From the early pioneers to today’s chart-toppers, women have been an integral part of hip-hop since its inception. Despite facing marginalization and sexism in a male-dominated industry, these fearless femcees have broken barriers, innovated the genre, and left an indelible mark on the culture.
It’s time to pay homage to the queens who have shaped and elevated the art form. Get ready to be inspired by the stories of these women who have forever changed the face of hip-hop.
1. Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah, born Dana Owens, is a true trailblazer in hip-hop. Her 1989 debut album “All Hail the Queen” featured the feminist anthem “Ladies First,” which celebrated women’s strength and unity.(ref)
Throughout her career, Latifah has used her platform to tackle social and political issues, promoting self-respect and challenging gender stereotypes.
With a career of over three decades, Queen Latifah has proven herself as a versatile artist, seamlessly transitioning from music to acting.
She has won a Grammy, an Emmy, and a Golden Globe, cementing her status as a true icon in the entertainment industry.
2. MC Lyte
MC Lyte, born Lana Michelle Moorer, is often regarded as one of the first female rappers to gain widespread recognition in male-dominated hip-hop. Her 1988 debut album “Lyte as a Rock” showcased her sharp lyricism and powerful delivery, earning her respect from both fans and fellow artists.
Lyte’s influence extends beyond music; she has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights and has mentored countless aspiring female rappers.
In 2006, she founded the Hip Hop Sisters Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young women through education and leadership programs.
3. Salt-N-Pepa
Cheryl “Salt” James, Sandra “Pepa” Denton, and DJ Spinderella formed the groundbreaking trio Salt-N-Pepa in the mid-1980s. Their 1986 debut album “Hot, Cool & Vicious” featured the hit single “Push It,” which became one of the first rap songs to crossover into the mainstream pop charts.
Salt-N-Pepa’s unapologetic attitude and sex-positive lyrics challenged the notion that women in hip-hop had to conform to certain stereotypes.
They paved the way for future female rappers to express themselves freely and boldly.
4. Missy Elliott
Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott is a visionary artist who has consistently pushed the boundaries of hip-hop. Her innovative production style, unique flow, and avant-garde music videos have made her one of the most influential figures in the genre.
Elliott’s debut album “Supa Dupa Fly” (1997) was a critical and commercial success, showcasing her ability to blend rap, R&B, and electronic elements.(ref)
She has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, and Katy Perry, and has won five Grammy Awards.
5. Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill first rose to fame as a member of the Fugees, but her 1998 solo album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” cemented her status as a hip-hop legend. The album blended rap, soul, and reggae influences, won five Grammy Awards, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums ever.(ref)
Hill’s introspective lyrics, powerful vocals, and socially conscious themes resonated with worldwide audiences.
Her influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who followed in her footsteps, from Nicki Minaj to Kendrick Lamar.
6. Lil’ Kim
Lil’ Kim, born Kimberly Denise Jones, is known for her provocative lyrics, bold fashion choices, and unapologetic embrace of her sexuality. Her 1996 debut album “Hard Core” was a groundbreaking release that challenged the male-dominated narratives of hip-hop.
Throughout her career, Lil’ Kim has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Missy Elliott, Christina Aguilera, and Pink.
She has also been a fashion icon, known for her daring red-carpet looks and trendsetting style.
7. Foxy Brown
Foxy Brown, born Inga DeCarlo Fung Marchand, rose to fame in the mid-1990s with her debut album “Ill Na Na” (1996). Her raw, sexually explicit lyrics and confident delivery made her a standout in the male-dominated world of hip-hop.
Brown’s collaborations with other artists, including Jay-Z, Nas, and Method Man, helped to establish her as a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
She has also been a fashion trendsetter known for her bold, glamorous style.
8. Eve
Eve, born Eve Jihan Jeffers, first gained attention as a member of the Ruff Ryders collective in the late 1990s. Her 1999 debut album “Let There Be Eve…Ruff Ryders’ First Lady” made her the third female rapper to top the Billboard 200 chart.
Throughout her career, Eve has been praised for her confident, assertive delivery and her ability to hold her own alongside male rappers.
She has also ventured into acting, appearing in films like “Barbershop” and “xXx,” and hosting the daytime talk show “The Talk.”
9. Remy Ma
Remy Ma, born Reminisce Mackie, first gained recognition as a member of the Terror Squad in the early 2000s. Her verse on the group’s hit single “Lean Back” (2004) made her a standout talent and led to a successful solo career.
Despite facing personal and legal challenges, Remy Ma has remained a respected figure in hip-hop.
Her 2017 single “All the Way Up” with Fat Joe earned her a Grammy nomination, and she has been praised for her raw, honest lyricism.
10. Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj, born Onika Tanya Maraj, is among the most successful female rappers ever. Her unique flow, witty wordplay, and chameleon-like ability to switch between different personas have made her a global superstar.
