Nicki Minaj’s supporters are harnessing AI technology to construct an imaginary neon-pink realm amidst global concerns over its potential threat to humanity. The AI-generated sector, named Gag City, draws inspiration from the artwork of Minaj’s upcoming album, Pink Friday 2, where the artist is depicted journeying towards a vibrant town. Apart from the reissue of her debut album Beam Me Up Scotty, Pink Friday 2, set for release on December 8, marks Minaj’s second album in half a decade. On December 6, fabricated visuals of Gag City began circulating on social platforms, showcasing various artists entering the city, businesses creatively named after Minaj’s tracks, and even historical events.
The core theme of Gag City revolves around the art of “gaggery,” portraying a dazzling utopia where individuals are left astounded, or “gagged,” a term originating from the LGBTQ+ community. Within Gag City, Minaj’s devotees can exhibit their anticipation for the impending album. While the exact origins of this trend remain elusive, “gag capital” emerged from Minaj fan accounts in January 2022, gaining traction in the preceding and current year.
The concept of “Gag City” encountered AI intervention on December 1 when a distinctive Minaj fan account shared an AI-crafted image of an aircraft painted in “fuchsia” soaring above a similarly hued terrain. This jest sparked the trend, fueling fans’ creativity.
By December 7, a plethora of fictional images portraying renowned personalities entering Gag City flooded social media. Notable figures like Trisha Paytas, recognized for her affinity for drama and the color red, became the subjects of AI-generated portrayals.
Celebrities such as Ariana Grande, Michael Jackson, and Lana Del Rey were granted access to Gag City, alongside imaginary characters like Terri Joe from TikToker @psyiconic, Targaryen from Game of Thrones, and Peppa Pig.
A stringent system governs entry into Gag City, as individuals must possess a valid “queencard” to avoid rejection and potential deportation, as per Barbz reports.
Residents of Gag City enjoy a plethora of commercial establishments to indulge in, with prominent brands like Converse, Urban Decay, and Spotify establishing a presence in the burgeoning district.
Minaj assumes a legendary role within Gag City, reportedly elected as its president by the populace, as depicted in AI-generated images. Ahead of the album launch, visuals of Minaj delivering her “I Had A Gag” address surfaced, purportedly inspiring the community. Not only a bold leader, but Minaj is also portrayed as a philanthropist, offering “free copies of her Disc” to underprivileged residents on the outskirts of Gag City.
Acknowledging the prank, Minaj shared a video on her Instagram, featuring lyrics tailored for the people of Gag City as the initial music cues in. As the release of Pink Friday 2 nears, she advises the community to “brace for impact.”
Furthermore, Minaj hinted at the imminent arrival of the movie’s tracklist in Gag City on Thursday night.
