30 Best Female Rappers of All Time Who Changed Hip Hop with Power and Style

What if Shakespeare could rap, absurd right?

“To be or not to be, that’s pressure in the mirror, Heavy thoughts masked by a lyrical killer.”

As funny as it sounds, rap, at the end of the day, is just poetry. In the world of hip-hop, the poetry is raw, powerful, clever, and empowering. The best female rappers of all time didn’t just change rap, they redefined poetry with punchlines. They kicked open the door, dropped the mic, and proved that rhyme and rhythm are not a boys’ club.

The 30 Best Female Rappers of All Time

Name of the Best Female Rappers of All Time	Major Awards and Achievements (Not Comprehensive)
Doechii	2025 BET Best Female Hip-Hop Artist
Ice Spice	2024 BET nominee
Sexyy Red	2024 BET nominee
Latto	2023 BET winner, 2024 nominee
GloRilla	2024 BET nominee
Coi Leray	Multiple BET nominations
Saweetie	Multi BET nominations
Kash Doll	Recognized on red carpets
Remy Ma	BET winner, Grammy nominee
Ms. Banks	UK MOBO nominee
Lil’ Mama	BET nominations
Roxanne Shante	First female solo rapper to get a Lifetime Grammy Award
Shawnna	BET nominee
Salt (Cheryl James)	With Salt-N-Pepa: Grammy winner, huge sales
Pepa (Sandra Denton)	Salt-N-Pepa: Grammy winner, Lifetime Award
Iggy Azalea	American Music Award, MTV VMA, Billboard winner
Eve	Grammy winner, multi-platinum
Lil’ Kim	Grammy winner, Billboard, and MTV awards
MC Lyte	BET “I Am Hip Hop” Icon Award
Trina	Multiple BET nominations
Lauryn Hill	5 Grammy wins for “Miseducation…”
Bhad Bhabie	Social media/music crossover
Megan Thee Stallion	3 Grammys, 5 BET Awards, Billboard Women in Music Award
Lizzo	4 Grammys, BET nominee
Missy Elliott	4 Grammys, BET awards, Songwriters Hall of Fame
Queen Latifah	1 Grammy, Emmy, Oscar nomination, BET Icon
Cardi B	1 Grammy, American Music, Billboard
Nicki Minaj	8 BET wins (most ever), 6 AMAs, 4 Billboard, 2 MTV, 1 Grammy
Foxy Brown	Grammy nominations
Yo-Yo	Grammy nominations, NAACP win

1. Doechii

Doechii grew up in Tampa and rose to fame when her 2021 breakout “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake” went viral. She landed a deal with Top Dawg and Capitol, then made history winning a Grammy for Best Rap Album with “Alligator Bites Never Heal.” Known for innovative visuals and a raw, versatile style, she’s now a genre-bending star and one of the best female rappers of all time.

2. Ice Spice

Ice Spice, from the Bronx, exploded onto the rap scene with her viral anthem “Munch (Feelin’ U)” in 2022. Her playful yet confident style quickly made her a cultural icon. She’s scored multiple top-10 Billboard hits, worked with superstars, and is acclaimed for her trendsetting approach to music and fashion.

3. Sexyy Red

Sexyy Red, born in St. Louis, gained recognition with her bold personality and party-ready singles like “Pound Town” in 2023. Her high-energy anthems and confident image resonated widely. Collaborations with major artists and her distinct style have earned her fans and critical acclaim.

4. Latto

Latto, formerly Mulatto, started rapping as a teen in Atlanta and first won the spotlight on “The Rap Game.” Her platinum hit “Big Energy” was a game-changer, landing her Grammys and Billboard acclaim. Latto is known for confidence, entrepreneurship, and supporting other women in rap.

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5. GloRilla

GloRilla, from Memphis, rocketed to fame with 2022’s “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)” and its infectious, raw energy. She’s celebrated for breaking barriers in Southern rap and for her authentic storytelling. Her debut studio album “Glorious” hit the top 5 on Billboard, and she continues making headlines for her success. That’s why she is the best female rapper of all time.

