Nicki Minaj, known for her chart-topping hits and unique style, is also a dedicated wife and mother. In 2019, she married her high school sweetheart, Kenneth Petty, who is the father of her son, Papa Bear. Their relationship has drawn much media attention, partly due to Petty’s controversial past. He was convicted of rape in 1995, served four years in prison, and is a registered sex offender.
This blog will explore who Kenneth Petty is, his background, and his relationship with Nicki Minaj, giving you a closer look at the man behind the rap queen.
Nicki Minaj’s Husband Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kenneth Petty |
| Nickname | Zoo Bang |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of Birth | April 7, 1978 |
| Age | 46 years (2024) |
| Height (inches) | 5 ft 11 in |
| Height (cm) | 181 cm |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Place of Birth | Queens, New York, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Partner | Nicki Minaj |
| Children | 1 child (nicknamed Papa Bear), rumored to have 5 others from past relationships |
| Social Media Handles | Not publicly active |
Who Is Kenneth Petty?
Kenneth Petty, known for being married to Nicki Minaj, was born on April 7, 1978, in Queens, New York. They dated briefly when they were young but lost touch for many years. They reconnected in late 2018, and their romance quickly led to marriage. Petty isn’t in the entertainment industry like Nicki, but he’s well-known because of their relationship.
He usually keeps a low profile and stays out of the spotlight, except when supporting Nicki at major events or on social media.
Kenneth Petty and Nicki Minaj Marriage Timeline
After the duo reunited in 2018, they went public with their relationship in December when Nicki Minaj shared an Instagram slideshow of them. She captioned the photos, “He want me to be his wife- his MISSIS like SIPPI NOW”
Minaj first hinted at marriage by calling Petty her “husband” in March 2019. She later confirmed on her Apple Beats 1 show in June that they had gotten their marriage license. She said, “I finally found happiness, and I don’t want to give that up.”
On October 21, 2019, Nicki Minaj surprised everyone by announcing on Instagram that she had married Kenneth Petty. She posted a video showing items like “Mr.” and “Mrs.” mugs and baseball caps labeled “bride” and “groom.” In the caption, she wrote “Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty 10•21•19,” which indicated that she had combined her last name with Petty’s.
In October 2024, Minaj and Petty celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary. She wrote on her instagram page, “24 years after we first met. Love at first sight. I’m so proud of you. Thank you for catching me…every single time. Thank you for our little BFF. Dear Ken, Happy 5th Anniversary, Love, Barbie 10.20 “
Kenneth Petty and Nicki Minaj’s Son
Image Credit: Nicki Minaj Facebook
In July 2020, Nicki Minaj announced she was expecting her first child with Kenneth Petty by sharing a photo of her baby bump with the caption “#Preggers .” They welcomed their son, “Papa Bear,” in September 2020. Minaj loves being a mom and often posts cute updates about him on social media.
Kenneth Petty’s Cameos in Nicki Minaj’s Music Videos
Kenneth Petty ventured into the music industry by making cameo appearances in Nicki Minaj’s music videos. He first appeared in her 2019 hit “MEGATRON” and later in “Hot Girl Summer,” her 2019 collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion.
Nicki Minaj Husband Legal
Kenneth Petty, Nicki Minaj’s husband, has had several legal problems throughout his life. Here’s a simple overview of the major legal issues he has faced:
1. 1995 Attempted Rape Conviction
Incident: In 1994, when Kenneth was 16, he was arrested for attempted first-degree rape involving a 16-year-old girl.
Conviction: He was convicted in 1995 and served about four years in prison.
Sex Offender Registration: Because of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender.
2. 2006 Manslaughter Conviction
Incident: In 2002, Kenneth was involved in a shooting that resulted in the death of a man named Lamont Robinson. He was initially charged with second-degree murder.
Conviction: In 2006, he pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and served seven years in prison, being released in 2013.
3. Failure to Register as a Sex Offender (California Case)
Incident: In 2019, after moving to California with Nicki Minaj, Kenneth was arrested for not registering as a sex offender in the state.
Legal Consequence: He initially pleaded not guilty but later took a plea deal in 2021. In July 2022, he was sentenced to one year of home confinement, three years of probation, and a $55,000 fine.
4. Civil Lawsuit Regarding the 1995 Case
Incident: In 2021, the victim from the 1995 case filed a civil lawsuit against Kenneth and Nicki Minaj, claiming they harassed her to change her story.
Allegations: The lawsuit accused them of trying to bribe her and making threatening calls and visits.
Outcome: The lawsuit against Nicki Minaj was dropped early in 2022, but the case against Kenneth continued. In January 2023, he received a default judgment after failing to respond.
5. Incident with Offset (2023)
Incident: In September 2023, Kenneth had a conflict with rapper Offset that escalated online and included physical threats.
Social Media Feud: Kenneth and his friends posted threatening videos aimed at Offset, which drew significant attention and criticism.
Legal Consequence: As a result of these actions, Kenneth was ordered to serve additional time under house arrest for violating his probation.
Fun Facts About Kenneth Petty
- Kenneth Petty is often called “Zoo.”
- He has several tattoos, including one of Nicki Minaj’s name on his neck.
- Kenneth keeps a low public profile and rarely gives interviews or makes media statements.
- He is known to be protective of Nicki Minaj and often accompanies her to events for added security.
FAQs
What does Kenneth Petty do for a living?
He is involved in music projects alongside Nicki but maintains a low profile.
How long have Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty been together?
They reconnected in 2018, and they’ve been married since October 2019.
What is the legal background of Kenneth Petty?
Kenneth Petty has a criminal history, including past convictions for attempted rape and manslaughter, both from his younger years.
Kenneth Petty maintains a low social media profile and rarely shares personal posts, though he sometimes appears on Nicki Minaj’s accounts.
