Rapper Nicki Minaj is expected to release her sophomore album in 2012, according to Cash Money co-CEO and founder Brian "Birdman" Williams. 

Speaking exclusively to Billboard, Birdman explained that the 'Roman's Revenge' superstar is making great progress with her second record and is nearing the end of the creative process so should be ready to unveil the new offering early next year:

"Nicki's back in the studio, so we're looking to drop Nicki in the first quarter," he said.

When asked about the potential release date of the album's first single, he added: "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."

Minaj also replied to a fan's tweet last night, November 21, and publicly admitted "there's a date set" for the release of her forthcoming record. 

Watch Minaj's live performance of 'Super Bass' in Los Angeles here: