AllHipHop.com Breeding Ground alumni Nicki Minaj has officially inked a deal with Lil Wayne’s Young Money imprint.
She joins the Young Money roster after releasing several critically acclaimed mixtapes, including her most recent, Beam Me Up Scotty.
The mixtape featured vocals by artists like Busta Rhymes, Gucci Mane, Lil Wayne and fellow Young Money artist Drake.
Although Nicki Minaj is featured on the Young Money Presents: America’s Most Wanted Festival, it wasn’t until today that the label broke the news that she was signed as an artist on the roster.
“I am honored to have Nicki Minaj as Young Money’s First Lady,” Lil Wayne said in a press release. “She is a star.”
Like her label mate Drake, Nicki Minaj’s independent work laid the ground work for a lucrative deal with Young Money/Universal Motown.
Under the new deal, Minaj owns and retains all of her 360 rights, including publishing, merchandising, sponsorships and endorsement deals.
“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 stated. “To everyone that supported me two years ago when I was on underground mix-tapes 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.”
Nicki Minaj’s major label debut, which is slated to drop in 2010, will be distributed through Young Money/Universal Motown.