Billboard has officially dropped its list of the 25 greatest female rappers of all time, sparking excitement and debate within the global hip-hop community. At the top of the list is none other than Nicki Minaj, the multi-award-winning rap sensation celebrated for her lyrical agility, record-breaking achievements, and transformative influence on female rap over the past two decades.
Citing her unmatched Billboard Hot 100 entries 149 as of publishing Billboard hails Nicki as the most commercially successful female rapper ever. Dubbed “The Queen,” her cultural dominance, genre-bending artistry, and era-defining hits earned her the No. 1 spot on the prestigious list.
Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott, Cardi B Among Top Contenders
Taking second place is Missy Elliott, widely respected for her innovation, futuristic music videos, and trailblazing production. In third is Lauryn Hill, whose debut solo album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is considered a hip-hop masterpiece and even earned the 1999 Grammy Award for Album of the Year a rare feat in rap music.
Cardi B, another fan favorite, narrowly missed the top 10, landing at No. 11. Her debut album Invasion of Privacy was recognized by Billboard as one of the most iconic rap albums of all time, cementing her influence in modern hip hop.
Surprisingly, Doechii, who entered the mainstream less than two years ago, made the list at No. 24, showcasing how quickly she’s made an impression with her genre-fluid sound and bold artistry.
Other Gen-Z and millennial rap stars featured include:
- Latto (No. 19)
- GloRilla (No. 21)
- Doja Cat (No. 16)
- Megan Thee Stallion (No. 15)
Their placements reflect the new wave of influential women reshaping the sound and look of rap music.
Billboard also paid homage to foundational artists who paved the way:
- Queen Latifah (No. 5)
- MC Lyte (No. 6)
- Salt-N-Pepa (No. 7)
- Roxanne Shanté (No. 8)
- Da Brat, the first solo female rapper to go platinum, holds the 12th spot.
These pioneers redefined the narrative of female empowerment in rap and helped break barriers during eras when hip-hop was heavily male-dominated.
Complete List: Billboard’s 25 Greatest Female Rappers
- Nicki Minaj
- Missy Elliott
- Lauryn Hill
- Lil Kim
- Queen Latifah
- MC Lyte
- Salt-N-Pepa
- Roxanne Shanté
- Eve
- Foxy Brown
- Cardi B
- Da Brat
- Trina
- Left Eye
- Megan Thee Stallion
- Doja Cat
- Rapsody
- Remy Ma
- Latto
- Monie Love
- GloRilla
- Lady of Rage
- Gangsta Boo
- Doechii
- Tierra Whack
This list highlights the depth, diversity, and dynamism of female rap artists from across decades, affirming their role not just in hip-hop, but in global pop culture at large.
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