20 Greatest Female Rappers of All Time
It doesn’t have to be National Women’s Day to celebrate women. Whilst, Hip-Hop has been predominantly a male dominated genre of music, that doesn’t mean women haven’t had an influence or impact on the genre. Since the 1980s, many women have paved the way for where Hip-Hop is today from both a musical and cultural perspective. Without these women we wouldn’t be where we are today, as currently in 2024 women possess a healthy and successful position within Hip-Hop, as acts such as Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Ice Spice and Latto are successful mainstream acts, but this wasn’t always the case.
In the 1980s, acts such as Roxanne Shante, Queen Latifah and MC Lyte broke boundaries and helped women gain a voice within Hip-Hop. This torch was then carried by the likes of Lil’ Kim, Foxy Brown and Missy Elliott, who led the charge for women as Hip-Hop was becoming more of a commercial powerhouse. By the turn of the 2010s, Nicki Minaj breathed new life within the genre and helped future acts gain commercial success, after there was a quiet period for women in Hip-Hop during the late-2000s. You can learn more about that in my throwback review for Minaj’s debut album, Pink Friday.
Today, I will be taking a look at what I objectively believe are the twenty greatest female rappers of all time. As with my previous list, 20 Greatest West Coast Rappers, my overall judgement of each rapper is based on three categories. Those categories are their skill level, the strength of their whole catalogue, and their influence/impact. With Hip-Hop celebrating its 50th anniversary last year there have been many women to grace the genre in the last five decades, so of course there were many names that didn’t make the top twenty, however, they were shortlisted and they do deserve an honourable mention. This will be placed at the bottom. Now without further a do, let’s start with the list, here are the twenty greatest female rappers of all time.
20. Trina
Miami, Fl
After making her musical debut in 1998 at 19 years old on Trick Daddy’s classic single “Nann”, Trina became the first lady signed to Slip-n-Slide Records. Along with the likes of Gangsta Boo, Trina opened the door for women in the South and has influenced acts that came after her from the likes of City Girls who are also from Miami. Trina’s debut album came out in 2000, and she went on to become one of the biggest and most successful female rappers within the 2000s.
With tracks like “Da Baddest Bi*ch”, “B R Right” with Ludacris and “Here We Go” featuring Kelly Rowland, Trina has multiple beloved tracks within her catalogue. Plus, she has also been featured on great records such as Trick Daddy’s “Take It To Da House” and Missy Eliott’s “One Minute Man”. Possessing the ability to be both vocally aggressive and soft on various tracks, Trina has always showed her ability to standout since her debut back in 1998.
19. Yo-Yo
Compton, CA
Since the 1980s the West Coast has produced so many great rappers, who have impacted Hip-Hop in more ways than you can think of. Yet, for whatever strange reason the West Coast has struggled to produce many great female MCs. On the other hand, Compton’s very own Yo-Yo is fortunately one of the few great female MCs to come out of the West Coast. Still an underrated rapper, Yo-Yo introduced herself on Ice Cube’s classic 1990 debut album AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted on the track “It’s A Man’s World”.
Throughout the early-1990s she released multiple albums that were well received, that being her debut Make Way For The Motherlode, Black Pearl and You Better Ask Somebody. Her second collaboration with Ice Cube came on her debut album, on the classic single “You Can’t Play With My Yo-Yo”. Lyrics filled with female empowerment, it’s time for Yo-Yo to receive more credit and respect as a great MC.
18. Azealia Banks
Manhattan, NYC
I’m sure many will raise their eyebrows with Azealia Banks’ inclusion and placement within this list. Unfortunately, Azealia Banks’ controversies and moments outside of music have seemed to cast a shadow over her talent, but also she is an artist that came out in the wrong era. These two factors are the reasons why people might either not known, nor realise, nor acknowledge how exciting of an artist Azealia Banks was during the early-2010s.
Releasing her debut single “212” with Lazy Jay in 2011, Azealia introduced herself by both rapping and singing over house production. Completely unique both musically and visually, “212” may not have been huge in America, however it was a huge hit song in Europe. Within the UK it is one of the biggest Hip-Hop songs of all time. Versatile and a talented artist who could sing and rap well, people should go back and listen to projects such as Fantasea, 1991 and Broke With Expensive Taste, as they were completely different to what was out during the time of the Blog era.
