While the globe wrestles with the potential threat posed by artificial intelligence to humanity, enthusiasts of Nicki Minaj are leveraging this technology to construct an imaginative neon-pink realm. Dubbed Gag City, this AI-driven urban center draws inspiration from the cover art of Minaj’s upcoming studio album Pink Friday 2, depicting the rapper en route to a vibrant cityscape. Scheduled for release on Dec. 8, Pink Friday 2 signifies Minaj’s return to the music scene after a hiatus of five years, excluding the reissue of her debut mixtape Beam Me Up Scotty.
On December 6, AI-generated depictions of Gag City began circulating online, with social media users sharing images of various celebrities entering the city, businesses creatively named after Minaj’s songs, and even reimagined historical moments.
Gag City stands as a luminous haven dedicated to the art of “gaggery,” a term rooted in the LGBTQ+ community signifying being astounded to the point of being “gagged.” Within Gag City, Minaj’s supporters can express their enthusiasm for the impending album release. As per KnowYourMeme, the exact inception of this trend remains elusive, although one of the earliest mentions of “gag city” surfaced from a Minaj fan account in January 2022, persisting throughout subsequent years.
According to KnowYourMeme, the convergence of “gag city” and AI occurred on December 1 when another Minaj fan account on X shared an AI-crafted image of a fuchsia-toned aircraft bearing the inscription “gag city,” soaring above a city bathed in a similar hue. This visual was among the many memes fueling the ongoing trend, sparking fervent imaginations among fans.
By December 7, X was inundated with fabricated images of celebrities venturing into Gag City. Notably, one user uploaded an AI-rendered photo featuring YouTuber Trisha Paytas, renowned for her affinity for the color pink and penchant for drama, prompting her to ponder, “Is this AI or am I there?”
Celebrities such as Ariana Grande, Michael Jackson, and Lana Del Rey were all welcomed into Gag City, with Minaj’s fanbase, the Barbz, commemorating their arrivals in grand style. Fictional personas like TikToker @psyiconic’s character Terri Joe, Game of Thrones’s Daenerys Targaryen, and Peppa Pig also secured entry.
As per the Barbz, a protocol governs entry into Gag City, stipulating that individuals must possess a valid queencard to avoid the risk of being denied access and promptly deported.
The denizens of Gag City enjoy a plethora of establishments to patronize, with renowned brands establishing their presence in the burgeoning metropolis. Companies like Converse, Urban Decay, and Spotify have already set up offices in this ever-expanding urban landscape.
Undoubtedly, Minaj reigns as the matriarch of Gag City, complete with her own narrative. As per AI-generated portrayals, the citizens of Gag City elected Minaj as their president, indicating the presence of a democratic framework. Images circulated by users depict Minaj delivering her “I Had a Gag” address, purportedly inspiring the populace ahead of her album launch. Beyond her role as a bold leader, one AI depiction suggests her altruism, hinting at her distribution of “free copies of her CD to the poor on the outskirts of Gag City.”
Minaj appears to be embracing the jest, sharing a video on her Instagram addressing the denizens of Gag City while previewing a snippet of a new track. The message forewarns them to “prepare for impact” as Pink Friday 2 approaches their civilization.
Furthermore, on Thursday evening, Minaj teased that the album’s tracklist would imminently reach Gag City.
