This August will mark the 50th birthday of Hip-Hop. Created in the Bronx in 1973, Hip-Hop has become one of the most popular genres of music in the United States. Though Hip-Hop is a male dominated genre, many female rappers have helped contribute to the genre’s success. Rappers such as Salt-n-Pepa, MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Lady of Rage, and many more have helped pave the way for female rappers to come. Some of the most popular and recognized female rappers today include Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, and Latto–and that’s just naming a few. However, there are many female rappers currently on the rise that are just starting out, or maybe are just not getting enough praise for their talent. Here are five female rappers on the rise that you need to know:
Glorilla
2022 was one hell of a year for Memphis rapper Glorilla. In June 2022, she dropped “F.N.F. (Let’s Go),” produced by HitKidd, and the single gained instant traction. Since the release, the single has been nominated for a Grammy Award. Known for her distinctive deep voice, Glorilla also stayed on the top of the charts with her song featuring Cardi B, titled “Tomorrow 2.” In November 2022, she released her debut EP, titled “Anyways, Life’s Great,’ which also was received well by the public. My favorite song off of the nine-track EP is “Get That Money” featuring Niki Pooh.
Ice Spice
“YOU THOUGHT I WAS FEELIN’ YOU?” This is what rapper Ice Spice has had us all saying since August 2022. “Munch (Feelin’ U)” was the song that put the Bronx native, known for her curly ginger hair, on the map. She gives very much “Bad B*tch Energy.” I personally listen to her when I’m feeling myself, and/or if I need a confidence booster. I’m not gonna lie, though; Ice Spice did have to grow on me. Though it’s fun to scream “You thought I was feelin’ you?” at the top of my lungs, I wasn’t the biggest fan of Ice Spice off that song alone. However, she recently released an EP, titled “Like..?” In early January, that made me open up a lot more to her. The six-track EP is full of straight heat (except for “Munch,” that song has yet to grow on me, and I’m not sure it ever will). My favorite song from “Like..?” is “Gangsta Boo” featuring Lil Tjay. “Gangsta Boo” contains a sample of “I Need A Girl (Pt. 2)” by P. Diddy, Loon, Ginuwine, and Mario Winans, one of my favorite songs from the early 2000s.
Flo Milli
Known for her clever lyrics and pretty girl energy, Flo Milli is definitely someone you should have in your library! Like Ice Spice, Flo Milli’s music just gives me that confidence boost that I need. If I’m not feeling my best, I can always count on a Flo Milli song to help bring me back to life. Gaining initial traction at age 18 from her debut single “Beef (FloMix)” in 2019, the Mobile, Alabama native has taken the rap game by storm. In 2020, she released her first album, titled “Ho, Why Is You Here?” (which is actually a line by Joseline Hernandez from an episode of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, IYKYK), which received great praise, with songs including “Weak” and “May I.” In July 2022, Flo Milli released her sophomore album, titled “You Still Here, Ho?” Though her sophomore album didn’t do as well as her debut, there are still some pretty good bops on there. My favorite two songs from “You Still Here, Ho?” are “Bed Time” and “Conceited.”
Lola Brooke
If there’s one person you should never play with, it’s Lola Brooke! Though she was an Instagram comedian before, the Brooklyn native’s song “Don’t Play With It,” featuring Billy B, released in 2021 put her on the map. Though the song was released in 2021, it didn’t gain the traction it would eventually gain until 2022. Though I don’t know many Lola Brooke songs (the only other song I know by her is titled “Here I Come”), what really attracts me to Lola Brooke, and the sole reason I want her to win in the rap game, is her personality! I have watched endless interviews, and she is just so lively and animated. She is also very passionate about repping where’s from. She will not miss the opportunity to tell you that the “Brooke” in her stage name stands for Brooklyn. I am looking forward to seeing Lola Brooke’s career take off even further. I wish her the most success.
Maiya The Don
Many may know Maiya the Don from making beauty content on Tik Tok. However, her rap career is taking the world by storm. Many of the Brooklyn native’s songs contain samples of popular songs, but she always does them justice. For example, her most popular song, “Telfy,” which was released in October 2022, contains a sample of Sisqo’s 2001 hit “Thong Song.” Maiya the Don has made it clear in both her music and in interviews that she is very comfortable in her own skin. For example, one of my favorite lyrics from “Telfy,” is “This dress look good ‘cause I’m in it.” Like, okay! Not to mention, her lyrics make for great Instagram captions. She does a great job of inspiring others to think and behave in the same confident manner.
Whether you like it or not, female rappers are taking over, so buckle up. Which of these five female artists will you be adding to your library?