Billboard Announces 25 Best Female Rappers Of All Time
Curated by 8 staffers, Billboard compiled a list of the best 25 female rappers of all time and officially crowned Nicki Minaj as number one.
Known for her versatile flow, groundbreaking career and cultural influencer, Nicki Minaj definitely deserves the top spot. With her work spanning over a decade, Nicki Minaj has shattered records, influenced a generation of artists coming up behind her and dominated the Billboard charts. From her 2009 debut Pink Friday, to her latest album, The Pinkprint (10th Anniversary Edition), she has become synonymous with rap stardom and serves as the blue, or should we say, pinkprint for aspiring female rap artists.
Minaj’s accolades include multiple Grammy nominations, more than 100 Billboard Hot 100 hits and a legacy of unforgettable collaborations with the likes of Drake, Lil Wayne, Kanye West and Beyoncé. She is credited with bringing female rap back to mainstream prominence in an era dominated by male MCs.
Missy Elliot, a pioneer in both music and visuals, claimed the number two spot. As a producer, rapper and fashion icon, Missy has redefined the boundaries of Hip Hop with her innovative music videos and genre-defying albums.
Lauryn Hill, who came in at number three, is lauded not only for her rap skills but also for her soulful fusion of Hip Hop and R&B, especially with her timeless and only album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
Lil Kim, Minaj’s predecessor and a trailblazer in her own right, rounded out the top four. Recognized for her bold, unapologetic style, Kim’s significant impact and influence on modern Hip Hop fashion, especially for the Black female artist, is undeniable.
Other heavy hitters on the list include MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa, Megan Thee Stallion and GloRilla. Check out the full list below in chronological order.
- Nick Minaj
- Missy Elliot
- Lauryn Hill
- Lil Kim
- Queen Latifah
- MC Lyte
- Salt-N-Pepa
- Roxanne Shante
- Eve
- Foxy Brown
- Cardi B
- Da Brat
- Trina
- Left Eye
- Megan Thee Stallion
- Doja Cat
- Rapsody
- Remy Ma
- Latto
- Monie Love
- GloRilla
- Lady of Rage
- Gangsta Boo
- Doechii
- Tierra Whack
All of these women are continuing to pave the way for female rap artists in the industry and this Billboard list is a testament to their lasting impact on Hip Hop.
