Nicki Minaj Celebrates 26th Birthday

Nicki Minaj celebrates her 26th birthday today (Dec. 8) and the animated rhymer has more than one reason to throw a massive party.

After releasing her debut album, 'Pink Friday,' last month, Minaj catapulted to the top of the Billboard charts, scoring a No. 2 position on the Billboard 200. The Young Money rapper moved 375,190 units of her LP, officially breaking the record for second highest first-week sales by a female rapper. Lauryn Hill was the first female rapper to earn highest first-week sales.

Minaj wouldn't have scored such incredible numbers had it not been for her Barbs and Kens -- a legion of fans dedicated to following the rainbow wig-wearing entertainer. Beginning early Dec. 7, loyal Nicki Minaj supporters from around the globe took to Twitter to wish her a happy birthday. Fans from the U.K. even created a video of birthday well wishes, which also featured U.K. radio personality Tim Westwood and pink cupcakes.

Even comedian George Lopez offered the rapper an early birthday gift on Monday (Dec. 6) during her visit to 'Lopez Tonight.' Before Nicki performed 'Moment 4 Life,' the talk show host offered a special item to protect her "magical powers." Lopez surprised the 'Pink Friday' creator with a barbed wire belt to keep her safe from harm.

Watch Nicki Minaj on 'Lopez Tonight'