She also dominates the hip hop world in non-financial ways. Since releasing her first mixtape, Playtime Is Over, in 2007, she has emerged as one of the foremost rapping talents currently working. Though she cites musical influences as diverse as Lauryn Hill and T.L.C, Minaj says that her primary influence in choosing to become a rapper was Jay-Z, an artist with whom she has since collaborated and who has shown his great respect for her talent many times. As many rappers do, she made her name in the industry by appearing on the tracks of more established artists to perform a verse or two. She regularly steals the show when featuring on these famous performers' tracks, such as in her incredible verses on Ludacris' "My Chick Bad" or Usher's "Lil Freak" (which are otherwise underwhelming songs). Her remix of Beyonce's "Flawless" even improves on what was already a pretty, well, flawless song.