Drake has compared the success of Nicki Minaj's debut album to Lil' Wayne's critically-acclaimed 'Tha Carter III'.

Minaj's 'Pink Friday' sold over 400,000 copies in its first sales week last month, while Lil' Wayne's 2008 effort sold over a million in its opening seven days.

Drake told MTV News he was pleased to see Minaj, who is also a member of Lil' Wayne's Young Money collective, break through in 2010.

"It's amazing now to see her come into her own, build this brand and persona," he said. "It's incredible."

Drake added that he believed a “higher power” had helped Lil' Wayne, Minaj and himself with their careers.

(by Jason Gregory)