Billboard Crowns Nicki Minaj As The Best Female Rapper Of All Time
Let’s give credit where it’s long overdue!
Women have been running this rap game for decades. And now, Billboard is giving flowers to the legends and trailblazers who made that possible with their newly released list of the 25 Best Female Rappers of All Time.
In their feature, Billboard takes it all the way back to the ’70s and ’80s, when the rap scene was mostly male-dominated. But that didn’t stop icons like MC Lyte, Roxanne Shante, Salt-N-Pepa, and Queen Latifah from stepping up and making history. MC Lyte dropped the first solo album by a female rapper. Roxanne Shante went head-to-head in battles and made her name known. Salt-N-Pepa brought sex appeal, boldness, and chart-topping hits. And Queen Latifah? She demanded — and commanded — respect for women in hip-hop.
Then came Missy Elliott, who changed the game entirely. Her creativity didn’t just push boundaries, it obliterated them. From futuristic music videos to experimental flows, Missy made it clear that there’s no one quite like her.
And it doesn’t stop there. Billboard highlights some of the genre’s most important albums like Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, which snatched five Grammys, and Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday, which went triple platinum. Not to mention Doechii’s Alligator Bites Never Heal, a newer project that earned a Grammy and is already cementing its place in rap history.
Today’s female rap roster is stacked with Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, Latto, and GloRilla. According to Billboard, their rankings are based on body of work, cultural impact, longevity, lyrical ability, and flow — the full package.
Check out Billboard’s full list to see who made the cut and let us know who you think deserves the crown.
1. Nicki Minaj
2. Missy Elliott
3. Lauryn Hill
4. Lil Kim
5. Queen Latifah
6. MC Lyte
7. Salt-N-Pepa
8. Roxanne Shante
9. Eve
10. Foxy Brown
11. Cardi B
12. Da Brat
13. Trina
14. Left Eye
15. Megan Thee Stallion
16. Doja Cat
17. Rapsody
