Earlier this afternoon in the NYC office of chairman/CEO of Island Def Jam L.A. Reid, JustJared.com had the privilege and absolute pleasure of listening to Rihanna’s new album, Loud. This will be the biggest album for the Bajan beauty yet — for sure!

“Raining Men” – The fast and uptempo song features Nicki Minaj! There isn’t much of a chorus, but the song features a variation of the popular children’s phrase “eenie meenie miney mo”.

Can’t wait!

Source: JustJared.com

A day after celebrating his 28th birthday behind bars and releasing his new “I Am Not a Human Being” EP, Lil Wayne issued a new letter on his WeezyThanxYou.com website today (Sept. 28) to show fans his gratitude for their “endless love and support.” The rapper also shouts out New York radio stations WBLS and KISS-FM, addresses his children and describes how he is “awaiting freedom patiently” before his November release from Rikers Island.

“Honestly, I can’t fxckin’ wait!” Wayne writes of leaving prison. “I’m still playing UNO. Still doing pushups and such, by the way, please don’t expect me to come out looking any different. I’m the same little ‘ol me. Also, I’ve been trying to get as much rest as I can because I know I won’t when I’m out of here.”

Wayne also tells fans that his “I Am Not a Human Being” release is “great, like every one of you.” He also tells fellow Young Money stars Nicki Minaj and Drake, “I am jealous of you… but it’s cool! I miss you all and keep killin’ ’em.”

After pleading guilty to a weapons charge last March, Lil Wayne is set to leave Rikers Island on Nov. 5, four months before the end of his sentence. “Right Above It,” the lead single off “Human Being” featuring Drake, is currently at No. 31 on the Hot 100.

Nicki Minaj and Drake have both been nominated for a BET Hip Hop Awards. With eight nods under Drake’s belt, and six under Nicki’s, both Young Money artist are ranked high in nods compared to their other hip hop colleagues.

This Sunday at the 2010 BET Hip Hop Awards, the label mates will go head to head to claim the following awards: Verizon People’s champ Award, an award that lets the fans vote for their favorite artist, Hustler of the Year, and Lyricist of the Year. Their mentor and President of Young Money, Lil’ Wayne, is also nominated in that category.

The ‘Your Love’ rapper has other nominations she competes for on her on. Her animated dominate presence in music videos, and loud colored wigs has landed her a spot in the ‘Made –You-Look’ category.

Having released an album, unlike Minaj, the Toronto native is up for CD of the Year for ‘Thank Me Later’ against New York rapper Jay Z for his ‘Blueprint 3’ CD. Coincidently, Drake is also featured on ‘BP3.’

The 2010 BET Awards was a big night for both the Harajuku Barbie, and the ‘Forever’ rapper, the Hip Hop Awards could prove to be just as big.

2010 BET Hip Hop Awards, hosted by comedian Mike Epps, will be taped this Sunday, Oct. 2nd in Atlanta, and will air on Tuesday Oct. 12 at 8/7c.

Who would you like to take those categories, Nicki or Drake?