Nicki Minaj announces retirement to have a family

Nicki Minaj has announced she is retiring to start a family. Credit: PA

Nicki Minaj has announced her retirement from music to have a family.

The 36-year-old pop star declared her intention to quit the music industry in a post on Twitter.

Minaj, who has topped charts with her work, told fans in a rhyming message that she would be stepping back from the spotlight.

She wrote: "I've decided to retire & have my family. I know you guys are happy now.

"To my fans, keep reppin me, do it til da death of me, in the box- cuz ain't nobody checkin me.

"Love you for LIFE."

Nicki Minaj attending the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit Gala 2018 in New York, USA. Credit: PA

The swiftly viral post rapidly earned tens of thousands of retweets and hundreds of thousands of likes.

Representatives of Minaj have been contacted for comment on her decision.