Has there ever been a female rapper more visible than Nicki Minaj? The Young Money starlet made the transition from exciting newcomer to bonafide superstar in 2011. Her debut album, Pink Friday, was released in late 2010 and went platinum within a month of its release. She’s become the highest-profile female in rap by combining an eccentric persona with sexuality and a flair for fashion. And in 2011, there aren’t many rappers bigger—male or female.

In October 2010, Minaj became the first artist to have seven songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart simultaneously. In January 2011, Minaj’s appearance on "Saturday Night Live” became one of the show’s most-watched episodes of the season. In June, Minaj joined pop superstar Britney Spears on Spears" "Femme Fatale" world tour. Her single "Super Bass" was a monster hit that entered the top 10 in several countries, including the United States, U.K., Australia and Canada.

MAC cosmetics even introduced its own line of "Pink Friday" lipstick endorsed by Minaj. It was also announced that Nicki will be voicing a character in the highly-anticipated animated feature Ice Age 4.