TOAST 2 THAT / ALL THE BUZZ ON THE HOUSE

Billboard Explains Why They Think Nicki Minaj 'Put Female Rap Back On the Map' /

In recognition of Black History month, Billboard magazine put together a list of '29 Black Music Milestones.' On that list Billboard credits Nicki Minaj for bringing back female rap. I thought it was pretty questionable, too. But, just read thier explanation and then judge:

Hip-hop hasn’t been the same since Nicki Minaj walked through the doors. During a time of slim choosings — including the hiatuses of Missy Elliott, Lil Kim, and Lauryn Hill, along with the passing of Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes — Nicki MInaj picked up the torch and put the female rap game back on the map.

In just two years (2010-2012), the underground rapper became a No. 1 superstar. Impressed by her mixtape hustle, Lil Wayne, quckly signed Nicki Minaj to Young Money. The rapstress stood tall on superstar artists’ tracks, such as Diddy-Dirty Money’s “Hello Good Morning (Remix)” andKanye West’s “Monster,” even before releasing her debut album, “Pink Friday.”

“Pink Friday,” released in November 2010, continues to break records. Minaj is the first female rapper to chart three titles concurrently, for five weeks, in R&B/Hip-Hop Songs’ top 10. Among women, Ashanti had previously tripled up in the top tier, for two weeks in 2002, since the chart adopted Nielsen date in 1992.

In only two years, Minaj has charted 26 songs on R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. She comes in second to Missy Elliott who has gained 36 in over the span of 15 years (1997 to present).