Revisiting the Greats: Famous Female Rappers That Shaped the Hip Hop Industry

Hip-hop is a genre that has been dominated by men for decades, but that doesn’t mean that women haven’t made their mark on it. In fact, some of the most influential and talented rappers of all time are female, and they deserve to be celebrated for their contributions to culture and music. 

In this article, we will revisit some of the greats, the famous female rappers who shaped the hip-hop industry with their skills, style, and personalities.

Nicki Minaj

Often cited as the queen of rap, one of the most famous names in rap music today is Nicky Minaj. Born Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, the Trinidadian-born hip-hop artist has been breaking records and barriers since her debut in 2010, becoming the first female rapper to have seven songs on the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time, the first female solo artist to win the Grammy for Best Rap Album, and the most-streamed female artist on Spotify. With her versatile flow, witty wordplay, colourful alter egos, and daring fashion choices, Nicki Minaj has established herself as a rap icon and a global superstar.

One of Nicki Minaj’s most popular songs is Super Bass. Released in 2010 from her debut studio album, Pink Friday, the song achieved significant commercial success. It reached number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 and has been certified 8x Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), indicating over 8 million units sold. However, it’s also worth noting other popular songs by Nicki Minaj, like Anaconda and Starships, which also achieved substantial commercial success and recognition.

Missy Elliott

Another superstar female rapper, Missy “Misdemeanour” Elliott born Melissa Arnette Elliott, is one of the strongest figures in the rap music world. The Virginia native is not only a rapper but also a singer, songwriter, producer, and dancer who has influenced countless artists with her innovative and experimental sound and visuals. She is one of the best-selling female rapper of all time, with over 30 million records sold worldwide. She is also a five-time Grammy winner, a Video Vanguard Award recipient, and the first female rapper to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

One of her most popular and iconic songs is Work It from her 2002 album Under Construction. The song reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100, and its catchy lyrics and innovative music video have made it a standout hit in Missy Elliott’s discography.

Another notable song is Get Ur Freak On, from her 2001 album “Miss E… So Addictive.” This track is also one of her biggest hits, and it significantly contributed to her global recognition.

MC Lyte

One of the pioneers of female rap, MC Lyte born Lana Michele Moorer, is widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time and a trailblazer for women in hip-hop. The Brooklyn native released her debut album, Lyte as a Rock, in 1988, becoming the first solo female rapper to release a full-length album. She is known for her smooth delivery, sharp lyrics, and social commentary on topics such as sexism, racism, and violence. She is also a mentor, activist, and philanthropist who founded the Hip Hop Sisters Foundation to empower young women through education and music.

One of her most popular songs is Ruffneck from her 1993 album Ain’t No Other. This track was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance, making MC Lyte the first female solo rapper ever nominated in this category.

Lauryn Hill

Famous rapper and singer Lauryn Hill is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of all time and a pioneer in the neo-soul genre. The New Jersey native rose to fame as a member of the Fugees, one of the most successful hip-hop groups in history. She then launched her solo career with her masterpiece, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, in 1998, which won five Grammy Awards and became one of the best-selling albums of all time. She is praised for her soulful vocals, poetic rhymes, and conscious messages on love, spirituality, and social issues.

One of her most popular songs is Doo Wop (That Thing) from her 1998 album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.” The song was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Hill two Grammy Awards, for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song.

Another significant song by Lauryn Hill, although not a solo track, is Killing Me Softly, which she performed as part of The Fugees. This song also achieved substantial commercial success and is frequently associated with Hill.

Da Brat

Da Brat, real name Shawntae Harris, the first female rapper to go platinum, is one of the most successful and influential female rappers in history. The Chicago native debuted in 1994 with her album Funkdafied, which showcased her fast-paced flow, hardcore lyrics, and funky beats. She released three more albums, collaborating with artists such as Mariah Carey, Jermaine Dupri, and Lil Kim. She is also known for her tomboy style and braided hairdo, which inspired many young girls to embrace their individuality.

One of her most popular songs is Funkdafied from her debut album of the same name released in 1994. Funkdafied was a commercial success, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and helping her album achieve platinum status, making her the first solo female rapper to achieve this milestone.