With artists such as Doja Cat being a highly successful artist in the last few years, who is recognised for both singing and rapping, it begs the question if Azealia Banks would have gained the same amount of success and recognition if she made her debut around a decade later. Nonetheless, Azealia’s unique artistry and catalogue is enough evidence for why she deserves a spot on this list.
17. Ladybug Mecca
Silver Spring, MD
One third of the beloved group Digable Planets, along with fellow members Butter Fly and Doodlebug, the trio would only release two, but very well respected albums. 1993’s Reachin and Blowout Comb, which was released a year later. The group would gain almost instant crossover success with their debut hit single “Rebirth (Cool Like That)”, and would win a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
Mecca in particular is loved for her smooth flow and slick bars over Digable Planets’ jazz sampled production. Though not gaining the same level of success within her solo career after the group disbanded, Mecca’s talent, integral contributions to the groups two studio albums and being a part of one of the most respected Hip-Hop groups are the reasons as to why she is one of the greatest female rappers of all time.
16. Cardi B
The Bronx, NYC
Though not the most skillful on a microphone in comparison to others on this list, in just a short few years Cardi B has carved out quite an impact. It’s perhaps still too soon for many to realise the impact she has made since her major label debut single “Bodak Yellow” back in 2017. Becoming only the second female artist to have a number one rap song, the first being Lauryn Hill back in 1998 with “Doo Wop (That Thing)”.
It took almost twenty years for another woman to have a number one rap song, but at the time of writing Cardi B has had three more solo records to reach number one with “I Like It” featuring J Balvin, “Up” and “WAP” with Megan Thee Stallion. After the success of “Bodak Yellow”, Cardi fulfilled the hype by releasing a good debut album with Invasion Of Privacy and went on to become the first woman to win a Grammy for Best Rap Album.
With women having a healthy position within Hip-Hop currently, it could be suggested that Cardi has had a helping hand for other women in Hip-Hop to gain commercial success as well, such as Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion and Ice Spice. With only one album under her belt, Cardi has the potential to climb up the pecking order if she continues to be on this trajectory.
15. Lauryn Hill
East Orange, NJ
I can hear the shock and screams, because Lauryn Hill is not much higher. Lauryn Hill’s placement isn’t because she lacks the talent, the catalogue nor the impact to be higher. Simply, Lauryn Hill’s placement is influenced by the fact that she is essentially a part time rapper. She is more of a neo-soul and R&B artist, who occasionally would rap.
On her acclaimed debut album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, out of fifteen songs she raps on two songs at best. Whilst, only having two projects with Pras and Wyclef Jean as the Fugees, so the quantity of rapping from Lauryn Hill is extremely low. Plus she hasn’t put out a project since her MTV Unplugged live album back in 2002. Because of this, it would be unfair to many other female MCs who have put in more work, if I were to put Lauryn Hill much higher.
Though with her small Hip-Hop catalogue, it is still impressive that she is placed fifteenth on this list. Whilst having a fantastic singing voice, Lauryn was phenomenal when it came to spitting bars. See tracks such as “Lost One” and her verse on “How Many Mics” with the Fugees for proof. She could standout against many other rappers both male and female, so it’s actually a shame that she didn’t rap more, but it’s more of a shame that we haven’t had a full length album from her since 1998.
14. Foxy Brown
Brooklyn, NYC
Foxy Brown may not receive the appropriate amount of respect and recognition that she truly deserves. Making a name for herself with multiple standout features on LL Cool J’s “I Shot Ya” remix and Jay-Z’s “Ain’t No Ni**a”, Foxy’s distinctive voice and delivery helped her standout even amongst male rappers. Due to personal struggles and an unfortunate hearing loss, Foxy’s run only lasted three albums and a collaborative project with Nas and AZ as The Firm between 1996 and 2001.
Yet, with only three solo albums Foxy was able to leave a mark, and her influence is visible within the likes of Nicki Minaj, who has openly stated how Foxy influenced her. Not to mention, Foxy became one of the most successful woman in Hip-Hop, as she became the second woman in the genre’s history to have a number one album.
Having the ability to sound great on both grimy New York production such as “I Shot Ya” and smooth Hip-Hop/R&B songs like her hit debut record “Get You Home” featuring Blackstreet, Foxy Brown is easily one of the best sounding female rappers of all time.
