Trinidadian rap superstar Nicki Minaj has been officially crowned the greatest female rapper of all time by Billboard.
The list, compiled by Billboard staff, recognizes legendary female rappers who have significantly influenced the hip-hop industry. Joining Minaj in the top five are Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, Lil’ Kim, and Queen Latifah.
Surprisingly, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion ranked outside the top 10, securing the 11th and 15th spots, respectively.
Top 10 Female Rappers of All Time
Billboard’s Top 10 Greatest Female Rappers of All Time:
- Nicki Minaj – Known as the “Queen of Rap,” Nicki Minaj has dominated the industry with her lyrical prowess, multiple chart-topping hits, and record-breaking achievements.
- Missy Elliott – A trailblazer in hip-hop, Missy Elliott revolutionized the genre with her futuristic beats, creative music videos, and timeless hits like Work It and Get Ur Freak On.
- Lauryn Hill – A versatile rapper and singer, Lauryn Hill made history with The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever.
- Lil’ Kim – A pioneer of female rap, Lil’ Kim set new standards for women in hip-hop with her bold lyrics, fierce persona, and iconic fashion style.
- Queen Latifah – One of the first female rap stars, Queen Latifah used her music to empower women and promote social change, with classics like U.N.I.T.Y..
- MC Lyte – A true hip-hop legend, MC Lyte was the first solo female rapper to release a full album, paving the way for future female emcees.
- Salt-N-Pepa – This dynamic duo made waves in the 80s and 90s with hits like Push It and Shoop, breaking barriers for women in rap.
- Roxanne Shanté – One of the first female battle rappers, Roxanne Shanté gained fame as a teenager for Roxanne’s Revenge, a diss track that changed hip-hop history.
- Eve – A Grammy-winning rapper and actress, Eve rose to fame with hits like Let Me Blow Ya Mind, blending rap with mainstream appeal.
- Foxy Brown – Known for her deep voice and confident delivery, Foxy Brown was a major force in 90s hip-hop, collaborating with top artists like Jay-Z and Nas.
