Nicki Minaj to Release Solo Debut Album in Fall 2010

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Motown recording artist Nicki Minaj will release her highly anticipated solo debut album in Fall 2010. Anticipation for the much-buzzed-about album is growing with the recent world premiere of the music video for her first single “Massive Attack.” Featuring singer-songwriter Sean Garrett and directed by Hype Williams, the video depicts Nicki Minaj and Amber Rose on the run in a dramatic chase, racing through the desert in a pink Lamborghini, setting the scene for Nicki’s takeover.

“When I first heard about the possibility of touring with Rihanna, I was thrilled to be included on the ticket”

From the recording studio to the concert stage, Nicki Minaj is in high demand as hip-hop’s hottest new breakout sensation. Confirmation of her widespread popularity and crossover pop appeal arrived in the form of a coveted invitation to join Rihanna and Ke$ha on this summer’s Last Girl on Earth Tour. And though Nicki was deeply grateful for the invite, she made the bittersweet decision to decline the offer so that she could focus on completing her upcoming album. “When I first heard about the possibility of touring with Rihanna, I was thrilled to be included on the ticket,” said Nicki Minaj. “I admire Rihanna as an artist and I know it would’ve been a killer line up. I’m disappointed that the timing won’t work, but I hope we’ll be able to revisit the opportunity in the future.”

While Nicki continues to record new music for her album, her distinct flow can be heard on a multitude of hits currently heating up the airwaves and her name remains a ubiquitous fixture on the Billboard charts as a featured guest artist. Beyond gracing the hit single “BedRock” with her Young Money labelmates, Nicki Minaj spits a few bars of fire on Lil Wayne’s “Knockout,” Usher’s “Little Freak,” and Robin Thicke’s “Shakin’ It 4 Daddy,” which she performed on CBS’ Late Show with David Letterman. Her appearance on Ludacris’ smash “My Chick Bad” was an instant sensation and her guest spot in the music video for Mariah Carey’s “Up Out My Face” helped make the clip a YouTube phenonemon with more than 4.5 million views.

Nicki Minaj’s unique musical flare, eye-popping style, and voluptuous silhouette were first recognized by Lil Wayne, who brought her into the fold his Young Money imprint. She quickly fell into place, sharing a fearless work ethic and developing distinct characters in rhyme that set her skills apart from the average rapper. Since signing with Young Money, Nicki, a Trinidadian native who grew up in Queens, New York, has swiftly moved to the forefront of the music industry. She’s also turning heads in TV land—BET’s Rip the Runway received its highest ratings to date when Nicki hosted the 2010 edition of the annual fashion show. “I don’t want to do anything that sounds like what any other female rapper has done,” said Nicki Minaj. “I want to start a new lane that one day, 10 years from now, girls will say, ‘I’m more of a Nicki Minaj type.’”