"I Didn't Think I Could Get Nas, Just To Be Honest"

With her new Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded album in stores, rapper Nicki Minaj has discussed how the unexpected Nas-assisted "Champion" collaboration came together.

Talking to Power 105.1's DJ Clue, Nicki admitted she thought her chances of getting God's Son were slim to none.

"I didn't think I could get Nas, just to be honest. He's always been so exclusive. He doesn't work with everybody and I respect people that are like that. They take pride in their craft," she explained. "When I first got in the studio, it was just gonna be all rap, that's why I named [my debut] Roman Reloaded. Things just don't keep my attention long enough to only do one thing. By the time the album was done, it was just a versatile album. But I have to say, I feel like people love saying the pop word first. The album is more hip-hop than pop." (Power 105.1)

Last month, Nasty Nas explained how he hooked up with the Young Money star.

"Nicki hit us up, I got love, so it was nothin' -- I did the record," Nas told MTV News on Saturday night before his show at South by Southwest. While fans wait to see how Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded holds up sonically, Nas gives his own assurance for "Champion." For the Queensbridge, New York, MC, it all boils down to a simple feeling: "It's hip-hop music; music is music. If I feel it, I can get on it. I heard the track, I felt it, I loved it." (MTV)

Around mid-March, Nicki hinted at having a hip-hop legend grace the album.

"So in addition to having "1 of my fave NY n*ggaz (who I've never worked with) on the album, I now have a Hip Hop LEGEND. WOW. #april3rd," she tweeted March 13th.

"A legend I've never worked w/before" (Nicki Minaj's Twitter)

Along with the rap legend, Minaj's sophomore release also features heavyweights including Rick Ross, Cam'ron, Lil Wayne and more.

1. Roman Holiday 2. Come On A Cone 3. I Am Your Leader Feat. Cam'ron & Rick Ross 4. Beez In The Trap Feat. 2 Chainz 5. HOV Lane 6. Roman Reloaded Feat. Lil Wayne 7. Champion Feat. Nas, Drake & Young Jeezy 8. Right By My Side Feat. Chris Brown 9. Sex In the Lounge Feat. Lil Wayne & Bobby V 10. Starships 11. Pound The Alarm 12. Whip It 13. Automatic 14. Beautiful Sinner 15. Marilyn Monroe 16. Young Forever 17. Fire Burns 18. Gun Shot Feat. Beenie Man 19. Stupid Hoe Deluxe Edition 20. Turn Me On 21. Va Va Voom 22. Masquerade (Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded)