The battle among labels to sign Minaj heightened 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. Lil Wayne asserts, 'I am honored to have Nicki Minaj as Young Money's First Lady. She is a star.' Minaj's debut album is anticipated to be released in early 2010 and will be distributed through Universal Motown. (Press Release)

"There's so many people that kind of shut you down as a female before you even get your foot in the door," Nicki said in an interview. "So when you get moments like this it's like 'yes, finally'...A lot of things that could've been on Beam Me Up Scotty weren't because they were quote-unquote too good to put on a mixtape...So I have an arsenal and very soon we'll start releasing stuff." (XXL Mag)

To the naysayers, I hope that you give me the opportunity to earn your respect," he wrote Tuesday (August 1 night. "I know that over the years I've put many of my faults on display which I make no excuses for. I'm young and I've made mistakes and I will make more. No different than any other 22 year old, I still have some growing up to do...To anyone who's confused or says I don't belong in Cash Money. Let me remind you that I've been down with Baby, Slim, Wayne and the whole Cash Money family from the beginning. 10 years ago when we really were 'Lil' me and Wayne did a song for the Hardball movie soundtrack. Baby was influential in my third album. Last year, Wayne and I spent 2 months together in New Orleans filming Hurricane Season. So please don't be misinformed and think I'm just jumpin' on 'what's hot' or trying to ride others success. This has been my extended family for more than a decade." (Global Grind)