Queen Latifah

The undisputed queen of hip-hop, Queen Latifah born Dana Elaine Owens, is not only a rapper but also an actress, singer, producer, and entrepreneur. The New Jersey native started rapping in 1988 with her debut album, All Hail the Queen, which featured her hit single Ladies First. She is known for her powerful voice, feminist themes, and positive messages on self-respect, empowerment, and unity. She is also a Grammy winner, an Oscar nominee, a Golden Globe winner, and a recipient of the BET Lifetime Achievement Award.

One of her most iconic songs is “U.N.I.T.Y.,” which is from her 1993 album Black Reign. The song won a Grammy Award for Best Solo Rap Performance in 1995. The song’s empowering message about respect for women resonated strongly with audiences and has continued to be an important part of her legacy.

Another well-known song is Ladies First from her debut album All Hail the Queen (1989), which was a feminist anthem and a key track in the golden age of hip-hop.

Lil Kim

One of the most controversial and influential female rappers of all time, Lil Kim, born Kimberly Denise Jones, is a rapper, singer, songwriter and actress. The Brooklyn native debuted in 1995 as a member of the hip hop group Junior M.A.F.I.A., mentored by the late Notorious B.I.G.. She is known for her explicit lyrics, seductive persona and glamorous style. She is also a Grammy winner, a four-time MTV Video Music Award winner and a three-time platinum-selling artist. 

One of her most popular songs is Lady Marmalade, a collaboration with Christina Aguilera, Pink, and Mýa for the Moulin Rouge! soundtrack in 2001. The song was a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.

From her solo work, another significant song is Crush On You from her debut album Hard Core released in 1996. It became one of her biggest hits and remains a classic in her discography.

Foxy Brown

One of the most prominent female rappers in the 1990s, Foxy Brown born Inga DeCarlo Fung Marchand is known for her provocative lyrics, seductive persona, and glamorous style. The Brooklyn native debuted in 1996 with her album Ill Na Na, which featured collaborations with Jay-Z, Nas, Method Man, and more. She then formed a rap supergroup with Nas, and AZ, called The Firm, which released their only album in 1997. She is also credited with popularising Caribbean influences in hip-hop with her reggae-inspired songs.

One of her most popular songs is I’ll Be, which features Jay-Z. This song is from her debut album Ill Na Na released in 1996. I’ll Be peaked at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of her highest-charting singles.

Another notable song from Foxy Brown is Hot Spot from her second album Chyna Doll. It also garnered significant attention at the time of its release.

Eve

One of the most versatile and successful female rappers of all time, Eve born Eve Jihan Jeffers-Cooper, is a rapper, singer, songwriter, actress and television personality. The Philadelphia native started rapping at the age of 13 and debuted in 1999 with her album Let There Be Eve…Ruff Ryders’ First Lady, which reached number one on the Billboard 200 and was certified double platinum by the RIAA. She is known for her smooth delivery, feminist themes and positive messages on self-respect, empowerment and unity. She is also a Grammy winner, an Oscar nominee, a Golden Globe winner and a recipient of the BET Lifetime Achievement Award. 

One of her most popular songs is Let Me Blow Ya Mind, a collaboration with Gwen Stefani from her second album “Scorpion” released in 2001. The song was a huge commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100, and won the inaugural Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2002.

Another notable song by Eve is Who’s That Girl? also from the Scorpion album, which achieved significant commercial success globally.

Rapsody

One of the most respected female rappers in the game today, Rapsody born Marlanna Evans is known for her lyrical prowess, storytelling skills, and social awareness. The North Carolina native started rapping in 2008 as a member of the hip-hop collective Kooley High before launching her solo career in 2010. She has released four albums, including Laila’s Wisdom, which earned her two Grammy nominations, and Eve, which paid homage to influential black women. She has also collaborated with legends such as Kendrick Lamar, Erykah Badu, J. Cole, and 9th Wonder.

One of her most notable songs is Sassy from her Grammy-nominated album Laila’s Wisdom released in 2017.

Another standout track from the same album is Power, which features Kendrick Lamar and Lance Skiiiwalker.

Conclusion

These are just some of the famous female rappers who have shaped the hip-hop industry with their talent, style, and personalities. They have proven that women can rap just as well as men, if not better, and have inspired generations of aspiring female rappers to follow in their footsteps.