I imagine the big female artist that Bey collaborated with is Rihanna. It would just be annoying to see another Nicki collaboration. I don't see the big female artist being a white popstar like Gaga, Katy, Taylor, Adele, etc. since this album has an emphasis on racial experiences.
That doesn't read as a shock.
Certain artists care more about building a money-swallowing empire more
than others, including going depths like releasing flop apps that they
think will sell and marketing their music to stupid demographics for fame.