Nicki Minaj, the Queen of Rap, has always kept fans fascinated not just with her music but with her personal life, especially her nicki minaj husband, Kenneth “Zoo” Petty. From their days as high school sweethearts in Queens to a reunion in 2018, their relationship has been anything but ordinary. With a history that includes legal troubles, prison time, and public scrutiny, Kenneth’s life contrasts sharply with Nicki’s fame.
Yet, despite controversies, she has openly defended her relationship, married him in October 2019, and started a family. Curious about who Kenneth Petty is and why their story captures headlines? Here’s everything you need to know.
Kenneth Petty Bio
| Fact | Detail |
| Full Name | Kenneth “Zoo” Petty |
| Nicki Minaj Full Name | Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty |
| First Met | High school in Queens, New York |
| School | LaGuardia High School |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Reconnected | 2018 |
| Marriage Date | October 2019 |
| Wedding Style | Low-key, private ceremony |
| Children | One son |
| Son’s Birth Date | September 30, 2020 |
| Criminal Record | Registered sex offender, level two sex offender, attempted rape conviction, first-degree manslaughter |
| Prison Sentence | Seven years |
| Legal Requirements | Probation, house arrest, sex offender registration |
| Music Video Appearances | MEGATRON, Hot Girl Summer |
| Public Defense | Nicki defended relationship on Queen Radio |
| Tattoos | Neck tattoo “Onika” |
| Anniversary | Fifth wedding anniversary coming up |
He and Minaj met in high school
Nicki Minaj husband Kenneth Petty first crossed paths with Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty back when they were teenagers in Queens, New York. They attended LaGuardia High School, a place known for cultivating creative talent. According to multiple interviews, Nicki and Kenneth became fast friends, sharing moments that would later become the foundation of their relationship.
Many fans describe them as high school sweethearts, though their romance was interrupted by the paths life took them on. Back then, Kenneth “Zoo” Petty was not famous, living a relatively low-key life, while Nicki was already showing signs of her future stardom. Their early bond included shared experiences in school and the neighborhood, which they later described as love at first sight.
He and Minaj have been back together since 2018
After years apart, Kenneth Petty and Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty reconnected in 2018. This reunion sparked curiosity because many wondered if the couple could withstand the challenges of fame and personal controversies. Fans noted that Nicki often spoke about how their connection remained strong despite time apart. During this period, the couple was seen together at events but often kept their low-key relationship private.
Their decision to reunite surprised some, considering Kenneth Petty had faced serious legal troubles in the past. Nonetheless, the reconnection proved significant, showing that the pair believed in a second chance at love.
He’s a registered sex offender
One of the most talked-about aspects of Nicki Minaj husband is his criminal record. Kenneth Petty is a registered sex offender in New York. Specifically, he is listed as a level two sex offender, a classification that indicates a moderate risk to the community. This stems from an attempted rape conviction decades ago. Following his release, Kenneth “Zoo” Petty had to follow strict legal guidelines, including probation, house arrest, and registering with authorities. The fact that Nicki married a registered sex offender drew significant attention and controversy from both fans and the media. Despite this, she has consistently defended their relationship.
He pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter
In addition to his sex offender status, Kenneth Petty has a criminal history that includes first-degree manslaughter. In the mid-1990s, he was convicted for his role in a shooting incident that resulted in a seven years prison sentence. This part of his life has been widely covered in media outlets and often sparks debate about forgiveness and second chances.
The prison sentence shaped much of Kenneth’s early adulthood, and he later explained in interviews that it transformed his outlook on life. For Nicki, marrying someone with a past criminal record was a conscious choice, reflecting her belief in loyalty and personal growth.
Minaj has repeatedly defended their relationship
Throughout the years, Nicki Minaj has repeatedly defended her relationship with Kenneth Petty, especially in interviews on Queen Radio. She emphasizes that their bond is about more than public perception. Nicki has described Kenneth as her soulmate and has often said that happiness comes from standing by someone you love, regardless of external judgment.
She cites their long history together, from high school sweethearts to adulthood, as proof of their strong connection. Public figures, including Wendy Williams, have asked questions about the couple, but Nicki continues to focus on the love and trust they share. Her defense often highlights that Kenneth supported her before fame, making their bond uniquely personal.
He and Minaj got married in October 2019
After reconnecting in 2018, the couple tied the knot in October 2019. Their wedding was relatively low-key, attended by close friends and family. Reports suggest the event was intimate, reflecting their personal style rather than celebrity extravagance. This marriage was a milestone, marking a formal commitment after years of ups and downs.
Fans celebrated their married October 2019 anniversary, noting how the couple balanced Nicki’s public life with Kenneth’s quieter presence. Their wedding also solidified the couple as one of hip-hop’s most talked-about pairings, especially given their colorful history and personal challenges.
He and Minaj share a son
In September 30, 2020, Nicki Minaj husband Kenneth Petty and Nicki welcomed their first child, a son. Becoming a father marked a new chapter in Kenneth’s life. For Nicki, motherhood offered another perspective on love and responsibility. She often shares glimpses of their baby life on social media, highlighting the joy and challenges of parenting.
The couple’s fifth wedding anniversary will now also be a celebration of family, not just their marriage. Their son remains largely out of the public eye, but fans are deeply curious about their family dynamic and parenting style.
He’s made cameos in Minaj’s music videos
Kenneth Petty has appeared in several of Nicki Minaj’s music video appearances, including hits like MEGATRON and Hot Girl Summer. These cameos are not just about fun—they symbolize his presence in her creative life.
Nicki often shows that her husband is part of her world, both personally and professionally. For fans, seeing Kenneth in music videos bridges the gap between her public persona and private life, showing that he is a supportive partner behind the scenes.
Minaj has also faced legal trouble relating to her husband
Nicki Minaj herself has encountered legal issues related to Kenneth Petty. In 2020, she faced scrutiny over her involvement in helping him with registration obligations, which led to media coverage and public debate.
There was also the Jennifer Hough harassment lawsuit, where Nicki was briefly involved due to her marriage. These legal moments demonstrate the complex reality of being married to someone with a criminal history. Despite the challenges, Nicki continues to prioritize her family while maintaining her music career.
Conclusion
The story of Nicki Minaj husband Kenneth Petty is a mix of love, controversy, and loyalty. From being high school sweethearts in Queens to raising a son in the public eye, their journey is far from simple. Kenneth’s criminal past, including being a registered sex offender and a first-degree manslaughter conviction, contrasts sharply with Nicki’s fame and career. Yet, she has continuously defended their relationship as a matter of love, trust, and long-term commitment. For fans, understanding Nicki Minaj husband is not just about curiosity—it’s a story about forgiveness, family, and the complexities of love in the spotlight. Whether you admire them or question their choices, one thing is clear: Nicki and Kenneth’s bond is a defining part of their lives, blending fame, personal challenges, and family life into one compelling story.
FAQs
Who is Nicki Minaj’s husband?
Nicki Minaj’s husband is Kenneth “Zoo” Petty, her high school sweetheart from Queens, New York. They reconnected in 2018 and married in October 2019, sharing a son together.
When did Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty meet?
Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty first met as teenagers while attending LaGuardia High School in Queens. They became friends and later developed a romantic connection before parting ways.
When did Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty get married?
Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty married in October 2019 after reconnecting in 2018. Their wedding was intimate, attended by close family and friends, reflecting a low-key relationship style.
Do Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty have children?
Yes, they have one son, their first child, born on September 30, 2020. The couple often shares glimpses of their parenting journey while keeping their son largely out of public view.
Is Kenneth Petty a registered sex offender?
Yes, Kenneth Petty is a registered sex offender and classified as a level two sex offender in New York, stemming from a decades-old attempted rape conviction.
What crimes has Kenneth Petty committed?
Kenneth Petty pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and served a seven-year prison sentence. He also has an attempted rape conviction and has followed probation and house arrest requirements.
Has Nicki Minaj defended her marriage to Kenneth Petty?
Yes, Nicki Minaj has repeatedly defended her relationship on Queen Radio, emphasizing loyalty, love, and long-term commitment despite Kenneth Petty’s past criminal record and public criticism.
Has Kenneth Petty appeared in Nicki Minaj’s music videos?
Yes, Kenneth Petty has appeared in several of Nicki Minaj’s music video appearances, including hits like MEGATRON and Hot Girl Summer, symbolizing his support and connection to her career.
Has Nicki Minaj faced legal trouble related to Kenneth Petty?
Yes, Nicki Minaj faced scrutiny over her role in helping Kenneth Petty comply with sex offender registration rules and was briefly involved in the Jennifer Hough harassment lawsuit.
Where did Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty first reconnect?
Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty reconnected in 2018, years after their high school romance. Their reunion led to a renewed relationship, eventual marriage, and starting a family together.
Alan Abel is a naming specialist and author at BoldlyNames, with over five years of experience in name research and selection. He helps readers choose meaningful, culturally aware, and well-suited names for people, brands, and projects. Alan’s work combines practical insight, linguistic understanding, and real-world naming trends to deliver clear, reliable guidance readers can trust.