Presidential Candidate Marco Rubio Loves Nicki Minaj

Earlier this week, Florida junior Senator Marco Rubio announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination for President in 2016. While some career politicians might stake their claim on their experience and expertise, the go-to stump speech paints the candidate as the way of the future and his or her competitors as inert. Rubio is running with this notion, cashing in on his age (at 43, he's the youngest candidate to declare so far) to brand himself as the forward-thinking Republican. So when TMZ caught up with him leaving an airport, it's not surprise that he took the chance to claim some youthful musical favorites.

"I'm still a Nicki Minaj fan," Rubio said, praising the rapper as "very talented." The Floridian hasn't always stepped out in favor of rappers, though; in 2013, he criticized Jay Z and Beyonce's trip to Cuba, calling it "hypocritical" in light of America's sanctions on the island nation (which have since been lifted). And despite his best efforts, Rubio hasn't been able to ingratiate himself to his favorite musicians. Swedish electronic musicians Axwell and Ingrosso have already expressed their displeasure at the Senator using their song before speeches and events and have asked him to stop.

As a noted hip-hop fan, Rubio has commented on such things as Jay Z, 2Pac, Eminem, East Coast vs West Coast and more. The Washington Post rounded up some of his opinions on hip-hops biggest stars and greatest rivalries. Here's him on Nicki Minaj from a previous interview: "Hip-hop's 30 years old now, and it's crossed over and sort of become indistinguishable from pop music in general. You know, many people say Nicki Minaj is a rapper, but she's also a singer " during an interview with GQ.

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Filed Under: Marco Rubio, Nicki Minaj

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