Young Money's Official First Lady

Okay, okay. Who didn't think Nicki Minaj would sign to Young Money/Universal? But at one point I was doubting that Drake would(as much as I wanted him to). Well, she made the official announcement today.

“I am honored to have Nicki Minaj as Young Money’s First Lady. She is a star,” Lil Wayne said in a statement.

The battle among labels to sign Minaj reached its peak this summer and finalized with Minaj signing an exceptional and very unique deal with Young Money/Universal, where she retains and owns all of her 360 rights, including merchandising, sponsorships, endorsements, touring, and publishing.

“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,” stated Minaj. “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.”

Minaj’s debut album is scheduled for an early 2010 release and will be distributed through Universal Motown.

Good luck, Nicki!
I'm definitely rooting for you and(almost)all of YM!