13. Rah Digga
Newark, NJ
A lyrically talented MC, Rah Digga made a name for herself as a member of the New Jersey collective the Outsidaz and within the underground Lyricist Lounge scene that also helped rappers from the likes of Mos Def, Talib Kweli and Eminem. Her talented skills led her to meet Busta Rhymes and join his Flipmode Squad.
Digga’s catalogue is short, but her debut album Dirty Harriet and her second LP Classic showcase her talent, and her debut in particular is an underrated project. With the Outsidaz she was featured on the classic posse cut, “Cowboy” on Fugees’ acclaimed second album, The Score. Along with Bahamadia, she was a leading lady within the Lyricist Lounge scene, which was a scene solely focused on promoting rappers with high levels of lyrical ability.
12. Noname
Chicago, IL
An outspoken, at times controversial, but talented rapper, Noname has been able to develop a cult-like fanbase after the success of her debut mixtape, Telefone, which was released back in 2016. Making a guest appearance on Chance the Rapper’s Acid Rap mixtape in 2013, Noname was amongst the rising talent within Chicago’s Hip-Hop scene in the early-2010s, along with Chance the Rapper, Vic Mensa, Mick Jenkins and Saba.
Noname’s talent was enough to keep people excited for Telefone, as it took a whole three years for its release since her appearance on Acid Rap, and in those three years she was viewed as the “Jay Electronica of Chicago” for her slow musical output yet still people being excited. Along with Telefone, Noname has developed an impressive catalogue with back to back acclaimed studio albums with Room 25 and Sundial.
Over a decade on since her appearance on Acid Rap, Noname has the talent and respected catalogue to now be viewed as one of the best female rappers of all time. Only 32 years old at the time of writing, we are sure to see more great music from the Chicago native and if so it will push Noname higher on the list.
11. Monie Love
London, England/New York City, NY
Born and raised in London, England, Monie Love is one of the few female MCs that helped opened the door for women in Hip-Hop. Moving to New York City in the 1980s, Love would work side by side with Queen Latifah and both would be the leading ladies of one of the most impactful Hip-Hop collective, the Native Tongues. The collective also included the likes of A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Jungle Brothers and Chi-Ali.
With records such as “It’s A Shame” and being featured on tracks such as “Ladies First” with Queen Latifah, Love’s music preached and pushed for empowering black women. Along with the likes of Latifah, MC Lyte and Salt-N-Pepa, Monie Love helped provide a voice for women in Hip-Hop. Though making a name for herself in America, Monie Love is still one of Britain’s first successful Hip-Hop artists and is the first British female Hip-Hop artist to become successful within the U.S.
10. Roxanne Shante
Queens, NYC
Lyrically viewed as the best female rapper of the 1980s by many, Roxanne Shante made a name for herself at the young age of fourteen during the early 1980s with her breakout hit, “Roxanne’s Revenge”. Showing incredible skill during a time where women in Hip-Hop was pretty much non-existent, and help fought for women’s respect within the genre.
Completely fearless, Roxanne would go head to head with both male and female MCs in battles and soon became a feared opponent. With two albums under her belt with Bad Sister and The Bit*h Is Back, Roxanne was the first ever women to be promoted and marketed as a rapper, becoming the first women ever to be seen rapping on televisions.
A member of the legendary Juice Crew, which was spearheaded by Marley Marl, Roxanne Shante has also been credited for helping the careers of Biz Markie and fellow Juice Crew member MC Shan, by taking them on tour and introducing them to numerous crowds on stage.
9. Bahamadia
Philladelphia, PA
A criminally underrated MC, acts such as The Fresh Prince, The Roots and Beanie Sigel helped bring Hip-Hop credibility to Philladelphia from a male perspective. Bahamadia did that from a female perspective, opening the door for fellow Philldephia rappers, such as Eve. As mentioned previously with Rah Digga, Bahamadia was another leading lady within the Lyricist Lounge scene. Possessing skills such as an impeccable flow and impressive lyricism, Bahamadia should be given more credit for her talent on a microphone.
Debuting in 1996 with her first album, Kollage, the album’s lead single “Uknowhowwedo” became an underground classic. Whilst her album is acclaimed by many Hip-Hop fans. Usually taking time between projects, her follow ups BB Queen and Good Rap Music are the only projects we have received since her debut.
