Nicki Minaj announces debut fragrance designed for her ‘Barbz’

Nicki Minaj

Hip-hop star Nicki Minaj is the latest celebrity to venture into the realm of fragrance, teaming up with the company behind Justin Bieber's record-breaking Someday.

Minaj announced April 17 that her first fragrance will reach prestige department stores in Fall 2012, and highlighted that she has been highly involved in all aspects of the scent, including product development. The rapper insists she had her fans, who she affectionately calls her ‘Barbz,’ at the forefront of her mind during the process.

"I have always been a huge fan of great fragrances; this is yet another extension of my creative expression and I can't wait to share it with the world. I designed this scent and bottle with my Barbz in mind; I know they will love it!” said Minaj.

Having signed a licensing agreement with Give Back Brands for the perfume, the rap star will no doubt be hoping to mimic the success of teen singing sensation Justin Bieber, whose hugely successful debut scent Someday marked the company’s first licensing agreement. The perfume earned $3-million in just three weeks when it launched at US department store Macy's last June and broke all historical retail records in the celebrity fragrance category.

Minaj follows an array of music stars to make their fragrance debut in 2012, with Madonna’s Truth or Dare launching at US department store Macy’s last week and Lady Gaga’s signature scent due to launch soon.