Hip-hop is a predominantly male-dominated industry. Women are often vilified and objectified within rap lyrics and music videos, which is why having ladies in the industry is not only an important, but a rebellious thing. In very recent times, several female hip-hop artists have cropped up. It's starting to get to a point where we can't keep track of them all – to a point where Netflix is releasing a whole documentary called Ladies First to help catalogue and chronicle all their stories. To us, it's wonderful news.
In this list, we're paying our respects to both OG and contemporary rap queens who have trailblazed the way for others. We may update this article with more lady artists in the future, as there are certainly newer lyricists who are talented, but have yet to "come of age" in our book. The 21 women below have all had astounding achievements in their careers, unique styles, and infectous confidence. They spit bars about power, femininity, freedom, and even sexual gratification. They also honor their fellow rap queens and have inspiring personalities to boot.
**Without further ado, here are the 21 femcees we think are – or are on their way to becoming – the greatest of all time. **
1. Lauryn Hill
We don't believe there is a female artist more respected, more beloved, and more prestigious than Lauryn Hill. This New Jersey role-model held her own with the boys of the Fugees, helping to create one of the best hip-hop records ever with The Score (1996). She then launched a successful solo career and made perhaps one of the greatest Grammy-winning albums OF ALL TIME with The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998). That record blended hip-hop, jazz, and R&B, and is thematically considered a foundational guideline for Black womanhood. Some may say the fact she only has one solo project and hasn't made another since is disappointing. Considering the golden legacy she still holds to this day (even Nas recently featured her on his King's Disease II), we think the fact she only needs one solo album to hold up her amazing career is a gargantuan achievement.
2. Nicki Minaj
The current reigning queen of rap. This woman has been able to stay in the spotlight since the late 2000s thanks to her sharp-as-a-knife lyrics, impeccable flow, earwormy inflections (including a trademark cockney accent), and her hordes of pink wigs. Love or hate her racy nature, Nicki's inspired so many other women in the rap industry: including a plethora of copycats. Her recent comeback with "Super Freaky Girl," her dynamite breakthrough with "Super Bass" and "Starships," and the theatricality she brings to "Roman's Revenge," "Roman Holiday," and Kanye West's "Monster" are all untouchable. Also, was twerking really a thing before "Anaconda" dropped?
3. Lil' Kim
Nicki Minaj may have conquered by proving a woman can show off sex appeal while still calling herself a rapper. But Lil' Kim dipped her toe into that pool first, and it's because of her confident walk Minaj was able to run. Kim overcame homelessness after being introduced to the The Notorious B.I.G. and climbing up the music industry ladder with him. Their meeting spawned a personal and professional relationship that lead to multiple platinum records for both. Kim made a comeback in 2019 with 9, her first full-length release in 14 years. But before that, she'd already made a name for herself with her tracks "The Jump Off," "Magic Stick," "Crush On You," and her contribution to the monster hit "Lady Marmalade."
4. Queen Latifah
All hail the Queen! While she may be more of an actress now, Queen Latifah had some domination in the hip-hop field during the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. She was discovered by Fab 5 Freddy and became a superstar by the time she was 19 years old. Fans couldn't get enough of her confident, cool demeanor and rock-solid voice. Her hits "U.N.I.T.Y." and "Ladies First" brought some much-needed feminism to the genre of hip-hop. Latifah's list of accomplishments include platinum albums, blockbuster movies, a Grammy, a Golden Globe, an Oscar nomination and countless more awards. She was also the first rapper to perform at the Super Bowl Halftime Show!
5. Missy Elliott
Of course we had to include Missy 'Misdemeanor" herself. People will say she's had a recent comeback with her 2019 Video Vanguard Award, Rock and Rall Hall of Fame induction and Hollywood Walk of Fame star. But in our eyes, she never really left the spotlight. Missy's sold over 30,000,000 records in a career that has spanned nearly 30 years, has won almost every music award available (including multiple Grammys), and drops some of the best dang music videos MTV has ever had the pleasure to put on rotation. Supa Dupa Fly, Under Construction, and Miss E...So Addictive remain some of our all-time favorite albums. We can't wait until that next Missy Elliott exclusive.
6. Salt-N-Pepa
Salt-N-Pepa were like the Riot grrrls of the hip-hop industry. They slammed down the door in the 80s so several other rap queens could strut through in the 90s. Their party-hard anthems like "Push It!", "Whatta Man," and "Let's Talk About Sex" have made even the most dance-shy individuals bust a move. Everyone knows the rhymes of Salt (Cheryl James) and Pepa (Sandra Denton), but we feel more credit is due to the brilliance of their teenage DJ, Deidra Roper (Spinderella). We haven't really seen a trailblazing hip-hop girl group since them. Salt-N-Pepa's music is delicious and one of a kind!
7. Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes
One third of the cult 90s R&B girl group TLC, Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes' raps are what made each song from the trio not good, but great. Besides rapping and singing backing vocals on TLC recordings, Lopes was the creative force behind the group, receiving more co-writing credits than her two fellow members and snagging four Grammys in the process. Her flow and energy was insane, and because of her dynamic rhymes and flamboyant nature, she was able to maintain a successful solo career once the trio split. We'll never forget her iconic condom glasses - meant to raise awareness about safe sex during the AIDS epidemic. She's a musical legend that was taken from us way too soon. Rest in peace, Left Eye.
8. MC Lyte
This old-school rap star began making music right when hip-hop was fresh and cool in the 80s. With eight studio albums to her name, she is considered one of the founders of socially conscious hip-hop, alongside the likes of Chuck D and KRS-One. She wasn't the first female to rap, but she was definitely the first one to pursue a successful solo career. Lyte As a Rock was the first hip-hop album to ever be released by a female artist. She was also the first female rapper to be nominated for a Grammy with her slappy hit single "Ruffneck."
9. Foxy Brown
When late 90s New York superstars like Nas and Wu-Tang Clan were blowing up, that’s when a teenaged Foxy Brown strutted onto the scene. She began appearing as a featured artist on records by Jay-Z, LL Cool J, and Toni Braxton, in addition to becoming a part of the legendary Firm crew. Often compared to her frenemy Lil' Kim, Foxy was scantily clad, spit raunchy lyrics, and had a former modeling career to boot. But those things didn't take away from her flow, which was airtight. Sure – maybe her career has been turbulent with a prison stint and multiple record label deals. But you can't make a best female emcees list without giving credit to Foxy.
10. Jean Grae
No, not the X-Men character. Criminally underappreciated, Jean Grae is a gem for music nerds with a deep knowledge of hip-hop. She is a leader of the East Coast underground scene, first making waves with her 2002 debut Attack of Attacking Things. She's also had a comeback with her 2018 LP Everything Is Fine. Both a talented lyricist and a groundbreaking producer, this classically trained musician brings a level of sophistication not often heard in popular hip-hop music. Her sound is distinctly New York, and the way she spits her double syllable flows is unparalleled. She's certainly more talented than a great number of male rappers in the industry.
11. Megan Thee Stallion
This Houston rap superstar is far more than just a pretty face. She's versatile, tough as nails, and has the confidence to move mountains – and that all shines through in her tracks. If you're a Megan fan, you will have fun dancing around to "T--t S--t" and "Body," will revel in your villain era thanks to tracks like "Ungrateful," and will find soooo much female empowerment in the song "Her" as well as the 90's throwback masterpiece that is "Plan B." She's also one half of the pearl-clutching mega hit that is "WAP." Which leads us to our next rap goddess...
12. Cardi B
...Miss Cardi Bardi, banging body, spicy mami, hot tamale! Yes, Cardi B was the one to take most of the credit for "WAP." But before that, she had clout from the bops "I Like It" (which introduced the mainstream to Bad Bunny), "Bodak Yellow," and the Bruno Mars collab "Please Me." Cardi first gained traction through Vine and Instagram fame, as well as screen time on the VH1 reality show Love & Hip Hop: New York. After two acclaimed mixtapes, she then dropped Invasion of Privacy (2018), which debuted at number #1 on the Billboard 200 and was ranked the top female rap album of the 2010s by Billboard. The album also made Cardi B the only woman to win the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album as a solo artist, and marked the first female rap album in 15 years nominated for Album of the Year. With her infectious charisma, collaborative spirit, and trademark "Okurrr" tongue roll, we know Cardi B's not going anywhere but "Up."
13. Little Simz
Little Simz is royalty in the world of U.K. rap. Seriously: this woman is criminally underrated. If you haven't heard her skin-crawling feminist anthem "Venom," her pounding track "Gorilla," or her Sometimes I Might Be Introvert banger "Point and Kill," you need to stop reading this article and go listen to those bops right now. She made headlines last year by beating out Harry Styles and Wet Leg for the prestigious Mercury Prize, and will soon be embarking on her first North American tour in September 2023. With her intelligent bars, old-school sound, and laid-back vibe, we can't wait to see where Little Sim-Simma goes next.