8. Rapsody
Snow Hill, NC
Coming up in the late 2000s with the Hip-Hop group Kooley High, it would take a bit of time for Rapsody to gain the attention she deserved as an MC. After working with and signing to acclaimed producer 9th Wonder, Rapsody’s true come up would be within the Blog era, by making multiple mixtape releases, her debut album The Idea of Beautiful, and rapping on tracks with both established and newly acclaimed rappers.
After signing to Roc-Nation and with the release of arguably her most acclaimed work in 2014 with Laila’s Wisdom and her phenomenal verse on Kendrick Lamar’s “Momma” on To Pimp A Butterfly, Rapsody reached a new career level high. Her follow up and third album, Eve, is a great concept album where each record is named after an influential black woman.
Now with multiple great projects under her belt, along with her formidable skill level on the microphone, Rapsody has grown to not only become one of the best female rappers in the last ten to fifteen years, but one of the best in Hip-Hop history.
7. Queen Latifah
Newark, NJ
A member of the Native Tongues, along with Monie Love, A Tribe Called Quest, Jungle Brothers, De La Soul and Chi-Ali. Queen Latifah led the charge for black women empowerment with albums such as All Hail The Queen and classic singles, from the likes of “Ladies First” with Monie Love, and “U.N.I.T.Y.”. The latter being Latifah’s biggest and most beloved song, and perhaps can be viewed as the anthem for black women empowerment.
Latifah’s career peak was during the late-1980s and early-1990s, as with her conscious lyricism and powerful voice, she had a helping hand in opening the door for women to gain credibility within Hip-Hop. She became the first for so many things, from being the first women in Hip-Hop to receive a plaque, with her third album Black Reign going Gold. She was the first rapper ever to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show, and with her successful transition to film and television, she became the first rapper to receive an Oscar nomination for her role in Chicago.
Latifah showed the world what women are capable of and showed other women that there are no limits or boundaries. Though musically she may have peaked after 1993’s Black Reign, and is now known more for her acting, she is without doubt still one of the greatest and one of the most influential women in Hip-Hop.
6. Jean Grae
Cape Town, South Africa/New York City, NY
An underground rap legend. From a lyrical perspective Jean Grae is incredible from her vocabulary to her intricate wordplay. Since being placed in The Source’s legendary “Unsigned Hype” section back in 1996, Grae has become a well respected MC. Rapping with the likes of other great underground acts, such as Immortal Technique, Masta Ace and Pharoahe Monch.
Named after Jean Grey from the X-Men, Grae has released multiple acclaimed projects from the likes of her studio albums, The Week and Jeanius, the latter entirely produced by 9th Wonder. To more recently her collaborative album, Everything’s Fine with her husband Quelle Chris, which went on to be one of the best albums released in 2018.
Along with other legendary names that came up in the underground scene such as El-P, MF DOOM and Masta Ace, Jean Grae is another legendary rapper from that cloth. Though just missing out on a top five spot, Grae is an incredible artist that deserves every praise and drop of respect that comes her way.
5. Gangsta Boo
Memphis, TN
The only lady of Three 6 Mafia, one of the greatest Hip-Hop groups of all time, Gangsta Boo doesn’t receive the recognition that she deserves, even since her unfortunate passing in January 2023. A member of Three 6 Mafia during the groups career peak where they produced their most prolific and influential work. Within the group she was a standout member, as they produced acclaimed albums such as Mystic Stylez.
As a solo artist Gangsta Boo also made great music on her own, from the likes of “Where Dem Dollas At?”, which is one of the best songs in Southern Hip-Hop history. Along with the likes of Trina, her work as a solo artist and with Three 6 Mafia led her to open the door for women in the South.
Perhaps many will be surprised by Gangsta Boo’s placement in the top five, however her influence and catalogue as a solo artist and a group member is proof of how great she was. She has paved the way for the likes of GloRilla, who is the biggest female rapper to come out of Memphis since Gangsta Boo.
4. Nicki Minaj
Queens, NYC
I’ve recently written a throwback review for her 2010 debut, Pink Friday. Where I detail Nicki Minaj’s influence. Her influence has become incredibly clear in the last fifteen years. Coming out and making a name for herself, during a bleak and quiet time for women in Hip-Hop, Minaj reinvigorated the female scene within the genre.
