Nicki Minaj released her first mixtape in 2007 after releasing Playtime Is Over with Dirty Money Records. She later released another mixtape on July 7, 2008, titled Sucka Free, under the label of Be. On April 18, 2009, Minaj released a third mixtape and appeared in XXL magazine.In 2008 she won the Female Artist of the Year award at the Underground Music Awards. Minaj released Beam Me Up Scotty, another mixtape, in April 2009 under the label of Trapaholics Records. Beam Me Up Scotty received positive coverage on both BET and MTVAfter being Minaj signed a succure record deal with Young Money Entertainment, it was confirmed that artist would unite as a rapping group, and Minaj would be present in the group. As a group they released the single "Every Girl", which charted at number ten on the Billboard Hot 100. The second single was confirmed to be "BedRock", the song became a commercial success charting at just below the top of the Billboard Hot 100 at number-two; on the song Minaj has a solo rap verse. Third single released from the album, "Roger That" which Minaj also appeared on as a Young Money artist. Despite the song gaining good reviews from critics, the song charted at number fifty-six. Many critics said that Minaj steals the spotlight. The group released the debut album, which featured all the Young Money artists on the front cover, including Minaj. We Are Young Money was released on December 21, 2009 the album charted in the top ten on the Billboard Hot 200, charting at number-nine and later received a Gold Certification by the RIAA.
