Nicki Minaj strikes a bold pose, wearing a Mark Fast knit minidress and Maison Martin Margiela bodysuit, in a black-and-white photo for Elle’s Music Issue, on newsstands April 12. In the interview, hip-hop’s reigning diva speaks about competing with her male peers.

“I always wanted to play with the boys,” she tells the magazine. “I didn’t want to be a pawn in their game or have a sidekick role. I wanted to be more of a lead character—a superhero.”

Willow Smith knocks ‘em dead in her photo shoot for Elle. Rocking a custom-made tutu, tights, and platform heels, the pint-sized powerhouse winds up to hit a punching bag against the scenic backdrop. The 10-year-old singer is included in the magazine’s annual Music Issue, along with Gwen Stefani, Nicki Minaj, and Jennifer Hudson.

“It’s going to be a party beat. I think you’re gonna like it!”

said an excited Willow of her upcoming Roc Nation debut.