6. Coi Leray

Coi Leray Collins, born May 11, 1997, is a rising American rapper and singer known for viral hits like “Players” and collaborations with major artists, including Nicki Minaj. Daughter of rapper Benzino, she blends melodic rap with pop and has been nominated for multiple awards, including Grammys. She has a strong social media presence and growing influence in hip hop.

7. Saweetie

Saweetie, born Diamonté Harper in California, shot to prominence with her viral single “Icy Grl.” She’s become a major hip-hop star known for confident anthems, bold style, and business ventures. Her 2021 hit “Best Friend” earned Grammy and BET nominations, making her a role model for young women in music.

8. Kash Doll

Growing up in Detroit, Kash Doll hustled from a young age, turning life’s hardships into inspiration for hard-hitting bars. After breaking from a tough early record contract, she went viral with “For Everybody” and “Ice Me Out.” Now a rapper-actress, businesswoman, and mother, her empowering anthems and resilience keep earning fans.

9. Remy Ma

Remy Ma grew up in the Bronx, forging her reputation with sharp lyricism in underground rap battles. After joining Terror Squad, she scored a Grammy for “Lean Back.” Years later, her comeback with “Up” reintroduced her to a new generation. Remy remains vocal about justice and women’s empowerment.

10. Ms. Banks

Ms. Banks hails from South London and emerged as a vibrant force in UK hip hop, blending grime, rap, and Afrobeats. With bold lyricism and empowering energy, she’s collaborated with the likes of Stefflon Don and Nicki Minaj and is seen as a role model for young women of color in music.

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11. Lil’ Mama

Known for her hit “Lip Gloss,” Lil’ Mama found fame as a teenager and later became a judge on “America’s Best Dance Crew.” Through ups and downs, she’s recognized for her energetic performances and acting, notably in the “CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story” biopic.

12. Roxanne Shante

Roxanne Shante, born Lolita Shante Gooden in 1969, pioneered female rap in the 1980s, starting with her battle hit “Roxanne’s Revenge” at age 14, sparking the famous “Roxanne Wars.” She released two albums, “Bad Sister” (1989) and “The Bitch Is Back” (1992). Recognized as a trailblazer in hip-hop, she received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 2025. She remains influential and active in mentoring and the media.

13. Shawnna

Shawnna, from Chicago and daughter of blues legend Buddy Guy, gained fame in the early 2000s with her sharp flows and features on Ludacris’ hits like “What’s Your Fantasy” and “Stand Up.” She released two studio albums, Worth the Weight and Block Music, with singles like “Gettin’ Some.” Shawnna is celebrated for her energetic presence and contributions to Midwest hip hop.

14. Salt (Cheryl James) – Salt-N-Pepa Group

Salt-N-Pepa, formed in 1985 in New York City, were trailblazers as one of the first all-female rap groups. Their 1986 debut album Hot, Cool & Vicious went platinum thanks to hits like “Push It.” They gained fame with socially conscious and bold songs such as “Let’s Talk About Sex.” Their 1993 album Very Necessary was a massive success, with hits like “Shoop” and “Whatta Man.” They won the 1995 Grammy for Best Rap Performance for “None of Your Business,” becoming the first female rap act to win a Grammy.

In 2021, they received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2025 were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Salt-N-Pepa are regarded as “The First Ladies of Rap,” with over 15 million records sold worldwide. They are both the best female rappers of all time.

15. Pepa (Sandra Denton) – Salt-N-Pepa Group

Pepa is one-half of the pioneering female rap group Salt-N-Pepa, formed in 1985. Known for empowering anthems like “Push It” and “Let’s Talk About Sex,” she helped break down barriers for women in hip hop. The group won a Grammy and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2025. Pepa remains influential as a performer and media personality.