14. Rapsody
If you love rap queens like Lauryn Hill and MC Lyte, you're going to want to check out Rapsody. A leading voice in contemporary hip-hop, Rapsody has made a name for herself with smart beats and socially relevant musical themes. Her records Laila’s Wisdom (2017) and Eve (2019) are considered two of the best rap albums of the 2010s. Lyrically, she explores themes of unity and female empowerment. She's been nominated for three Grammys so far, and we're sure she'll stack up more in the future. We also can't get enough of her hit track "Ibtihaj," which wonderfully samples GZA's "Liquid Swords."
15. Eve
Before her acting career, Eve dominated hip-hop as the "First Lady" of the Ruff Ryders crew. She's been in the industry for a quarter of a century, and is beloved for the versatility, creativity, and fearlessness she always brings to fans. Many adore Eve for both the dual feminine and aggressive energy she brings to her raps. She's best known for her Eve-Olution tracks "Satisfaction" and "Gangsta Lovin'". And of course, let's not forget her Gwen Stefani collab "Let Me Blow Ya Mind" from Scorpion. That swanky 2001 bop went on to win a Grammy for Best Rap Song Collaboration.
16. Doja Cat
Maybe we're calling Doja's spot on this list a bit too early, but with her Grammy win for "Kiss Me More" and the interesting pivot she's brought with her track "Attention," we have a feeling she's got a lot left in store for us. Doja Cat is an example of a lady rapper who is heavily influenced by Nicki Minaj, but not a direct copycat of her. She came to fame on TikTok after releasing a novelty song called "MOOO!", then solidified her spotlight with the bomb albums Hot Pink and Planet Her. We adore her trademark high-pitched, raspy voice, as well as her encyclopedic knowledge of internet culture and charming sense of humor. The gusto she puts into songs like "Get Into It (Yuh)," "Ain't S--t," and "Woman" can't be beat. She's also a pretty purr-fect fashion icon!
17. Rico Nasty
We think Rico Nasty has the most unique vocal style of all the rappers on this list. There's something about the aggressive way she speak-shouts her lyrics that makes her music so cathartic and addicting. She began self-releasing content in 2014, while in high school, and had released five solo mixtapes by late 2017. In 2018, she rose to prominence with the singles "Smack a B--ch" and "Poppin." Rico Nasty is a pioneer of the subgenres punk rap, trap metal, and sugar trap. With her raspy drawl and nonconformist look, we won't be surprised if Nasty becomes more mainstream in the years to come.
18. The Lady of Rage
The Lady of Rage was part of the 90s West Coast rap scene. She came under the wing of Dr. Dre during the earlier part of the decade. He was impressed by her raw talent and ability to lay down striking, rapid-fire freestyle rhymes – then switching things up with some soulful R&B melodies. Despite only releasing one critically-acclaimed album (1997's Necessary Roughness), she's inspired countless female rappers and managed to collaborate with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Gang Starr, MC Lyte, and Salt-N-Pepa over the course of her career. Perhaps her biggest hit is the Snoop team up "Afro Puffs."
19. Da Brat
Another West Coast-er, Da Brat (real name: Shawntee Harris) came to fame after winning a YO! MTV Raps freestyle competition. She dropped her debut album Funkdafied in 1994 and became the first female solo rapper to hit platinum status. She's got a twisty-turny flow and a chill attitude that fits perfectly with the house party slacker aesthetic of the 90s. Some compare her to a female Snoop Dogg. She may be underrated, but she is certainly one of the best.
20. Rah Digga
Another cool rap lady from New Jersey, Rah Digga rubbed shoulders with the likes of 90s hip-hop elites such as Q-Tip, Busta Rhymes, the Fugees, Talib Kweli, Wyclef Jean, Trina, and RZA. Able to maintain a quick tempo and intricate rhymes without tying up her tongue, this woman's music is nothing short of hardcore. While her sound is very East Coast, she did experiment with EDM and funk on some of her tunes. Her debut album, Dirty Harriet (2000) managed to peak in the top 20 of the Billboard 200.
21. Roxeanne Shanté
Last but certainly not least, the woman who started it all. The reason why this list exists right now. Roxeanne Shanté can be considered the godmother of female rap. At 1984, when she was only 14, she made history by not only becoming the first well-known female rapper, but also being one of the first MCs to pioneer the art of battle rap. She made one of the first-ever diss tracks (called "Roxeanne's Revenge"), and went toe-to-toe with several male rappers with her cutting-edge rhymes and flow. In fact, Nas has claimed to be influenced by her legacy. She's definitely one of the best rappers to come out of Queens, and you can watch her life story through the recent biopic Roxeanne, Roxeanne.
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Article Image: Lauryn Hill singing at a 2019 music festival, Nicki Minaj at a 2011 Good Morning America Concert Series show, Missy Elliott raising her arm while performing in 2008. (benhoudijk, everett225, and Marcin_Kadziolka via DepositPhotos.)
