Billboard has named Nicki Minaj as the Rising Star for 2011 and rightly so. The rapper recently won American Music Awards for Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Artist and Favorite Soul/R&B Album on Nov. 20 for her debut album, Pink Friday.

"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."

She will be recognized for her talent at Billboard's 6th annual "Women in Music" event Dec. 2 at Capitale in New York City. It will coincide with the release of Billboard's Women in Music Power Players list.

BET.com is your #1 source for Black celebrity news, photos, exclusive videos and all the latest in the world of hip hop and R&B music.

(Photo: Kevork Djansezian/GettyImages)