The Queens of Rap: 10 Best Female Rappers of All Time

The queens of rap! Let’s look at the 10 best female rappers of all time. In the historically male-dominated hip-hop world, the most outstanding female rappers have long held their own.
These famous female rappers have a wide range. From genre pioneers like MC Lyte and Roxanne Shanté to contemporary superstars like Cardi B and Nicki Minaj.

It is time to explore the top 10 female rappers of all time in appreciation of the queens of rap. These strong women, who vary from conscious lyricists to trap queens, have cemented their places in hip-hop history.

10. MC Lyte

MC Lyte is known for her lyrical prowess and commanding stage presence. She made history in 1988 when Lyte as a Rock, her first full-length album as a solo female rapper, was released.

Her songs frequently addressed social issues and black women’s realities in America. She continued to put out popular albums for decades and even ventured into acting and voiceover work.

She was the first female rapper to win the “I Am Hip Hop” award at the 2013 BET Hip Hop Awards, making history. Young female rappers are still motivated by her reputation as a pioneer for women in hip-hop.

9. Missy Elliott

Missy Elliott is among the most talented artists of all time, among the best female rappers of all time. She is well-known in rap for her distinctive style and unmatched ingenuity.

Missy Elliott started her career by producing and creating songs for other artists in the middle of the 1990s. She did not become famous immediately until she released her debut project, Supa Dupa Fly, in 1997.

Her distinctive style incorporated rap, R&B, and electronic music. She was innovative and helped to define hip-hop and pop music for the future. Missy Elliott has six studio albums to her credit, which have received excellent reviews.

Her popular tracks, including “Work It,” “Get Ur Freak On,” and “Lose Control,” have won her Grammy Awards among her many other honors. Missy’s talent for fusing stirring lyrics with visually spectacular music videos sets her apart from other rappers. Her music videos serve as both art pieces and promotional tools.

They showcase her exceptional originality and unique sense of style. Even Beyoncé, who listed Missy Elliott as one of her biggest influences, has been moved by Missy’s innovative music videos.

8. Queen Latifah

one of the best female rappers the scene has ever seen, Queen Latifah embraced little criticism and broke many rules. Queen Latifah had hit songs in the 1980s and 1990s that aimed to empower women while challenging social standards.

Queen Latifah rose to prominence as the embodiment of women’s strength and tenacity courtesy of this album. It featured hit singles like “Ladies First” and “U.N.I.T.Y.,” among others.

She starred in major motion pictures such as Set It Off and Chicago and won a Grammy for her jazz album, The Dana Owens Album. Moreover, she created her own cosmetics line, the CoverGirl Queen Collection.

Even today, Queen Latifah is an influence on female rappers. Her legacy has been shaped by overcoming obstacles and fearlessly speaking her mind.

7. Lil’ Kim

Lil’ Kim is undoubtedly one of the most significant female rappers ever. She shattered barriers and set the path for upcoming female rappers. She shattered ceilings with her sexually explicit lyrics and legendary sense of style.

The album achieved double platinum sales and gave rise to smash singles, including “Crush on You” and “Not Tonight.” Lil’ Kim has worked with several musicians and has continued to put out albums at the top of the charts.

However, Lil’ Kim’s success in hip-hop is caused by more than simply her musical prowess. She is renowned for her bold and outlandish fashion choices, frequently sporting provocative and pricey attire that pushed the boundaries of what was considered suitable for a female artist.

Many current female rappers credit Lil’ Kim as having significantly influenced their careers. Thus demonstrating how Lil’ Kim’s influence on the music business is still felt today.

She will continue to influence upcoming generations of femcees for many years, solidifying her reputation as one of the greatest female rappers ever.

6. Rapsody

North Carolina-based rapper Rapsody left a mark through her socially conscious songs and commanding stage presence. Rapsody stands out from other female rappers because she can deliver strong sentiments through her songs while retaining a professional and refined style.

Her 2019 album Eve paid homage to significant women of color, with each tune bearing the names of widely recognized female figures like Oprah Winfrey, Nina Simone, or Aaliyah.

Rapsody’s approach is based on traditional hip-hop and emphasizes lyrics and narrative. Overall, Rapsody is among the best female rappers of all time due to her dedication to conscious messaging and solid rap skills.

She continues to empower and inspire people with her songs, opening doors for upcoming female rappers.

5. Rah Digga

Rah Digga, a female emcee who became famous in the 1990s, began her rap career as a member of the rap group “The Outsidaz” after being born Rashia Tashan Fisher in New Jersey in 1974.

Rapping in Rah Digga’s style is loud and steadfast; her songs frequently touch on social and political concerns. Her 2000 debut album, Dirty Harriet, received high praise and established her as one of her generation’s most accomplished female MCs.

Rah Digga has succeeded dramatically, yet the general public has largely ignored her career. Rah Digga has a background in acting and has been in several movies and TV shows, such as “Thirteen Ghosts” and “The Wire.”

Overall, Rah Digga’s contributions to hip-hop have established her as a true rap queen and paved the way for other female MCs.

4. Da Brat

The early 1990s saw the emergence of Da Brat, whose real name is Shawntae Harris. Her debut album Funkdafied, which went platinum and made her the first solo female rapper to do so, helped her immediately gain notoriety.

Da Brat’s rhymes represented her bold and daring demeanor and her unique style combined with her energizing flow and raspy voice. She had five studio albums and five singles and was well-known for songs including “Funkdafied,” “Give it to You,” and “Loverboy.”

Da Brat established herself on television beyond her rap career by co-hosting a daytime talk show, “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show,” and appearing on reality shows and movies like Glitter and Kazaam.

Da Brat paved the way in the male-dominated rap scene by demonstrating that women could hold their own and dominate “the mic.” Her brave and confident attitude toward her music, style, and entire presence inspired future generations of female rappers.

She paved the way for a new generation of female rappers who didn’t hesitate to question expectations and preconceptions. She never hesitated to be herself or let anyone put her in a box.

3. Eve 

The legendary rapper and actress from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, rose to fame in the late 1990s. Dropping hits like “What Ya Want,” “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” featuring Gwen Stefani, and “Gangsta Lovin’” featuring Alicia Keys.

Eve’s musical career officially began in 1999 with the publication of her debut album, Let There Be Eve…Ruff Ryders’ First Lady. Eve won a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Song Collaboration for the album’s No.1 Billboard 200 debut and her smash hit, “Let Me Blow Ya Mind.”

Her subsequent albums, Scorpion and Eve-Olution, contributed to her success during the early 2000s. Eve has pursued acting and music, appearing in movies like Barbershop, xXx, and The Cookout.

She has become a legend in rap and beyond because of her distinctive sound and powerful words.

2. Lauryn Hill

The New Jersey native is one of the most admired female performers ever. Thanks to her deep, passionate delivery and deft switch between rapping and singing.

Hit songs from the album include “Doo Wop (That Thing),” “Ex-Factor,” and “Everything is Everything” More than eight million copies were sold in the US, and Hill won five Grammy awards, including Album of the Year.

It was a commercial and critical success. Hill is recognized not only for her musical skills but also for her activism. She is a strong voice for social and racial justice. She speaks out against the prison industrial complex and police brutality.

Despite her significant accomplishments, Hill’s career was hindered by controversy and personal troubles. She has received criticism for her behavior during live concerts and has a history of legal issues.

Despite the difficulties she has faced, Hill is still a respected personality in hip-hop and beyond. She is one of the most significant female rappers of all time due to her impact on the genre and dedication to utilizing her platform for social change

1. Nicki Minaj