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Nicki Minaj Deserves Best New Artist, Ludacris Says

Rapper also looks back on his own past Grammy wins and says he's 'coming right back at 'em soon.'

Ludacris knows how good it feels to win a Grammy.

The Atlanta-based rapper has three in his collection, and he's hoping his eighth studio album, Ludaversal, brings him a few more. No release date has been set, but it's expected sometime this year.

Luda won his first Grammy for his collaboration with Usher for 2004's contagious single "Yeah."

"Man, it was a great feeling. I'm happy to be working with Usher again on the Ludaversal album so we can come back and win yet another Grammy," Luda told MTV News on Thursday. "My best Grammy experience was winning Best Rap Album for Release Therapy (which was released in 2006). I worked hard on that album specifically to win a Grammy, and I accomplished my goal. So no words can explain how great that felt. But we're coming right back at 'em soon."

His pick for Sunday night is clear: He wants to see [article id="1678921"]Nicki Minaj to win Best New Artist[/article]. He worked with the MC on 2010's "My Chick Bad," off his Battle of the Sexes album.

"I'm looking forward to seeing Nicki Minaj. I love her. I'm glad I got a chance to work with her. I'm extremely proud of her," he said. "She's just scratching the surface of what she's capable of. So Nicki: keep doing your thing, girl."

Should Nicki Minaj win Best New Artist? Leave your comment below!

Chaos! Profanity! Wardrobe malfunctions! Don't miss our [article id="1678706"]Grammy red-carpet live stream[/article] this Sunday, February 12, for a full three hours of mayhem, starting at 5 p.m. ET on MTV.com. And the fun doesn't end Sunday: MTV News has you covered for all the Grammy red-carpet fashion, [article id="1678701"]Grammy winners[/article] and Grammy news until the hangover wears off!

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