Nicki Minaj’s love for Foxy Brown runs deep. After surprising a New York City, New York crowd at Roseland Ballroom with an appearance from Fox Boogs, the Harajuku Barbie sat down with MTV News to discuss just how much the Ill Na Na means to her, calling her the “most influential rapper to me” and emphasizing the importance of paying homage to rappers while you still can.

“I never really told Foxy how much she has influenced me and how much she changed my life, and you’ve gotta tell people that when they’re alive to even be able to take the compliment, instead of paying tribute to them when they’re no longer here,” she said. “I never really knew how she felt about me — in the industry, with women, you kinda just tread lightly — and I’m glad I was able to finally come out and say: ‘You were the most influential female rapper to me.'”

The Young Money rapstress also called Foxy’s appearance at her show “emotional,” stating that she wanted nothing but to give thanks to her for opening the door and allowing her to shine.

“For her to be on my stage, it was emotional, and she was emotional,” she continued. “This is what this is really about. When you get where you have arrived to, you give thanks to people who opened those doors and triggered something in your mind. When I found out Foxy Brown was from Trinidad, that did something to me. In my mind, I felt like I could be proud of where I’m from.”

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