Nicki Minaj Named Billboard's 'Rising Star' for 2011

Article & Images courtesy of Billboard.com

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.

Minaj will be joined at the sixth annual event by Billboard Woman of the Year Taylor Swift, her friend and an early booster through radio interviews and a widely seen concert cameo.

"I am deeply honored to be recognized by Billboard," says Minaj. "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."