NICKI MINAJ has unearthed a secret skill belonging to pal RIHANNA.

She says the Umbrella singer is "the best fondler ever".

The pair became close after the female rapper sent her some verses she had written.

Nicki said: "She didn't wind up using the things that I sent for that album at that time, but we wound up having a mutual respect for each other. "So I knew eventually something would happen. And so now when she sees me she fondles me and stuff like that.

"She fondled me at the MTV Video Music Awards and the American Music Awards.

"I love her. Right now she's the girl that everybody loves. I'm so proud to have worked with her.

"Let's just say she's the best fondler ever."