In honor of Women’s History Month, SOHH has been giving female artists their flowers back-to-back. This time, we celebrate some of the most influential women who paved the way in the hip-hop genre, such as Lil Kim, Queen Latifah, Nicki Minaj, and more.
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Here are the top ten influential women in hip-hop, who have also influenced an influx of newer female artists to date:
Lil’ Kim: The Queen Bee
The original Queen Bee, born Kimberly Denise Jones, is a rapper, singer, and songwriter who has made a significant impact on hip-hop culture. She is known for her provocative lyrics, fashion, and unapologetic approach to sexuality.
One of Lil’ Kim’s most significant contributions to hip-hop was her challenge to gender norms and stereotypes. She showed that women could be just as raunchy and successful in the industry as men, and paved the way for other female rappers to follow in her footsteps. The “Jump Off” rapper also used her platform to speak out about issues, such as body image and sexual harassment.
Lil’ Kim’s music has had a significant impact on hip-hop as well. Her debut album Hard Core was a commercial success and solidified her status as a rising star in the genre. She continued to release hit singles, including “Not Tonight” and “Magic Stick,” and collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry.
In addition to her music, Lil’ Kim has also made an impact on hip-hop fashion. She was known for her provocative and daring outfits, which inspired other artists and became a signature of her style.
Her legacy continues to inspire and influence artists today.
Queen Latifah: Newark’s Powerhouse
The Newark native, born Dana Owens, is a legendary rapper, actress, and entrepreneur who has also made a huge impact on hip-hop culture. Her music and activism have challenged societal norms and inspired generations of artists.
One of Queen Latifah’s most significant contributions to hip-hop was her focus on empowering women. In a male-dominated industry, the rapper championed female empowerment and challenged gender stereotypes in her music. She also used her platform to speak out against misogyny and violence against women in hip-hop.
In fact, her single “U.N.I.T.Y.” tackled issues of gender inequality, domestic violence, and street harassment. The song won a Grammy and became an anthem for female empowerment.
On January 25, 1998, at Super Bowl XXXII, the All Hail The Queen artist became the first rapper to grace the stage, which led to a stream of other rap performances in the coming years.
In addition to her music, Queen Latifah has made a significant impact as an actress. She has appeared in numerous films and television shows and has been recognized for her talent with awards such as an NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Lead Actress in a Motion Picture” for her role in Set it Off.
Overall, Queen Latifah’s impact on hip-hop culture cannot be overstated. She paved the way for female artists and used her platform to address important social and political issues.
Foxy Brown: The Ill Na Na
Born Inga DeCarlo Fung Marchand, Foxy is known for her fierce rhymes, unique style, and unapologetic approach to sexuality.
Foxy Brown showed that women could be just as aggressive, confident, and successful in the industry as men. She also used her platform to speak out about issues such as sexism and objectification.
The Brooklyn rapper’s debut album Ill Na Na showcased her raw talent as a rapper. She continued to release hit singles, including “Hot Spot” and “Get Me Home,” and collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry.
Foxy Brown helped paved the way for other female rappers to break into the industry.
Lauryn Hill: L. Boogie
The New Jersey-born artist has made an indelible impact on hip-hop culture. Lauryn Hill’s groundbreaking album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill redefined the genre and her contributions to hip-hop have influenced generations of artists.
Lauryn Hill’s focus on spirituality and consciousness was a great contribution to hip-hop. She infused her music with elements of gospel, soul, and reggae, and used her platform to spread messages of love, peace, and self-awareness. Her 1998 album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, addressed themes such as motherhood, self-worth, and racial inequality, and became an instant classic.
Lauryn Hill also challenged gender norms and stereotypes in hip-hop. She was one of the few female artists who could sing, rap, and produce, and her talent and versatility inspired other women to break into the industry.
She also used her platform to advocate for women’s rights and issues of social justice. In addition to her music, the “To Zion” singer has made an impact as an actress, appearing in films like Sister Act 2.
Overall, Lauryn Hill’s impact on hip-hop culture is immense.
Missy Elliott: The Misdemeanor
Missy is a rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer who has made an enormous impact on hip-hop culture. She is known for her innovative style, futuristic sound, and boundary-pushing music videos.
One of Missy Elliott’s greatest contributions to hip-hop was her focus on pushing boundaries and challenging norms. She defied gender stereotypes and proved women could be just as creative and innovative as men in the industry. She also collaborated with other artists to create groundbreaking music videos, including “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” and “Get Ur Freak On,” which broke barriers and expanded the possibilities of what a hip-hop music video could be.
The Virginia native pioneered the use of electronic beats and sounds, which became a signature of her sound. Her music has been sampled and remixed by numerous artists, and she has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry.
In addition to her music, Missy Elliott has also made an impact as a producer and songwriter. She has worked with a variety of artists across genres and has been recognized for her talent with multiple Grammy Awards and other accolades.
