November 22, 2011 14:05

New Nicki Minaj album expected early 2012, says record label boss

Cash Money co-CEO Brian 'Birdman' Williams says LP will drop next year

Photo: Tom Oxley/NME

Nicki Minaj will release a new album in early 2012, according to her record label boss.

Cash Money co-CEO and founder Brian 'Birdman' Williams has told Billboard that the rapper was back in the recording studio and her new LP was expected to drop in the first quarter of next year.

He also hinted that the first single from the as-yet-untitled album could be released by the end of this year.

Williams said:

Nicki's back in the studio, so we're looking to drop Nicki in the first quarter.

When asked when fans would hear the first single from the LP, meanwhile, he added: "Maybe this year? We're really thinking it out. But she's in the studio, and we're looking real soon, because she's ready to go and we're ready to go with her."

Minaj released her debut album, 'Pink Friday', in 2010. Earlier this month, it was reported that the hip hop star would be recording and releasing material as her gay male alter ego 'Roman'. However, a blog post written by the rapper detailing the project was later removed from her official site.

In October, police were called to Minaj's house after she reportedly fought with her former maid, who apparently filed a battery charge with the Los Angeles police.