Female Rappers You Must Know

Photo:  Dimitrios Kambouris // Lester Cohen // Lester Cohen (Getty Images)
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris // Lester Cohen // Lester Cohen (Getty Images)

The ladies are starting to take over hip-hop. Artists such as Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, Cardi B and Latto are among the biggest rappers in the world, but there are plenty more women who are ready to cement their spot in the game as well.

We already recognized the female MCs who have been the most influential, now we take a look at the ladies who are killing the game currently with dope bars and hot songs.

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Nicki Minaj

Photo:  Johnny Nunez/WireImage (Getty Images)
Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage (Getty Images)

Many of the women on this list were inspired by Nicki Minaj. She’s the most successful female MC of all time and I don’t think she’s done yet. She hasn’t dropped a studio album since 2018, but she still stays active and dropped a new single, “Red Ruby Da Sleeze,” earlier this month.

Megan Thee Stallion

Photo:  Paul Morig (Getty Images)
Photo: Paul Morig (Getty Images)

Megan Thee Stallion is the heir to Nicki Minaj’s throne. The Houston rapper is grown in front of our eyes and has enjoyed tremendous success ever since she released her 2018 mixtape, Tina Snow.

Cardi B

Photo:  Nicholas Hunt (Getty Images)
Photo: Nicholas Hunt (Getty Images)

Cardi B is in a position few thought she would be at. Originally gaining notoriety for being a reality TV star, Cardi has become one of the biggest rappers in the world. The only lady on this list who has won a Grammy for Best Rap Album. Cardi B continues to grow.

Doja Cat

Photo:  Kevin Winter (Getty Images)
Photo: Kevin Winter (Getty Images)

Many may consider Doja Cat a pop star now. But when she first broke into the industry, she was a rapper. The multi-talented Doja is funny, entertaining, fashionable and makes incredible music. She has a legitimate opportunity to be one of the biggest artists in the world.

Ice Spice

Photo:  Scott Dudelson (Getty Images)
Photo: Scott Dudelson (Getty Images)

The young Bronx Star is one of the hottest rappers in the games. Thanks to social media, she had a slew of hit records in 2022 including, “Munch (Feelin’ U),” “In Ha Mood” and “Bikini Bottom.” In 2023, her collab with British singer PinkPantheress, “Boy’s a Liar Pt.2,” brought the Bronx MC her first entry on the Billboard Hot 100.

City Girls

Photo:  Prince Williams/Wireimage (Getty Images)
Photo: Prince Williams/Wireimage (Getty Images)

These two ladies ran the summer of 2018 with their now classic record, “Act Up.” It could be heard everywhere that ladies wanted to turn up. The Miami duo continues to enjoy success and most recently dropped their second studio album, City On Lock, in 2020.

GloRilla

Photo:  Prince Williams/Wireimage (Getty Images)
Photo: Prince Williams/Wireimage (Getty Images)

This young Memphis has had a meteoric rise in the last year, thanks to her two hit singles, “F.N.F.” and “Tomorrow 2.” The stage has only gotten bigger for the young artist as she performed at the 2023 Grammys along with many other legends to pay homage to homage to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

Latto

Photo:  Emma McIntyre (Getty Images)
Photo: Emma McIntyre (Getty Images)

Although Latto is enjoying success now, it hasn’t been easy. She first gained notoriety because of her appearance on the reality TV show The Rap Game in 2016. Since then, she’s been hard at work and recently released her most popular work to date in 2022, 777. The album featured her smash hit, “Big Energy.”

Flo Mili

Photo:  Mat Hayward (Getty Images)
Photo: Mat Hayward (Getty Images)

Few artists make it out of Alabama, Flo Mili is one of them. Flo is a clever and exciting rapper who always brings energy whether your hearing her live or listening through your headphones.

Rico Nasty

Photo:  Josh Sisk/For The Washington Post (Getty Images)
Photo: Josh Sisk/For The Washington Post (Getty Images)

Rico Nasty is one of the most eclectic rap artists out currently. She always brings energy to every song she hops on. Known for creating “rap rock,” Rico has an aggressive style that may not appeal to everyone. But, she’s still an artist who deserves her respect as an MC

Little Simz

Photo:  Jo Hale/Redferns (Getty Images)
Photo: Jo Hale/Redferns (Getty Images)

Little Simz has a legitimate argument to be the best rap artist in the world. No joke. Her latest album, NO THANK YOU, was one of the best albums of 2022 and she continues to create new, thought-provoking hip-hop. This British MC is not going anywhere.

Doechii

Photo:  Christopher Polk (Getty Images)
Photo: Christopher Polk (Getty Images)

Doechii is unique. Although she’s labeled as a hip-hop artist, I almost feel like that boxes her in. She’s a young artist who hasn’t even released her debut studio album. But with the help of TDE, I’m sure her anticipated album will be worth the wait.

Rapsody

Photo:  2020HHA (Getty Images)
Photo: 2020HHA (Getty Images)

Rapsody is a veteran of the rap game. She’s been releasing projects since 2010 and has only received her just-due in the past few years. Every album she releases is well thought out and made with purpose. Her 2019 album, Eve, is one of the most well-made albums I’ve ever heard and has an incredible concept to it.

Baby Tate

Photo:  Rebecca Sapp (Getty Images)
Photo: Rebecca Sapp (Getty Images)

The daughter of Dionne Faris, Baby Tate took on her mother’s ear for music but decided to pursue a music career in a different genre. She’s a talented young MC who still has time to grow and experiment with her music.

BIA

Photo:  Burak Cingi/Redferns (Getty Images)
Photo: Burak Cingi/Redferns (Getty Images)

Originally gaining fame for appearing on the reality TV show Sisterhood of Hip Hop, Bia has now grown into an artist who can stand on her own. She enjoyed her first record in 2021 thanks to social media for the single, “WHOLE LOTTA MONEY.” The song got even bigger after Nicki Minaj appeared o the remix.

Princess Nokia

Photo:  Kevin Winter (Getty Images)
Photo: Kevin Winter (Getty Images)

We have to include the experimental rappers on this list. Princess Nokia loves to chances in her music which has led to her gaining a strong and loyal fanbase. This Brooklyn-born MC is always trying new things which has led to some unique songs in her catalog.

Monaleo

Photo:  Scott Dudelson (Getty Images)
Photo: Scott Dudelson (Getty Images)

This young Texas MC has not even put out a full-length album yet, but she’s on this because she can rap just about as well as anyone on this list. Listen to her feature on Maxo Kream’s “CEE CEE” and you’ll agree.

Che Noir

Screenshot:  Instagram/@chenoir
Screenshot: Instagram/@chenoir

Che Noir is the hardest rapper on this list. No question. Born and raised in Buffalo, N.Y., Che is a lyricist that is incredibly vivid and descriptive in her music. She paints a picture of the environment she grew up in and drops the listener into a new grimy and gritty world, that reveals pockets of hope, love and family.

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