Overall, Missy Elliott’s impact on hip-hop culture is immeasurable.
Eve: Ruff Ryders’ First Lady
Born Eve Jihan Jeffers, is a rapper, actress, and songwriter who has made a significant impact on hip-hop culture. She is known for her unique voice, lyrical flow, and empowering messages for women.
Eve also proved that women could be just as tough, confident, and successful in the industry as men, and paved the way for other female rappers to follow in her footsteps. She used her platform to speak out about issues women faced, such as domestic violence and body image.
Her debut album Let There Be Eve…Ruff Ryders’ First Lady was a huge success and solidified her status as a rising star in the genre. She continued to release hit singles, including “Gangsta Lovin’” and “Who’s That Girl,” and collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry.
In addition to her music, Eve has also made an impact on hip-hop fashion. She was known for her edgy and bold style, which inspired other artists and became a signature of her brand.
Overall, Eve’s impact on hip-hop culture is undeniable.
Remy Ma: The BX Savior
Bronx-bred rapper, born Reminisce Mackie, is a rapper and songwriter. She is known for her powerful lyrics, unique flow, and authenticity.
One of Remy Ma’s most significant contributions to hip-hop was her authenticity and storytelling ability. She shared her personal experiences and struggles, such as her time in prison and difficulties in the music industry, through her music. She also challenged gender norms and the idea that women had to be hypersexualized to be successful in the industry.
Remy Ma’s music has had a significant impact on hip-hop as well. Her mixtapes and collaborations with other artists, such as Fat Joe, showcased her raw talent and lyrical prowess. She also won a Grammy for her collaboration on the hit song “All the Way Up.”
Overall, Remy Ma brought a unique perspective and authenticity to the hip-hop industry.
Gangsta Boo: The Queen Of Southern Rap
Gangsta Boo, born Lola Mitchell, was a rapper and songwriter who has made a significant impact on hip-hop culture, particularly within the subgenre of Southern rap. The late rapper was best known for her work as a member of the Memphis-based group Three 6 Mafia.
The Memphis artist’s greatest contribution to hip-hop was her ability to break through barriers and become a successful female rapper in a male-dominated industry. She was one of the first female rappers to gain mainstream recognition in the Southern rap scene.
Gangsta Boo’s music has had a significant impact on hip-hop as well. Her debut album, Enquiring Minds; spoke volumes, solidifying her status as a rising star in the genre. She continued to release hit singles, including “Where Dem Dollas At?” and “Sippin’ & Spinnin’,” and collaborated with other notable artists in the industry.
Overall, Gangsta Boo became one of the most successful and influential female rappers in the Southern rap scene. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence artists today.
Trina: Da Baddest
Born Katrina Laverne Taylor, she is known for her raw, explicit lyrics and bold, unapologetic style. Trina’s most significant contribution to hip-hop was her ability to break through barriers and become a mainstream success.
The Miami rhymer became one of the most successful female rappers of all time, breaking records and paving the way for other female artists to follow in her footsteps.
Trina’s music has had a significant impact on hip-hop as well. Her debut album Da Baddest B*tch was a commercial success and solidified her status as a rising star in the genre.
She continued to release hit singles, including “Pull Over” and “Here We Go,” and collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry.
In addition to her music, Trina has been a trailblazer for female empowerment and has been outspoken about her experiences as a woman in the industry.
Trina’s impact on hip-hop culture is noteworthy, especially in southern rap.
Nicki Minaj: The Queen Of Rap
Ms. Minaj, born Onika Tanya Maraj, is a rapper, singer, songwriter, and actress who has made an undeniable impact on female rap. She is known for her unique voice, colorful style, and playful, often risqué lyrics.
Nicki Minaj is one of the most successful female rappers of all time, breaking records and paving the way for other female artists to follow in her footsteps.
The Queens-bred rapper’s debut album Pink Friday was a huge success and solidified her status as a rising star in the genre. She continued to release hit singles, including “Super Bass” and “Anaconda,” and collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry.
In addition to her music, Nicki Minaj has also made an impact on hip-hop fashion. She was known for her bold and often outrageous style, which inspired other artists and became a signature of her brand.
Nicki Minaj’s legacy is highly evident and continues to inspire and influence artists today.
Honorable Mention: Cardi B
Cardi B, born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, is known for her raw, unfiltered lyrics, unique flow, and magnetic personality.
Bardi’s debut album Invasion of Privacy solidified her status as a rising star in the genre. She continued to release hit singles, including “Bodak Yellow” and “WAP,” and collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry.
In addition to her music, Cardi B has been outspoken about her experiences as a woman of color in the industry, using her platform to raise awareness and advocate for change.
Women’s History Month: Top 4 Female Hustlers With Impactful Brands
In honor of Women’s History Month, SOHH also spotlighted Black women in hip-hop who have taken entrepreneurship by storm. These influential women such as Rihanna, Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, and Missy Elliott have built unique, impactful brands.
