The history of women in hip hop goes back to the early days of the genre, but it is widely believed that the first female rapper was MC Sha-Rock. Born Sharon Green in Wilmington, North Carolina, Sha-Rock moved to New York as a child and became involved in the burgeoning hip hop scene in the late 1970s.
In 1979, she joined the pioneering rap group Funky Four Plus One More, which was signed to Sugar Hill Records, one of the first and most important labels in hip hop history. Sha-Rock quickly became a standout member of the group, known for her rapid-fire rhymes, confident flow, and commanding stage presence.
Sha-Rock’s impact on hip hop was significant in many ways. In addition to being a trailblazing female rapper, she was also one of the first rappers of any gender to perform on national television, appearing on the show “Saturday Night Live” in 1981. She was also one of the first rappers to break into the mainstream, with Funky Four Plus One More’s single “That’s the Joint” becoming a hit in 1980.
Despite her groundbreaking achievements, Sha-Rock’s legacy has been somewhat overshadowed by other female rappers who emerged in the 1980s and beyond, such as Roxanne Shante, MC Lyte, and Queen Latifah. However, her influence on the genre can still be felt today, as female rappers continue to push boundaries and challenge stereotypes in a male-dominated industry.
Table of Contents
Who are the top 3 female artists in rap?
The world of rap music has been dominated by male artists for decades, but in recent times, female artists have begun to make significant strides in the industry, earning respect and admiration for their lyricism and creativity. In the current music scene, several female rap artists stand out as the top performers in the genre.
The top three female artists in rap are Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Megan Thee Stallion.
Nicki Minaj is a Trinidadian-born rapper, singer, and songwriter who has been in the rap scene for over a decade. She gained popularity with her mixtapes, which caught the attention of the industry’s top players. Her debut album “Pink Friday” was an instant success, and she continued to deliver hit after hit, including “Super Bass,” “Starships,” and “Anaconda.”
Nicki’s reign in rap has been marked by her unique flow, versatility, and her unapologetic approach. She has collaborated with various artists and has been credited with inspiring a new wave of female rappers who follow in her footsteps.
Cardi B is another rapper who has taken the music industry by storm. Born in the Bronx, Cardi started as a stripper before transitioning to rap. Her breakout hit “Bodak Yellow” skyrocketed her career, earning her numerous accolades, including the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album for her debut album, “Invasion of Privacy.”
Cardi is known for her raw, explicit lyrics and her unfiltered personality, which has won her a massive following. She has also demonstrated her talent by collaborating with other top artists, including Bruno Mars, Megan Thee Stallion, and Nicki Minaj.
Megan Thee Stallion, also known as Hot Girl Meg, has become one of the most popular female rap stars in recent years. Her music blends traditional rap with elements of trap and R&B, and she has gained a reputation for her empowering lyrics and sex appeal. Megan’s debut mixtape, “Fever,” was released in 2019 and included popular tracks like “Simon Says” and “Cash Shit.”
She also gained attention in 2020 for her hit song “WAP” with Cardi B, which broke records and sparked controversy. Megan’s unique style, undeniable talent, and distinct voice make her one of the most exciting artists in the rap game right now.
The top three female artists in rap—Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Megan Thee Stallion—are all exceptional talents who have made significant contributions to the genre. These women have successfully broken through the male-dominated industry and paved the way for future female rap stars. Their creativity, authenticity, and boldness are attributes that will continue to inspire and motivate young women who aspire to follow in their footsteps.
Who were the rappers before Nicki Minaj?
There were several rappers who emerged before Nicki Minaj in the music industry. The early pioneers of rap music include icons such as Grandmaster Flash, Run-DMC, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, and Rakim. In the late 1980s, female rap groups such as Salt-n-Pepa and Queen Latifah paved the way for women in the industry.
In the 1990s, artists such as Missy Elliot, Lauryn Hill, and Foxy Brown made significant contributions to the genre. Missy Elliot’s innovative style and music videos revolutionized the industry, while Lauryn Hill’s solo career after leaving the Fugees cemented her as a powerhouse in the genre. Foxy Brown’s debut album, “Ill Na Na,” demonstrated her lyrical prowess and sexuality, setting a standard for female rappers of the time.
In the early 2000s, a new wave of female rappers emerged, such as Remy Ma and Eve, who were known for their raw and real lyrics. Later in the decade, Lil Kim’s continued success and influence demonstrated her lasting impact on the industry.
In the late 2000s, Nicki Minaj rose to fame, bringing her unique style and persona to the forefront of the rap scene. Her colorful wigs, outrageous outfits, and clever rhymes made her an icon and paved the way for newer artists like Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion.
