Had a difficult childhood: her father was a drug addict who once tried to burn down their house.
Played the clarinet in middle school.
Discovered via her MySpace page in 2007 by Dirty Money CEO Fendi.
Released three acclaimed mixtapes before signing with Lil Wayne's Young Money label in 2009.
Named Female Artist of the Year at the 2008 Underground Music Awards.
Appeared on an array of songs by other artists prior to recording her debut Pink Friday album, including hits by Mariah Carey, Lil Wayne, Ludacris and Kayne West.
Set a record in October 2010 by having seven singles in the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time: her own "Your Love" as well as guest turns on songs by Ludacris, Lil Wayne, Trey Songz, Usher, Sean Kingston and Jay Sean.
Won Best Female Hip-Hop Artist at the 2010 BET Awards.