Nicki's Rise to Fame

Minaj released her first mix-tape in 2007, after releasing "Playtime is Over", with Dirty Money Records, PDiddy's record label. She was also featured on various songs with Lil Wayne, Rihanna, Trey Songz, and Drake. On April 18, 2009, Nicki released another mix-tape and appeared in XXL magazine.       

Nicki won Female Artist of the Year in 2008 at the Underground Music Awards. Minaj released "Beam Me Up Scotty," another mixtape, in April 2009 under the label of Trapaholics Records.

In August 2009, Minaj signed to the Young Money Entertainment label, Lil Wayne's record label. Check Back for "Nicki's first album 'Pink Friday' "