Birdman: Nicki Minaj Will Release New Album in Early 2012

Cash Money Records' strangle-hold on the hip-hop industry continues with the announcement that Nicki Minaj intends to release the follow-up to her platinum-selling debut 'Pink Friday' much sooner than expected.

In an interview with Billboard, Cash Money co-CEO Brian "Birdman" Williams has revealed that Young Money's queen, who snagged two trophies at the 2011 American Music Awards -- Favorite Artist and Favorite Album under the Rap/Hip-Hop Music category -- is planning to release her as-yet-untitled sophomore album in early 2012.

"Nicki's back in the studio, so we're looking to drop Nicki in the first quarter," Baby said, adding that her first single might drop before the New Year's Eve ball. "Maybe this year? I don't know ... 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."

Meanwhile, as Nicki's reign of lyrical terror continues, Cash Money's grip on the industry grows ever tighter with the release of Drake's sophomore album 'Take Care,' and additions of Busta Rhymes and Mystikal to its star-studded roster, which already includes Lil Wayne, Jay Sean and many more.

Check out Nicki Minaj's 201 AMAs performance here.