Lyrically she may receive more credit than she actually deserves, as she hasn’t always been great consistently. However, she is easily one of the most influential rappers of the modern era. As women currently having a healthy position within the genre, this is all thanks to Nicki Minaj. In fact not only did she reinvigorate women in Hip-Hop, but she also brought attention back to New York City, as she was the first exciting artist to come out of the city for quiet some time.
At the time of writing, she is the last woman in Hip-Hop to have a classic album, that being Pink Friday. With her debut, Minaj single-handedly reminded not only the Hip-Hop world, but the Pop world why they should care for female MCs. As she became a huge commercial star, which in turn allowed those that followed her to gain commercial success.
3. Lil’ Kim
Brooklyn, NYC
The most iconic woman in Hip-Hop history, Lil’ Kim was introduced to the world as the only woman in Junior M.A.F.I.A., who were a group founded and mentored by The Notorious B.I.G. Kim shocked Hip-Hop fans with her sexually explicit lyrics and attitude, showcasing female aggressiveness on the mic. Her blueprint would go on to be used by almost every woman to come out after her and is still used to this day.
Kim’s debut album Hardcore, released in 1996, is a classic Hip-Hop album and is an essential body of work from the 1990s. Furthermore, Kim has multiple classic tracks within her catalogue both as a main and featured artist. From the likes of “Crush On You” to “Get Money” with Junior M.A.F.I.A. to “I Can Love You” with Mary J. Blige. Essentially, any other rapper would have a long night against Lil’ Kim in a Verzuz battle.
Along with her music, Kim’s style is just as iconic and influential from the clothing to the numerous coloured wigs. Without question she grew to become a fashion icon, and her style has influenced many woman just as much as her music has. Take Lil’ Kim out of Hip-Hop and the genre would look completely different.
2. MC Lyte
Brooklyn, NYC
Likewise with her contemporaries, such as Queen Latifah, Roxanne Shante and Monie Love, MC Lyte helped pave the way for women in Hip-Hop as she made her debut in the late-1980s. Additionally, similarly to Queen Latifah, MC Lyte became the first for many things also. From the likes of being the first female rapper to release an album with her debut, Lyte As A Rock. The first female rapper to be nominated for a Grammy, that being for her classic single “Ruffneck”, which also went Gold making Lyte the first female rapper to receive a Gold single.
Her debut, came out in 1988, which is viewed by many as the greatest year in Hip-Hop. Lyte’s debut is a standout release from within that year, as over three decades on it’s considered to be one of the best Hip-Hop albums of all time. With lyricism that touched upon various socially conscious topics such as racism to misogyny, MC Lyte grew to become one of the most well respected MCs of all time.
Her lyricism, strong catalogue and her influence on many other women in Hip-Hop, many that are actually on this list, marks Lyte to be not only one of the greatest female rappers, but one of the greatest rappers of all time, male or female.
1. MIssy Elliott
Portsmouth, VA
Perhaps a generic and maybe an expected number one choice to many, however Missy Elliott is usually viewed as the best female rapper of all time for a reason. Every woman on this list is mentioned for their own unique reasons, as mentioned in the introduction, either because of their skill, catalogue or influence. When it comes to Missy Elliott she has all three, and her strength with all three categories is incredibly strong.
Highly skillful with her lyricsm and animated with her flow and delivery. Her catalogue is rich with beloved hit singles that are adored to this day from the likes of “The Rain”, “Get Ur Freak On” and “Work It”. Not to mention she is a Hip-Hop icon for not only her music, but also for her style and unique music videos. Though she hasn’t put an album out since 2005’s The Cookbook, many artists to this day site Missy Elliott as a huge influence, including the likes of Lil Wayne, who has credited Missy as an influence multiple times.
Forming a formidable partnership with super producer, Timbaland, the two are easily one of the greatest rapper-producer duos of all time. They pushed Hip-Hop sonically to a place it had never been before. Whilst, Missy showed herself as a stark contrast to other female rappers that were following the blueprint of hypersexuality.
If there is an all time Queen of Hip-Hop, it has to be Missy Elliott. Debuting back in 1997 with Supa Dupa Fly, her work is still amazing and nothing sounds or looks like what she made during the height of her career.