Nicki Minaj's Road To BET Awards '11

Nicki Minaj will be performing at the 2011 BET Awards.

Young Money Is The Monster CrewAugust 2009  - Nicki Minaj officially signs with Young Money/Cash Money  making her the crew’s first lady. “There’s so many people that kind of shut you down as a female before you even get your foot in the door,” Nicki told XXLMag.com. “So when you get moments like this it’s like ‘Yes, finally!’” (Photo: Amanda Edwards/Getty Images)
Black Barbie - At the 2009 BET Hip Hop Awards, Nicki opted for a sexy twist on the "all black everything" approach.
Putting Femcees Back On Top June 2010 - She’s got spark, she’s got spunk, she’s got something all the girls want. For Nicki, having her single “Your Love” reach #1 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart was a nice surprise, but the news that this song made her the first female artist to top that chart solo since 2002 was downright surreal.(Photo: Universal Motown)
BET Awards Best New Artist June 2010 - Dolled up in a ball gown and an fiery auburn wig, Nicki accepted the Best New Artist award at the 2010 BET Awards. The rap newbie thanked host Queen Latifah for her positive energy, actress Jada Pinkett for her inspiration, Young Money CEO Lil Wayne for believing in her, former manager Deb Antney, and "all the female rappers that paved the way."(Photo: Kristian Dowling/PictureGroup)Hits On Top Of Hits September 2010 -         Minaj teamed up with superproducer Will.I.Am of the chart-topping Black Eyed Peas for one of her most successful singles to date, “Check It Out” is an infectious, bubble-gum-pop-meets-rap song that buzzed on the charts for months. The hit track was followed by the popular rap love ballad “Right Thru Me” and the inspiring “Moment 4 Life” featuring Drake, the video for which depicted Minaj’s life like a princess in a fairy tale. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Nicki Bodies BET Hip-Hop Awards CypherOctober 2009 - Nicki set out to prove herself in the 2009 BET Hip Hop Awards freestyle cypher alongside Buckshot, Crown Royal, and Joe Budden. Her five nominations and three wins (for People’s Champ, Rookie of the Year, and Made You Look) were not enough. She also had to spit bars on par with the boys. Mission accomplished. Ladies first. (Photo: Ben Rose/PictureGroup)

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