’s described the experience of giving birth and how Kenneth was nervous but supportive. Despite everything, their family life seems filled with love and moments of calm away from fame.
He’s made cameos in Minaj’s music videos
Kenneth has appeared in a few of Nicki’s music videos, giving fans a glimpse of their chemistry on screen. His cameos are subtle but show the closeness they share behind the scenes. Whether he’s standing beside her during a video shoot or appearing in background moments, it’s clear Nicki enjoys having him involved in her creative world. She’s mentioned that their connection helps her stay grounded, even when surrounded by fame. Including him in her work feels like a personal touch, blending her music career with the private life she values so much.
Minaj has also faced legal trouble relating to her husband
Nicki Minaj herself has been caught up in some of Kenneth’s legal issues. In 2021, she was named in a lawsuit that claimed she and her husband tried to pressure one of Kenneth’s past victims into recanting her story. Nicki denied all the allegations, and her legal team worked to get her removed from the case. The situation brought renewed media attention, but Nicki remained mostly quiet publicly, focusing instead on her music and family. Despite the controversy, she’s continued to stand by Kenneth, making it clear that she won’t let his past define her present.
Final Thoughts
Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty’s relationship has faced its share of controversy, but their bond has stayed unshaken. From childhood friends to life partners, their story shows how deep connections can last through time and trials. Nicki’s loyalty and openness about their journey reveal a side of her that’s raw, personal, and real — far beyond the spotlight.
Even with public scrutiny and legal challenges, Nicki continues to balance love, family, and career on her own terms. For her, happiness means being understood and supported by someone who’s seen her at every stage — and that’s exactly what she’s found with Kenneth.
