Female rap has come a long way since its inception in the 1970s. From the pioneers like MC Lyte to the reigning queen Megan Thee Stallion, the evolution of female rap has been an interesting journey. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of female rap and the influential female rappers who have shaped the genre into what it is today.
The Pioneers: MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, and Salt-N-Pepa
MC Lyte, born Lana Moorer, was the first female rapper to release a full-length album in 1988, titled “Lyte as a Rock.” She was known for her smooth flow and empowering lyrics, which addressed social and political issues. Her music paved the way for many female rappers who followed, and she remains a beloved icon in the hip-hop community to this day.
Queen Latifah, born Dana Owens, was another influential rapper of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Known for her empowering lyrics and charismatic personality, Queen Latifah released several successful albums and singles, including the hit “U.N.I.T.Y.” which won a Grammy award for Best Rap Solo Performance in 1995. She also went on to become a successful actress and television host.
Salt-N-Pepa, consisting of Cheryl James (“Salt”), Sandra Denton (“Pepa”), and Deidra Roper (“DJ Spinderella”), were one of the first female rap groups to achieve mainstream success. They released several hit singles in the late 1980s and early 1990s, including “Push It,” “Let’s Talk About Sex,” and “Shoop.” Their music was known for its catchy beats and sexually liberated lyrics, which challenged traditional gender roles.
The 90s: Lauryn Hill and Missy Elliott
The 1990s saw the rise of two of the most influential female rappers of all time: Lauryn Hill and Missy Elliott.
Lauryn Hill was a member of the hip-hop group The Fugees before releasing her debut solo album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” in 1998. The album was a critical and commercial success, winning five Grammy awards, including Album of the Year, and has been praised for its blend of hip-hop, R&B, and soul. Hill’s lyrics were introspective and personal, often addressing her struggles with love, identity, and motherhood. Her music had a profound impact on the female rap genre and influenced many female rappers that followed.
Missy Elliott, born Melissa Arnette Elliott, was known for her unique style and innovative music videos. Her music was a blend of hip-hop, R&B, and electronic dance music (EDM), and she was one of the most successful female rappers of the 1990s, releasing several hit albums and singles, including “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” and “Get Ur Freak On.” Elliott’s music videos were also groundbreaking, featuring futuristic and often surreal visuals that pushed the boundaries of what was considered possible in music videos at the time.
The 2000s: Lil’ Kim and Nicki Minaj
The 2000s saw the rise of two of the most controversial and successful female rappers of all time: Lil’ Kim and Nicki Minaj.
Lil’ Kim, born Kimberly Denise Jones, was known for her sexually explicit lyrics and provocative image. Her debut album, “Hard Core,” was released in 1996 and became a classic of the female
rap genre. With hits like “Crush on You” and “Not Tonight,” Lil’ Kim became one of the most successful female rappers of the late 90s and early 2000s. However, her career was not without controversy, as her lyrics and image were often criticized for being too sexual and objectifying.
Despite the controversy, Lil’ Kim’s impact on the female rap genre cannot be denied. She paved the way for other female rappers to embrace their sexuality and express themselves in a way that was previously taboo for women in the music industry. Her influence can be seen in artists like Nicki Minaj, who has cited Lil’ Kim as one of her biggest inspirations.
In the late 2000s, a new female rapper emerged on the scene and quickly rose to fame: Nicki Minaj. Born Onika Tanya Maraj, Nicki Minaj was known for her unique style, theatrical performances, and versatile flow. Her debut album, “Pink Friday,” was released in 2010 and became a massive commercial success, earning Minaj a spot as one of the most successful female rappers of all time.
Throughout her career, Nicki Minaj has broken barriers for female rappers, becoming the first woman to have seven songs on the Billboard Hot 100 simultaneously and earning numerous awards and accolades. She has also been a vocal advocate for women in the music industry, calling out the gender disparities and advocating for equal representation.
Today: Megan Thee stallion
Today, the reigning queen of female rap is none other than Megan Thee Stallion. Born Megan Jovon Ruth Pete, Megan Thee Stallion burst onto the scene in 2018 with her debut mixtape, “Tina Snow.” Known for her confident and unapologetic lyrics, Megan Thee Stallion quickly became one of the most popular and influential female rappers of our time.
With hits like “Hot Girl Summer” and “Savage,” Megan Thee Stallion has dominated the charts and become a cultural icon for young women around the world. She has also been an advocate for women’s rights and empowerment, using her platform to speak out against injustices and inspire her fans to be their authentic selves.
In conclusion, the evolution of female rap has been a journey full of groundbreaking artists who have paved the way for the next generation of female rappers. From the pioneers like MC Lyte and Queen Latifah to the current reigning queen Megan Thee Stallion, female rap has come a long way and continues to break barriers and inspire young women around the world. As the genre continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more talented and influential female rappers emerge, each building upon the legacy of those who came before them.