Overall, there have been numerous influential rappers before Nicki Minaj, each bringing their own unique style and contributions to the genre. The legacy of these artists continues to inspire and influence the industry today.
Who is better Cardi or Nicki?
Both Cardi B and Nicki Minaj have distinct styles, unique voices, and a massive fan following, which makes it difficult to measure their success.
Cardi B rose to fame with her debut single, “Bodak Yellow,” which became a chart-topping hit and dominated the airwaves globally. Her energetic and confident lyrical delivery coupled with her charismatic personality has made her a favorite among fans worldwide. She has won numerous awards and broken several records, making her an influential figure in the music industry.
Cardi B has a way of expressing herself that makes her relatable to her audience, and her commanding stage presence makes her an engaging performer.
On the other hand, Nicki Minaj is considered one of the greatest female rappers of all time, with numerous chart-topping hits, awards, and accolades under her belt. Her unique voice, catchy hooks, and effortless flows have made her a prominent figure in the rap game. She has been able to reinvent herself constantly, maintaining relevance over the years, and has inspired a generation of female rappers with her unapologetic attitude and fearless approach to the male-dominated rap scene.
Comparing Cardi B and Nicki Minaj is subjective as both artists have their strengths and weaknesses. Cardi B, with her vivacious personality and unique style, has quickly become a pop culture icon, while Nicki Minaj is a rap legend who has continuously pushed boundaries and challenged the status quo of the music industry.
Overall, both Cardi B and Nicki Minaj have made significant contributions to the music industry, and their undeniable success cannot be disputed. It is up to each individual to decide who they prefer, but it is essential to recognize and appreciate the talent of both artists.
Who is the Queen of Rap in the world?
The title of “Queen of Rap” is highly subjective, and there is no definitive answer to who rightfully deserves the title. However, many rappers have been referred to as “Queens of Rap” over the years, each for different reasons.
One of the most recognized and influential Queens of Rap is undoubtedly Nicki Minaj. She has been a dominant force in the rap industry for over a decade, and her unique style and delivery have set her apart from her peers. Her impact on the industry has been undeniable, with numerous hit singles and albums to her name.
She has broken record after record and has become a cultural icon in the process, having transcended the music industry to become a media personality and fashion icon as well.
Another highly respected and influential Queen of Rap is Missy Elliott. She helped to redefine the sound of hip-hop and rap music, and her innovative music videos and dance routines have been highly influential across the industry. Her music has won countless awards, and she has been credited as a trailblazer who paved the way for many female rappers to come.
In addition to Nicki Minaj and Missy Elliott, other Queen of Rap candidates include Lil Kim, Queen Latifah, Lauryn Hill, and Cardi B, among others. Each of these artists has made significant contributions to the rap industry and has earned respect from fans and fellow artists alike.
The title of “Queen of Rap” is a matter of opinion, and individuals have varying opinions on who rightly deserves the title. However, what is clear is that female rappers have made a significant impact on the rap industry, and their contributions should be celebrated and recognized.
Is Lil Kim the Queen of Rap?
The title of the Queen of Rap is often debated among fans and critics, and Lil Kim is undoubtedly a leading candidate for the title. She has been in the rap game for over two decades and has had a major influence on the genre through her music, fashion, and persona.
In the mid-1990s, Lil Kim emerged as a prominent figure in the East Coast rap scene, and her debut album, “Hardcore,” was a commercial and critical success. She quickly gained notoriety for her sexually explicit lyrics and provocative image, which challenged the traditional male-dominated rap industry.
Lil Kim’s impact on rap goes beyond her music. She has been credited with paving the way for female rappers and inspiring a new generation of artists who refuse to conform to gender norms in hip-hop. Her fashion and style have also influenced pop culture, as her iconic looks have been referenced and emulated by other celebrities and fashion designers.
Furthermore, Lil Kim has a devoted fan base that considers her the Queen of Rap. They argue that her lyrical prowess, stage presence, and contributions to the genre are unparalleled, and that no other female rapper has had as much of an impact as she has.
However, the title of the Queen of Rap is subjective, and there are other worthy contenders for the throne. Artists like Missy Elliott, Nicki Minaj, and Cardi B have all made significant contributions to hip-hop and have had massive commercial success.
While there may be other worthy contenders, Lil Kim undoubtedly deserves recognition as one of the most influential and iconic figures in rap history. Her legacy continues to inspire and shape the genre today, and she remains a force to be reckoned with. Whether or not she is the Queen of Rap is up for debate, but there is no denying her impact on the art form.
Who is considered the first lady of hip hop?
