Nicki Minaj at the BET Awards 2010 Preshow.

Nicki Minaj is one of the hottest new artists to emerge onto the hip hop scene. Minaj, born as Onika Tanya Maraj, is a Trinidad native who moved to Queens, New York at the age of 5. Minaj’s interest in music sparked during her rough upbringing in Queens, with an alcoholic and abusive father. As a student at LaGuardia High School, a school focused on the arts, Minaj became a rising star. After high school, Minaj started recording her own mixtapes and in 2008 she was recognized at the Underground Music Awards as Female Artist of the Year.

Nicki Minaj at 106 & Park, BET's Top 10 Video Countdown.

Nicki Minaj signed with Young Money Entertainment in August 2009 and since then Minaj’s career has exploded. “Massive Attack” which features Sean Garrett, was her first official single, which was released in April of this year. Although “Massive Attack” wasn’t a hit on the Billboard Charts, her next hit, “Your Love” was a huge success. The single hit the #14 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Minaj’s first album will debut on November 23, 2010, called Pink Friday.

Nicki Minaj and Young Money artist and rapper Drake at a GQ Event in LA.

Minaj has been featured on Young Money, Drake and Lil’ Wayne songs, including hit singles like “Roger That”. Minaj won the award for Best New Artist at the BET Awards as well as performing with Diddy Dirty Money with DJ Khaled to “Win”. Most recently, Nicki Minaj was seen at the Teen Choice Awards in July representing her label, Young Money.

Nicki Minaj taking home the award for Best New Artist at the 2010 BET Awards.

Since Minaj’s popularity has skyrocketed, her trendy urban fashion sense has been profiled as well. Minaj is known for her brightly colored style, incorporating high-end designer pieces like YSL and Chanel into all of her looks. Fun, feminine and flirty are words that help to define Minaj’s wardrobe, using many shades of pink to compliment her Barbie girl persona. She also is known to use more simple staple items, like hot pink tanks from Mirabella. Bold prints that include leopard in the brightest of hues are something that she works into her wardrobe as well.

Nicki Minaj and Pooch Hall at BET's Rip The Runway 2010 Event in NYC.

Minaj’s girly image is even carried through to her beauty and accessory choices. Highlights and over the top neon wigs are something that Minaj has made infamous. Multicolored fingernails, ranging from gold to hottest of pinks are something that she regularly includes in her ensembles.

Nicki Minaj sporting her orange locks at the 2010 BET Awards.

Minaj’s hot style choices have made her an ‘it’ celebrity to dress.  Check back with us, as we here at Style Seen Daily will be following Minaj’s evolving style and music.