Ever since Hip-hop was introduced to the world in the late 1980’s, it has taken the music industry by force. From the sound of the rhythmic beats to the metaphoric saturated lyrics, to the style of clothing and jargon, hip hop and its culture, always showcased how unique and powerful it can be. Despite being a male dominated industry, these women persevered and make their presence known by becoming the top 5 female MC’s of all time
MC Lyte
When discussing who the greatest female of all time is, there should not be a list without this woman’s name on it. A lyrist, songwriter, model, actress, speaker, DJ, voiceover talent, narrator and mentor, MC Lyte is one of the first if not only female rappers to change hip-hop’s depiction of a female rapper without changing her outfit. Filled with a style of dignity, integrity, and superiority, Lyte can rap and battle amongst the best of her peers. Her deft wordplay, swift delivery, butter-smooth flow make her the undeniable queen of hip-hop.
Queen Latifah
When paying homage to the top female artist in hip hop, you cannot forget this legendary pioneer, Queen Latifa. Queen Latifah has made history in hip-hop, considered to be the most significant women in rap music because of her delivery, lyrical content, and originality. She is a hip-hop artist who set the path for other women artists to have a voice in rap music even though it’s a male-dominated line of business. Starting off as a beat boxer, she made her mark in music with lyrics educating the importance of self-worth, respect, violence in the streets, and continuing to stand tall on your own two feet. She earned a Grammy Award for her powerful song “U.N.I.T.Y.” Queen Latifah carries hip-hop everywhere she goes, never forgetting her roots as a rap artist. She created a larger platform for herself by venturing off into other projects including acting, singing, humanitarian work, being an entertainment executive and television personality, and a spokesperson for Pizza Hut, Jenny Craig, and Cover Girl cosmetics.
Missy Elliot
Probably the most versatile MC’s known to hip hop, a multi-faceted entertainer, Missy writes, raps, sings, crafts beats and directs music videos. She is known for her innovative musical visuals and the different sound she brought to hip hop. No other woman has ever been able to match Missy’s commercial success making her the only female rapper with six platinum-certified albums. Her accomplishments include five Grammy awards and she is the only female rapper to have six of her albums certified platinum, including one double platinum.
Lil Kim
Lil Kim made her first debut, rapping alongside Biggie Smalls, as part of rap group called Junior M.A.F.I.A and later released her solo debut album, Hard Core, in 1996. She gave the music industry something different with her glamorous looks, bold powerful voice and vulgar lyrics that expressed her don’t-care-attitude to go along with it. Some of her career success includes: Her debut album, Hard Core, was certified Double Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), she has sold over 11 million albums worldwide. Her songs “No Time”, “Big Momma Thang” and “Ladies Night” were listed on Complex Magazine’s “The 50 Best Rap Songs by Women”, at number 24, 13, and 7, respectively. She won a 2002 Grammy Award in the category of “Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. Lil Kim was included in VH1’s “100 Greatest Women in Music” at number 45, making her the fourth highest position for a female-rapper. In 2014, Jones was included in Billboards list of the “31 Female Rappers Who Changed Hip-Hop.
Lauryn Hill
Not only does this woman have a phenomenal voice, her lyrics message behind it, is what made her earn her spot as one of the top mcs of all time. Starting off as one third of the Fuguees, Lauryn Hill quickly established herself as the most talented artist of the crew. , Lauryn delivered the best fusion of hip-hop and R&B hip-hop has witnessed in a long time with her, showcasing her ability to discuss topics like spirituality and sexuality without exploiting it. Ms. Hill definitely set the standard for artists who choose to combine rapping and singing.
Nicki Minaj
Even though she may be the youngest to the game, her accomplishments and talent have already put her in legendary status. Ms. Minaj is clearly in a league of her own and, by she created her own unique brand of hip-hop, merging flawless wordplay, head-scratching punch lines and catchy hooks. Nicki not only made an impact on hip hop but showed her wide spectrum of talent by incorporating pop and techno into her music leading her to having one of most loyal fan base in rap music today.
HCXO!