Nicki Minaj named Billboard Rising Star of 2011

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Nicki Minaj has been named Billboard's 2011 Rising Star after the international success of her first album Pink Friday.

The US rapper is also the the first artist to have seven songs in the US Hot 100 singles chart at the same time.

Billboard editorial director Bill Werde said: "Nicki Minaj has established herself as a force in hip hop."

Previous recipients of the award are R&B star Jazmine Sullivan in 2010 and Lady Gaga in 2009.

The 28-year-old will collect the award at the annual Billboard Women in Music event in New York on 2 December.

She will join country singer Taylor Swift at the ceremony, who was also named Woman of the Year.

Nicki Minaj, signed to Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment record label, used Billboard's announcement to confirm her next album on Twitter.

Set for release on 14 February next year, the second album will be called Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded.