Nicki Minaj Officially Signs To Young Money

Nicki Minage

Rapper Nicki Minaj became the latest artist to sign to Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment on August 31. Months of speculation on the New York native’s label home finally came to a halt with this week’s announcement.

“To say I’m excited would be an understatement. It’s validation. It’s proof. It’s empowerment. I represent every little girl in a hood near you,” Nicki Minaj, 24, explained in a statement. “To everyone that supported me two years ago when I was on underground mixtapes and DVDs and to the people that only caught on two weeks ago, I say thank you. Be proud of yourself. You’ve given girls all around the world the permission to change the face of female rap.”

Label head Lil Wayne also expressed his excitement for his newest signee. “I am honored to have Nicki Minaj as Young Money’s First Lady. She is a star,” he said.

Nicki Minaj is currently touring alongside Lil Wayne and others on the America’s Most Wanted tour. Her debut album is expected to be released in 2010 through Universal Motown.

Lil Wayne’s Young Money roster has made headlines this summer with the addition of rapper/singer Drake in June and rap vet Bow Wow in July, as well as the departure of Omarion.

Source: http://www.bet.com