S. Samuel
Young Money star Nicki Minaj's 2011 continues to get bigger as she has now been recognized as Billboard's "Rising Star" for the year which she will be officially presented with at an early December ceremony in New York City.
Details on Nicki’s latest achievement hit the Internet this week.
Nicki Minaj has been named Billboard’s “Rising Star” for 2011, capping off a year that has seen the hip-hop star top the charts with her massive-selling “Pink Friday” album and, most recently, earn a pair of trophies at the American Music Awards. The Rising Star Award acknowledges Minaj’s phenomenal year and will be presented at the Billboard Women in Music Event on Dec. 2 in New York City. In being named Billboard’s Rising Star, Minaj follows in the footsteps of Jazmine Sullivan (2010), Lady Gaga (2009), and Colbie Caillat, who in 2008 was the first artist ever to be given this honor. (Billboard)
Nicki has already offered her take on the accomplishment and said the journey is far from over.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized by Billboard,” Minaj said in a statement. “My nation of Barbz and I have come a mighty long way; yet we are nowhere close to where God will take us. Sit back and enjoy the ride.” (Statement)
Billboard’s Editorial Director Bill Werde has weighed in on honoring the multi-talented hip-hop star.
“Nicki Minaj has established herself as a force in hip-hop and pop music, and we’re thrilled to recognize her accomplishments over the past year by honoring her as this year’s Rising Star,” says Bill Werde, Billboard’s Editorial Director. “Her unique style and powerful sound will undoubtedly lead to a long and lustrous career, and we look forward to seeing where she goes and what she does next.” (Billboard)
This news comes on the heels of Nicki announcing the title and release date for 2010’s Pink Friday follow-up.
“Pink Friday : ROMAN RELOADED will be released on Valentines Day, 2012. Heeeee’s baaaacccckkkkk.,” she tweeted November 22nd.
“Its not called Roman Reloaded. Its called PINK FRIDAY : ROMAN RELOADED!!!!!! 4 WORDS!!!! Love u guys soooo much!!! VALENTINES DAY biittcchh!” (Nicki Minaj’s Twitter)
Check out some recent Nicki Minaj footage below:
