50 Cent has said the time is right for a female rapper to breakthrough again.

The hip-hop star singled out Nicki Minaj, who is scheduled to release her debut album 'Pink Friday' in November.

"There's not as many female rappers because there's not as many emerging crews," 50 Cent told the Associated Press.

"When those new crews come up, there's a potential for a female artist when the head of that crew sees the idea of bringing someone to speak from a female perspective."

Minaj was also recently praised by Kanye West, who said she had the opportunity to challenge Eminem as one of the biggest names in rap.

'Pink Friday' features productions from West, will.i.am and Lil' Wayne.

(by Jason Gregory)