The song samples Sly, Slick and Wicked's "Confessin' A Feeling", released in 1972.
The song is inspired by a story Minaj created, in which two kids grow up together sharing the same dream of becoming famous rappers, and create this song while living out their dreams together.
It peaked at number 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topped the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot Rap Songs charts.
"Moment 4 Life" was nominated for a 2012 Grammy Award in the category Best Rap Performance, but lost to "Otis" by Jay-Z and Kanye West.
As of July 2016 the song has sold 2 million copies.