26 Greatest Female Rappers Of All Time

At just 23-years-old, Bronx native Ice Spice has already made significant strides in the hip-hop industry. She's not only breaking Spotify records but also redefining hip-hop with her unique style and voice. Influenced by legendary female rappers like Nicki Minaj and Cardi B, Ice Spice has managed to carve out her own identity in the rap scene. From her meteoric rise on TikTok to her hit single "Munch," to cosigns from Drake and collaborations with Nicki and Taylor Swift, Ice Spice is proving she is a force to be reckoned with. Period.

Known for her distinctive raspy voice and fierce lyrical delivery, Lady of Rage rose to prominence as a protege of Dr. Dre and a member of Death Row Records. Her unforgettable contribution to tracks like "Afro Puffs" showcased her unparalleled skills. One of the key reasons she's celebrated as a trailblazer is her role as one of the first prominent female artists in the West Coast hip-hop scene, breaking barriers and paving the way for future female rappers. Her reputation as a powerful lyricist and her ability to hold her own alongside male counterparts solidify her legacy.

Remy Ma got bars. Since landing on the scene in the early 2000s with Fat Joe’s Terror Squad, Remy has proven her pen game is top tier. The Bronx vet’s lyrical prowess and storytelling ability, as well as her popular records like "Conceited" and "All the Way Up" make her unforgettable.

Swateetie is more than a pretty face. The Cali rapper is  mostly known for her hit songs, including "Icy Grl" and "Tap In," which have collectively garnered over 1 billion streams on Spotify alone.

Hailing from Australia, Iggy Azalea became the first Australian female rapper to successfully break into the US. Her breakthrough single "Fancy" not only topped the Billboard Hot 100 but also made her the fourth solo female rapper to achieve such a feat. She further cemented her place in history by becoming the first female rapper since 1998 to hit No. 1 on America's Billboard Hot 100 with "Fancy. Despite controversies surrounding her 'blaccent' and cultural appropriation, her success is undeniable, marking her as one of the most recognizable female rappers.

Latto’s remarkable is a testament to her talent and dedication. Latto's lyrical prowess, demonstrated in tracks like "B*tch From Da Souf," has garnered significant acclaim. The 24-year-old also makes big hits.

Jean Grae has rightfully earned her place among the greatest female rappers of all time due to her unparalleled lyricism, unique style, and influential contributions to hip-hop. Known for her thought-provoking and introspective rhymes, Grae's impact on the genre is undeniable. She is also celebrated for her collaborations with notable artists like Talib Kweli and The Roots, solidifying her position as a respected figure in the hip-hop community. Jean Grae's enduring influence on the rap scene cements her status as a trailblazing female rapper.

With her genre-blending approach to hip-hop and pop, M.I.A. pushed the boundaries and made hits.

Yo-Yo unquestionably stands as one of the greatest female rappers of all time, and her legacy in the hip-hop genre is a testament to her talent and influence. Her career began in the late 1980s, making her one of the pioneering female voices in rap. She was instrumental in breaking gender barriers within the genre. Her debut album, "Make Way for the Motherlode," released in 1991, is considered a classic in hip-hop history, featuring socially conscious lyrics and powerful storytelling. Yo-Yo's impact extends to her collaborations with artists like Ice Cube and Queen Latifah, as well as her advocacy for women in hip-hop. Her contributions to the culture have solidified her status as a trailblazing female rapper

Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes was an integral part of one of the greatest female groups of all time: TLC. The crew consisting of Left Eye, T-Boz and Chilli became one of the best-selling girl groups in history.  Left Eye was known for her fiery spirit and unique rap style. Her bold personality, innovative style, and lyrical prowess make Left Eye a standout among female rappers, solidifying her legacy in hip-hop.

Gangsta Boo left an indelible mark on the world of southern rap. She was one of the first female rappers to embrace and build off the gangster rap image and sound that exploded in popularity in the 1990s. Rising to prominence as an affiliate of Three 6 Mafia, her contributions to the group and her solo career helped to shape the Southern rap scene. Even after her untimely death at age 43, Gangsta Boo's influence continues to be felt in the industry. Her pioneering spirit and unapologetic style solidify her legacy as one of the greatest female rappers of all time.

Megan Thee Stallion is one of the most popular artists in any genre today. Known for speaking out about the "crazy double standards" that women face in rap culture and the wider music industry, Megan has used her platform to challenge gender biases. Despite some questioning her uniqueness in the genre, there's no denying her influence and success.

Trina first gained recognition in the late 1990s  with Miami rapper Trick Daddy. She has since released numerous albums and hit songs. She is known not only for her musical talent but also for her glamor.

Da Brat solidified her place in hip-hop history, literally. Her debut album, Funkdafied, was the first album from a solo female rapper to be certified platinum. Her top tier flows have also earned her critical acclaim.

Eve's smooth flow and relatable lyrics have made her a beloved figure in the rap world. She's not only a talented rapper, but also a successful actress.

Cardi B’s historic accomplishments speak volumes about her impact. Notably, her debut single "Bodak Yellow" made history by becoming the first solo female rap song to top the Billboard Hot 100 since Lauryn Hill in 1998. She followed this achievement by being the first female rapper to have two No. 1 hits on the Hot 100, with "I Like It" and "Bodak Yellow". Cardi B also became the first female rapper to win a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album with her debut album Invasion of Privacy. Her authenticity, lyricism, and chart-topping success have solidified her status as a trailblazer in the world of female rappers.

It’s difficult for many so-called hip-hop heads to admit, but Doja Cat is a rapper. A great rapper. She’s easily one of the best rappers of the moment, male or female. Her versatility as an artist is evident, but when she raps she raps. She delivers super clever bars, numerous flows and big hits. Her current hit, “Paint The Town Red” became her second Billboard Hot 100 No. 1. 

Lil' Kim, known for her bold and unapologetic style, has been a significant influence in the rap industry. Her lyrical prowess combined with her unique fashion sense has made her an icon.

It’s safe to say that Nicki Minaj’s reign won’t be letting up anytime soon. The Queen of rap, who has been dominating the charts for over a decade, recently let her Barbz and haters know that she has an album on the way. Slated for a 4th quarter release, the album is sequel to her debut, Pink Friday. It’s been a minute since she dropped an album, and yet she’s been stacking plaques on plaques on plaques in recent years. Seemingly focusing more on singles and features, Nicki last year delivered two top 2 singles, including “Super Freaky,” which debuted at No. 1. On the features side of things, the New York native has bodied tracks with the likes of Sexxy Redd, Bia, Coi Leray, Fivio Foreign and of course Ice Spice. One thing Nicki never slacks with is her bars. Nicki Minaj lyrics are almost always top tier. She’s been killing everything she’s been on. And this is nothing new. She been on. Her incredible wordplay and unique voice have made her a G.O.A.T.