16. Iggy Azalea

Iggy Azalea is an Australian rapper who gained international fame with her 2014 hit “Fancy.” She has sold over 50 million albums and singles worldwide. Beyond music, she earns from endorsements and her OnlyFans account. Iggy is known for her distinctive flow and business acumen, with multiple awards and nominations highlighting her career.

17. Eve

Eve is a multiple Grammy-winning rapper and actress from Philadelphia, known for hits like “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” and albums Scorpion and Lip Lock. She broke ground for women in hip hop with her commanding presence and business ventures. Eve has also starred in film and television, maintaining a diverse career.

18. Lil’ Kim

Lil’ Kim emerged in the 1990s with a bold style and impactful lyrics, becoming a flagship female rapper with hits like “Crush on You” and The Notorious K.I.M. album. She has won a Grammy and numerous music awards while influencing generations of artists. Lil’ Kim is noted for her fashion and advocacy.

19. MC Lyte

MC Lyte is the best female rappers of all time who Born Lana Michele Moorer, she is a pioneering female rapper renowned for breaking many barriers in hip hop. She was the first solo female rapper to release a full solo album (Lyte as a Rock, 1988), and the first female rapper to earn a gold-certified single with “Ruffneck” in 1993. She received two Grammy nominations (including one in 1994 for “Ruffneck”), performed hip hop at the White House in 2014, and won the BET “I Am Hip Hop” Icon Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.

MC Lyte’s influential career includes hits like “Paper Thin,” “Cha Cha Cha,” and “Keep On, Keepin’ On.” She is celebrated as one of the greatest rappers and a major influence on many female hip hop artists.

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20. Trina

Trina is a Miami-born rapper celebrated for her assertive style and hits like “Da Baddest Bitch.” Active since the late 1990s, she has multiple BET nominations and is respected for longevity and influence in Southern rap. Beyond music, Trina is involved in entrepreneurship and media appearances.

21. Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill, a groundbreaking best female rappers of all time and singer, gained worldwide acclaim with her solo album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998), which won 5 Grammys, including Album of the Year, making her the first female rapper to receive that honor. She was also part of The Fugees, whose album The Score won Best Rap Album. Lauryn Hill is celebrated for her soulful voice, profound lyrics, and influence on hip hop and R&B.

22. Bhad Bhabie

Bhad Bhabie, real name Danielle Bregoli, rose to fame through social media and viral catchphrases before launching a rap career. Known for tracks like “Hi Bich,” she has built a brand that blends music and influencer culture, gaining millions of young followers and commercial deals.

23. Megan Thee Stallion

Megan Thee Stallion from Houston, Texas, has quickly become a dominant  best female rappers of all time with hits like “Savage” and “Hot Girl Summer.” She won 3 Grammys, including Best New Artist (2021). Known for her confident delivery and empowerment themes, Megan is a key figure in contemporary hip hop.

24. Lizzo

Lizzo blends rap, singing, and flute playing, gaining acclaim for body positivity and self-love anthems like “Truth Hurts.” She won 4 Grammys, including Best Pop Solo Performance. Lizzo’s crossover appeal has made her a pop culture icon.

25. Missy Elliott

Missy Elliott is a legendary rapper and producer known for hits like “Get Ur Freak On” and innovative music videos. She has won 4 Grammys and was the first best female rappers of all time inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Missy continues influencing the industry with her unique style and creativity.

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26. Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah, born Dana Elaine Owens, is a groundbreaking rapper, singer, and actress. She rose to fame with her 1989 debut album All Hail the Queen, featuring the hit “Ladies First.” Her 1993 album Black Reign included the Grammy-winning single “U.N.I.T.Y” She’s also an award-winning actress and advocate for women’s rights. Queen Latifah was the first hip-hop artist to win a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the first female rapper to be honored by the Kennedy Center.