The title of the “first lady of hip hop” is often attributed to MC Lyte, who rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s as one of the first female rappers to achieve mainstream success. Her debut album, “Lyte as a Rock,” was released in 1988 and featured socially-conscious lyrics and a unique, assertive flow that set her apart from other female MCs of the time.
In addition to her music career, MC Lyte has been a staunch advocate for women in hip hop and has worked to uplift and mentor fellow female artists. She founded the Hip Hop Sisters Foundation, which provides scholarships and mentorship to aspiring female musicians, and has also served as a spokesperson for various women’s organizations.
MC Lyte’s influence on hip hop culture extends beyond her own music, as she has been referenced and sampled by countless other artists in the years since her debut. Her legacy as the first lady of hip hop is one that continues to thrive today, as a new generation of female MCs follow in her footsteps and push the boundaries of the genre.
Who is known as the Queen of hip hop?
The Queen of Hip Hop is a well-known title in the music industry that recognizes and celebrates the significant contributions of female artists to hip-hop music. Several female rappers have been bestowed with this title in the past, but one of the most famous and revered is undoubtedly the iconic rapper, Missy Elliott.
Missy Elliott was born on July 1, 1971, in Portsmouth, Virginia, and grew up in a family of musicians. She started her music career in the early 1990s, working as a producer and songwriter for artists such as Aaliyah, 702, and SWV. However, her big break came in the mid-1990s when she released her debut album, “Supa Dupa Fly,” which was a commercial and critical success.
Missy Elliott is known for her innovative and eclectic approach to hip-hop, which fuses elements of R&B, funk, and electronic music. She has released six studio albums, produced countless hits, and collaborated with many of the biggest names in music. Her music is often characterized by its catchy hooks, infectious beats, and futuristic soundscapes.
As a female artist in a male-dominated genre, Missy Elliott faced many challenges but never gave up. She has been a trailblazer for women in hip-hop, inspiring many young female artists to follow in her footsteps. She has won numerous awards, including five Grammy awards, and has been nominated for over 40 others.
In addition to her music career, Missy Elliott is also known for her philanthropic work, including supporting several charities, such as the ASPCA, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Overall, Missy Elliott is a true legend in the hip-hop world and is undoubtedly one of the most influential female rappers of all time. Her innovative approach to music, unmatched talent, and dedication to empowering women in the industry have earned her the title of the Queen of Hip Hop.
Who is the top selling female hip hop artist all time?
The top selling female hip hop artist of all time is none other than the legendary Missy Elliot. With a career spanning over three decades, Missy Elliot has been a force to reckon with in the music world. Known for her unique style of music, visual artistry, and iconic videos, Missy Elliot has won numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, solidifying her place as one of the greatest female rappers of all time.
Missy Elliot began her music career in the late 90s with her debut album “Supa Dupa Fly,” which featured the hit singles “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” and “Sock It 2 Me.” The album was a commercial success, selling over three million copies and earning Missy Elliot multiple Grammy nominations. Following the success of her debut album, Missy Elliot released a string of hit albums, including “Da Real World,” “Miss E…
So Addictive,” and “Under Construction,” all of which were a commercial success, earning her numerous chart-topping singles and awards.
Missy Elliot has sold over 30 million records worldwide, making her one of the most successful female artists in hip hop history. She has also produced and written hit songs for several notable artists, including Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Ciara, and Mary J. Blige, among others. In 2019, Missy Elliot became the first female rapper to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest music talents of all time.
Missy Elliot is the top-selling female hip hop artist of all time, renowned for her unmatched talent, work ethic, and contributions to the music industry. Her music continues to inspire and influence a new generation of artists, ensuring her prominent place in the hip hop history books for years to come.
Who is the goddess of rap?
These women have become trailblazers, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of female rappers.
One of the earliest and most influential female rappers is Roxanne Shante, who rose to fame with her iconic 1984 hit song “Roxanne’s Revenge”. Another female rapper who had a significant impact on the music industry is Queen Latifah, whose music was known for its positive and empowering messages for women.
In the late 1990s, Lil Kim emerged as the queen of rap with her bold and provocative rhymes. She challenged gender roles and norms with her sexually explicit lyrics and helped to expand the possibilities for women in the male-dominated world of hip-hop.
More recently, artists like Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Megan Thee Stallion have become immensely popular for their ability to deliver powerful and confident rhymes. They have all been compared to legendary male rappers and have proven that women in hip-hop can be just as successful and acclaimed as their male counterparts.
There is no goddess of rap, but numerous female rappers have earned their place in the music industry through their talent and hard work. They have become symbols of strength, resilience, and empowerment, inspiring women to pursue their passions and dreams regardless of any perceived limitations.
