Kenneth Petty, also known by the nickname “Zoo,” is an American music executive who is widely known as the husband of rapper Nicki Minaj. Born and raised in Queens, New York, Kenneth lived a largely private life before coming into the public spotlight through his marriage.
Kenneth Petty is the father of Nicki Minaj’s son, affectionately known as “Papa Bear.” While he has worked behind the scenes in the music industry, his public image has often been shaped by past legal issues that continue to attract media attention.
Kenneth Petty Wiki/Bio
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Kenneth Petty |
| Nickname | Zoo |
| Date of Birth | April 7, 1978 |
| Age | 48 Years |
| Profession | Music Executive |
| Hometown | Queens, New York City, USA |
| Current Residence | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Nicki Minaj (m. October 21, 2019) |
| Children | 1 son – “Papa Bear” (born September 30, 2020) |
| Private / inactive |
Physical Details
| Feature | Information |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 85 kg |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black (often shaved) |
| Body Type | Stocky |
Kenneth Petty Early Life
Kenneth Petty was born on April 7, 1978, in Queens, New York City, where he grew up in a tough neighborhood environment. He knew Nicki Minaj during their teenage years, long before her rise to global fame.
Kenneth Petty Family Details
Kenneth Petty is married to rapper Nicki Minaj. The couple rekindled their relationship in 2018 and married on October 21, 2019.
They welcomed their son Jeremiah Maraj-Petty, popularly known as “Papa Bear,” on September 30, 2020. Kenneth reportedly has children from previous relationships, but details about them are not publicly disclosed.
Kenneth Petty Career
Kenneth Petty has worked behind the scenes in the music industry, reportedly serving as a Vice President of A&R at Def Jam Recordings. His role involved artist development and label operations rather than public-facing performance.
Although not a mainstream celebrity himself, his industry connections and marriage to Nicki Minaj have kept him in the public eye.
Career Milestones
| Year | Milestone |
| Early 2000s | Connected with Queens music scene |
| 2010s | Worked in music industry roles |
| Late 2010s | Reported VP of A&R at Def Jam |
| 2019 | Marriage to Nicki Minaj |
| 2020 | Became a father |
Controversies
Kenneth Petty has a widely documented criminal past, including:
- A 1995 conviction for attempted rape
- A 2006 manslaughter conviction
He is a registered sex offender in the United States.
In 2020, he pleaded guilty to failing to register in California and received probation and home detention.
A civil lawsuit filed by Jennifer Hough, his 1994 accuser, remains ongoing as of 2025. Kenneth Petty has also faced probation violations and legal scrutiny related to social media threats in recent years.