The Boys (Nicki Minaj and Cassie song)

"The Boys" is a song by rapper Nicki Minaj and singer Cassie from the reissue of Minaj's second studio album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded – The Re-Up (2012). It was released on September 13, 2012 by Young Money, Cash Money and Universal Republic as the album's lead single. It was written by Minaj, producers Jonas Jeberg and Jean Baptiste, and Anjulie Persaud. It was Minaj's last single released by Universal Republic before the label went defunct and its artists roster moved to the revived Republic Records. Initially a track recorded by Cassie for her second studio album under the title "Money on Love," it was subsequently played for Minaj during sessions for The Re-Up, who decided to keep Cassie's vocals and wrote her own verses with parts of the production re-worked.

Generally categorized as a mix of hip hop and pop, "The Boys" also incorporates elements of other genres, such as dancehall and folk music. Musically, it features strong basslines and synthesizers, along with guitar riffs and rapping. Its lyrical content is described as a "fun but pithy kiss-off to men who try to buy love with money and jewels." The song received positive reviews from music critics. It peaked at number 14 on the US Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles and number 41 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It also charted in European countries including Belgium, Ireland and the United Kingdom.

An accompanying music video premiered on Vevo on October 18, 2012, and was teased by Minaj with a behind-the-scenes featurette earlier that year. Directed by Colin Tilley, the video was met with generally positive reception. The colorful cartoonish visuals are set in an imaginary neighborhood where Minaj burns down a barbershop with a flamethrower after a visit to a beauty salon. Cassie plays an androgynous-looking character, inspired by the Ken doll, that "mocks the boys a little bit." Minaj performed the track on her Pink Friday: Reloaded Tour (2012).