27. Cardi B

Cardi B rose from reality TV to hip-hop superstardom with her hit “Bodak Yellow.” Known for her candid personality and bold lyrics, she became the first solo female rapper to top the Billboard Hot 100 with a solo song in nearly two decades. Cardi B has multiple chart-topping hits and uses her platform for social and political issues.

28. Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj is one of the most influential best female rappers of all time, known for her bold style and rapid flow. She broke records with hits like “Super Bass” and has won numerous BET Awards. Nicki’s impact spans music, fashion, and pop culture, establishing her as rap royalty.

29. Foxy Brown

Foxy Brown became known in the late 1990s for her gritty lyrics and collaboration with Jay-Z. She contributed to the Queensbridge rap scene and released successful albums like Ill Na Na. She has received several Grammy nominations for her collaborations.

30. Yo-Yo

Yo-Yo, born Yolanda Whitaker in the early 1970s, is a West Coast rapper known for strong feminist themes and working with Ice Cube. She gained fame in the 1990s with albums like Make Way for the Motherlode and has been active in music, acting, and community empowerment. She earned several Grammy nominations and NAACP Image Awards.

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What Makes a Great Female Rapper?

The best female rappers of all time aren’t just someone who rhymes words. She stands out with strong lyrics, a unique voice, confidence, and the ability to tell her story through music. Many female rappers also use their songs to talk about real-life issues like love, pain, identity, power, and injustice. They don’t just copy trends, they set them.

A great female rapper:

• Has a powerful stage presence
• Writes meaningful or clever lyrics
• Brings originality and emotion to her flow
• Connects deeply with fans through her personality and music
• Keeps growing and changing with time

Whether it’s Nicki Minaj’s punchlines, Lauryn Hill’s soul, or Cardi B’s bold energy, what makes them great is their ability to mix talent, truth, and creativity.

Social Media Impact of Female Rappers

Social media has changed everything for female rappers. Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter have become tools for success. Now, a rapper doesn’t have to wait for a record label; she can go viral overnight.

Social media lets female rappers:

• Share their music directly with fans
• Build personal brands and identities.
• Speak out on social or political issues.
• Inspire trends and challenges.
• Create loyal fan bases (like Barbz for Nicki Minaj)

Rappers like Ice Spice gained popularity mostly through viral videos. Others like Doja Cat mastered platforms like TikTok to build global fame. Social media is no longer just a marketing tool; it’s part of the music.

Fashion, Feminism, and Freedom of Expression

Female rappers are style icons, and their fashion is about more than just clothes. It’s a bold way of expressing power, culture, and individuality. From baggy jeans and sneakers to high-fashion looks, their style speaks loudly.

Fashion in rap:

• Reflects personal stories and cultural roots
• Breaks gender rules and beauty standards
• Pushes boundaries in art and identity

Feminism plays a big part too. Many female rappers stand for women’s rights, body confidence, and independence. They speak openly about topics often seen as taboo, reminding the world that women can be bosses, artists, and voices of change, all at once.

Freedom of expression means these artists don’t hold back. Whether it’s a loud outfit, a strong lyric, or a bold opinion, female rappers are unafraid to be unapologetically themselves.

Conclusion

The Best Female Rappers of All Time didn’t just rhyme, they rewrote the rules of hip hop. From the poetic lines of Lauryn Hill to the power moves of Nicki Minaj, these women continue to inspire with their music, style, and message.

They’ve proven that rap isn’t just a man’s world. It’s a space for any voice bold enough to speak truth, spit bars, and make history.

FAQs

1. Who is the greatest female rapper of all time?

Many fans consider Nicki Minaj the greatest female rapper of all time due to her global success, lyrical skills, and influence.

2. Who are the Big 3 female rappers?

The Big 3 female rappers often include Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Megan Thee Stallion for their chart-topping hits and cultural impact.

3. Who is the female rap GOAT?

Nicki Minaj is widely regarded as the female rap GOAT for her unmatched longevity, versatility, and record-breaking career.

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