[artist id="3055069"]Nicki Minaj's[/artist] debut album took the top spot on the charts, she's a Grammy nominee and presenter and she met up with her [article id="1657872"]reality-TV heroine Snooki on the red carpet[/article]. But despite all the high points, the 26-year-old star assured MTV News that the best is yet to come.

"In my head, I've already done two movies, I've already put my second album out, I've already gone on a world tour. That's what I'm looking for the next 12 months to bring," she said shortly before the 53rd annual Grammy Awards at the Los Angeles Staples Center, where she was nominated alongside Ludacris in the Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group category. "I have some surprises that people are not gonna believe. I have some surprises that I'm going to be able to announce really, really soon."

The hip-hop star's [article id="1657570"]Pink Friday reached #1[/article] on the Billboard 200 chart nearly three months after its release. She's done "Saturday Night Live" and "The Tonight Show," and her leopard-print couture turned heads at the Grammys. It's been a crazy ride and one that she's learned from in ways that will benefit her greatly in the future.

"I've learned to never rush anything in my career or my life anymore," she said. "The last year taught me that. Like, even with the new album, it's going to take its course naturally and everything is going to work out. Because before I used to stress out. You know, 'Am I nominated for this?'

"It doesn't matter what I'm nominated for! I'm working! I am a working artist in the freaking worst economy ever. To sell, like, a million records, in this economy, that's crazy."

Next on the Young Money rapper's agenda is a tour with mentor Lil Wayne that will also feature Blink-182's Travis Barker and Rick Ross, among others. "I'm really looking forward to that tour," she said. "And just getting back to L.A. and cranking out some new records and all of that good stuff. I'm working with a lot of new producers as well, so I'm excited."

Minaj's schedule may get hectic, but she works hard to maintain balance and perspective.

"Overall, I'm in a peaceful place. And that's the only thing that you could ask for. To be in the midst of this chaotic business," she added, pointing to the red carpet around her, "and be able to find peace? I'm good."

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