Nicki Minaj Goes ‘Naked’ for Elle Magazine

Nicki Minaj is always looking glamorous with her colorful wigs, big eyelashes and outrageous bodysuits. But for the cover of Elle magazine's April 2013 issue, the rapper shows off her softer side and strips down -- to little makeup.

When the Young Money star saw herself looking so, well, unglamorous, it stunned her a little bit. "When I saw myself with barely any makeup at, it was such a… like, I'm so, so attached to my pink lipstick, it's hard," she tells the magazine. "I feel that it's become a part of me. To go in front of the camera, without pink lips or big ol' crazy lashes -- you know, nothing -- I felt naked. It was scary! So this photo shoot was a real accomplishment in my eyes."

Elsewhere in the magazine, the Queen Barb gives advice to women trying to conquer the business world. "My advice to women in general: Even if you're doing a nine-to-five job, treat yourself like a boss,"she says. "Not arrogant, but be sure of what you want -- and don't allow people to run anything for you without your knowledge."

"You want everyone to know, Okay, I can't play games with her. I have to do right by this woman. That's what it's all about," she adds.

Having said that, Minaj is plotting to conquer the entertainment industry and leave a legacy of wealth that her family can enjoy for years to come.

"My goal in the beginning was to buy my mother a house. Now I realize, Okay, if I really focus and become a key player in business, then I can build an empire," she says. "I'm thinking of a legacy that I can be proud of and wealth that my grandchildren can use to go to college. So world domination -- in terms of providing for my family -- is absolutely my goal."

Yo go Nicki!

The April issue of Elle magazine, with cover chick Nicki Minaj, hits newsstands March 18.

Watch Nicki Minaj Interview Herself for Elle Magazine