Nicki Minaj, a Southern Smoke reunion and more music for Friday, July 27

Nicki Minaj

7:30 p.m., UNO Lakefront Arena

JOEL RYAN/ AP PHOTO

Wild-eyed rapper and Lil Wayne protg Nicki Minaj had plenty of time to simmer (her first mixtape dropped in 2007) before the release of her first bona fide studio album, Pink Friday, at the end of 2010. Maybe thats why she exploded, subsequently, at such a rolling boil; her crazy costumes, quick-cut videos and elaborate (and sometimes confusing) stage performances have earned her comparisons to Lady Gaga, and sometimes obscure consideration of her talent. They shouldnt; brush away the smoke and mirrors, and her quirky rhymes, quick tongue and distinctive bratty-baby voice make her one of the most interesting artists in rap. Tickets $37 and up.

Also catch:

The local 70s rock act Southern Smoke reunites in the Parish at the House of Blues. At Tipitinas, the IKO Allstars (featuring Billy Iuso, the Radiators Reggie Scanlan, Willie Green and others) play the clubs Free Fridays series. Shannon McNally is at the Circle Bar. Wendell Brunious plays a 7 p.m. set at the Blue Nile. HAARP plays metal at the Hi Ho Lounge. Slangston Hughes hosts the monthly hip-hop showcase Uniquity at the Dragons Den. The Brass-A-Holics are at the Maple Leaf. At the Rock nBowl, the Boog! ie Men funk it up. Rockin Dopsie, Jr., plays a free show at Mardi Gras Worlds Jammin on the River series, starting at 5 p.m.