It’s time to give the ladies of Hip-Hop their flowers! In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating female MCs whose powerful bars not only entertained the masses but also confronted misogyny head-on.
From Queen Latifah to Nicki Minaj to Lil’ Kim, the rap game was forever changed and consequently elevated the moment queens decided to spit on the mic. In an industry where women are often overlooked and counted out, these Hip-Hop icons influenced generations of women and shifted the culture with their unforgettable and impactful bars.
While there are plenty more women with equally powerful bars, here are a few from some of our favorite rappers.
WARNING: EXPLICIT LANGUAGE
Doja Cat
“I mean I could be the leader, head of all the states/I could smile and jiggle it ’til his pockets empty, I could be the CEO, just look at Robyn Fenty/And I’ma be there for you ’cause you on my team, girl, Don’t ever think you ain’t hella these n****s dream girl/They wanna pit us against each other, When we succeedin’ for no reasons/They wanna see us end up like we Regina on Mean Girls” – Doja Cat “Woman” (2021)
Latto
“Got my own bag, I don’t need yours (Hell nah), Cinderella, red bottoms, no chores (Yeah)” – Latto “On God” (2020)
Megan Thee Stallion
“Got more milkshake than Kelis, Ain’t met a n***a who can handle me/I think I should be in museums ’cause this body a masterpiece” – Megan Thee Stallion “Sex Talk” (2019)
Cardi B
“Once a good girl, watch me turn diva/Here goes my heart, I put it on speaker” – Cardi B “Ring” (2018)
Remy Ma
“See the avenues is listening, the streets is watchin’/But I live by the code and I’mma die by the code/And can’t nobody say that Remy ever told me nothin'” – Remy Ma “Gangsta B*tch” (2014)
Nicki Minaj
“Cause we dope, girls we flawless, we the poster girls for all this” – Nicki Minaj “Feeling Myself” (2014)
Lil’ Kim
“I don’t bend easy, budge or break/ Trust me, you don’t want it with the female Scarface” – Lil Kim “I Know You See Me” (2005)
Trina
“I’m representin’ for the b***hes/ All eyes on your riches” – Trina “Da Baddest Bitch” (1999)
Lauryn Hill
“Babygirl, respect is just a minimum, N****s f**ked up and you still defending them/Now Lauryn is only human, Don’t think I haven’t been through the same predicament/Let it sit inside your head like a million women in Philly, Penn., It’s silly when girls sell their soul because it’s in” – Lauryn Hill “Doo Wop (That Thing)” (1998)
Queen Latifah & Monie Love
“We are the ones that give birth/To the generations of prophets because it’s ladies first” – Queen Latifah and Monie Lovie “Ladies’ First” (1989)