On the Rise: Nicki Minaj

For the past few years, hip hop has lacked a female voice. Up until now, Lil’ Mama was the only female rapper to debut on the rap scene in the past five years. However, Nicki Minaj is in the right crew to actually have a more successful career.

Originally a New York native, Nicki Minaj has been signed with the New Orleans-based Young Money Entertainment. She has been associated with Lil Wayne, though, ever since he was working on Tha Carter II.

Despite her work as a hip hop artist, Nicki Minaj is hoping to build a universal sound. For her debut album, Minaj will be working with Drake, Lil Wayne, Mack Maine, Birdman, and the rest of Young Money.

Sometime next year, in 2010, Nicki Minaj plans to release her debut album. The album is currently untitled, but it will be released on Young Money/Universal. The first single from the album is expected to be released before the end of 2009.