Since her debut album “Pink Friday” (2010), Minaj has broken countless records and barriers.
She is the first female artist to have 100 Billboard Hot 100 entries, and her collaborations with artists like Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, and Kanye West have topped charts worldwide.
11. Cardi B
Cardi B, born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, is a true rags-to-riches story. She first gained attention through her viral Instagram videos and her appearances on the reality show “Love & Hip Hop: New York” before launching her music career.
Cardi B’s debut single “Bodak Yellow” (2017) made her the first female rapper to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart since Lauryn Hill in 1998.
Her debut album “Invasion of Privacy” (2018) won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, making her the first solo female artist to win in that category.
12. Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion, born Megan Jovon Ruth Pete, has quickly become one of hip-hop’s most exciting new voices. Her confident, sex-positive lyrics and energetic delivery have earned her a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim.
Megan’s 2020 single “Savage” became a viral sensation on TikTok and earned her a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance.
She has also used her platform to advocate for social justice issues, including the Black Lives Matter movement and protecting Black women.
13. City Girls
The City Girls, composed of Yung Miami (born Caresha Romeka Brownlee) and JT (born Jatavia Shakara Johnson), have brought a fresh, unapologetic energy to hip-hop. Their 2018 debut album “Girl Code” featured the hit single “Act Up,” which became a viral sensation.
The City Girls’ raunchy, confident lyrics and infectious beats have made them a favorite among fans and critics.
They have collaborated with artists like Cardi B, Lil Baby, and Usher, and their influence can be heard in the work of many up-and-coming female rappers.
14. Tierra Whack
Tierra Whack is a true innovator in hip-hop, known for her experimental sound and unconventional approach to songwriting. Her 2018 debut album “Whack World” featured 15 one-minute tracks that showcased her versatility as an artist.
Whack’s surreal, imaginative music videos and quirky sense of humor have made her a cult favorite among fans and critics.
She has been praised for her ability to blend different genres and push the boundaries of what hip-hop can be.
15. Rapsody
Rapsody, born Marlanna Evans, is a North Carolina-based rapper known for her intricate wordplay, socially conscious lyrics, and old-school sensibilities. Her 2017 album “Laila’s Wisdom” earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album.
Throughout her career, Rapsody has collaborated with some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including Kendrick Lamar, Anderson Paak, and J. Cole.
She has been praised for her technical skills and ability to hold her own alongside her male peers.
16. Noname
Noname, born Fatimah Nyeema Warner, is a Chicago-based rapper and activist known for her poetic, introspective lyrics and laid-back delivery. Her 2016 mixtape “Telefone” and 2018 album “Room 25” have been praised for their vulnerability and social commentary.
In addition to her music, Noname is also known for her activism and community organizing.
She has used her platform to advocate for social justice issues, including prison reform and racial equality.
17. Kamaiyah
Kamaiyah, born Kamaiyah Jamesha Johnson, is an Oakland-based rapper known for her laid-back, melodic flow and nostalgic ’90s-inspired sound. Her 2016 mixtape “A Good Night in the Ghetto” was a critical success and led to collaborations with artists like YG and Drake.
Kamaiyah’s music often celebrates the joys and struggles of life in her hometown, painting vivid pictures of the people and places that have shaped her.
She has been praised for her authenticity and her ability to tell compelling stories through her lyrics.
18. Leikeli47
Leikeli47 is a Brooklyn-based rapper and producer known for her high-energy performances, infectious beats, and mysterious persona. She always performs wearing a mask, keeping her true identity hidden from the public.
Leikeli47’s music blends hip-hop, electronic, and punk influences with lyrics touching on empowerment, individuality, and social justice themes.
Her 2017 debut album “Wash & Set” and 2018 follow-up “Acrylic” have been praised for their originality and raw energy.
19. Dreezy
Dreezy, born Seandrea Sledge, is a Chicago-based rapper and singer known for her versatile flow and R&B-influenced sound. Her 2016 debut album “No Hard Feelings” showcased her ability to blend rap and singing, earning her comparisons to artists like Drake and Nicki Minaj.
Throughout her career, Dreezy has collaborated with many artists, from rap veterans like Gucci Mane and 2 Chainz to pop stars like Katy Perry and Jeremih.
She has been praised for her songwriting skills and her ability to adapt to different styles and sounds.
20. Saweetie
Saweetie, born Diamonté Harper, is a California-based rapper known for her confident, glamorous persona and catchy, pop-influenced hooks. Her 2017 debut single “Icy Grl” became a viral hit and led to a record deal with Warner Records.
Since then, Saweetie has released a string of successful singles and collaborations, including the hit “My Type” and the Grammy-nominated “Best Friend” with Doja Cat.
She has been praised for her charisma and her ability to craft memorable, radio-friendly hits.
