Given that the rap music industry was predominantly led and dominated by males, women found themselves being objectified and oversexualized in their lyrics/songs. Fortunately, this year, the emphasis and business performance of women's MCs have gone up dramatically. The prevalence of women in this industry was both thrilling and astounding, proving that they are capable of making music that impacts their audience.
Missy Elliot
Missy Elliott is an American rapper, singer, songwriter and producer. She began her music career with R&B girl group Sista in the mid-90s and later became a member of the Swing Mob. She began her solo career with her album Supa Dupa Fly which became the highest charting female rapper debut at the time. She went on to win 6 Grammys, become a best selling female rapper and the first female rapper to be inducted into The Songwriters Hall of Fame.
During her music career, Elliot has been given the following accolades:
- 6 Grammys
- 2 American Music Awards
- 15 Music Television Awards
- 11 BET Music Awards
- 20 American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers Awards
- 3 Billboard Music Awards
- 1 National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Award
- 5 Soul Train Awards
Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill is an American singer, rapper, songwriter and producer. She is regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time and is largely credited for breaking barriers for female musicians. She first began her music career as a member of Fugees after they split she went on to release her first solo project: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. This album then went on to win many awards and became one of the best-selling albums of all-time.
During her music career, Hill has been given the following accolades:
- 8 Grammys
- 6 Music Television Awards
- 3 American Music Awards
- 5 Soul Train Awards
- 4 National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Awards
- 2 Billboard Music Awards
- 1 Brit Award
Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj is a Trinidadian-American rapper, singer, songwriter, actress and model. When she first began her music career she mostly known for her colorful costumes, wigs and the use of accents. In 2016, she was considered one of the most influential female rap artists of all time. She has sold estimated 100 million records worldwide, making her one of the world's best selling music artists.
During her music career, Minaj has been given the following accolades:
- 8 American Music Awards
- 12 BET Music Awards
- 4 Billboard Music Awards
- 47 Broadcast Music, Inc Awards
- 1 Brit
- 1 Soul Train Award
- 9 Music Television Awards
- 5 Nymn's New Year Eve Awards
Salt-n-Pepa
Salt-N-Pepa is an American female hip hop group consisting of Salt (Cherly James), Pepa (Sandra Denton), and DJ Spinderella (Diedra Roper). They released their single "Push It" which hit number one in three countries, and shortly after their debut album Hot, Cool & Vicious sold more than 1 million copies worldwide, making them the first female rap act to achieve gold and platinum-status. They have sold over 15 million records worldwide, therefore making them one of the best-selling rap acts of all time.
During their music career, Salt-N-Pepa has been given the following accolades:
- 1 Grammys
- 3 Music Television Awards
- 1 Soul Train Award
Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, actress and producer. She is widely known for being a feminist rapper as she has helped raised awareness for women's rights through the composition of her third album, Black Reign. Throughout her career she has released albums, acted in various movies and held her own talkshow.
During her music career, Latifah has been given the following accolades:
- 1 BET Music Award
- 1 Golden Globe Award
- 1 Grammy
- 1 Emmy
- 1 Soul Train Award
- 1 Screen Actors Guild Award
Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion is an up and coming American rapper, singer and songwriter. She gained attention when videos of her freestyling became popular on social media platforms. Her single "Savage (Remix)" featuring Beyonce went viral on Tik-Tok and reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Despite her short time in the music industry, Time Magazine has named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world on their 2020 list.
During her music career, Megan Thee Stallion has been given the following accolades:
- 1 American Music Award
- 7 BET Music Awards
- 1 Billboard Music Award
- 2 Music Television Awards
- 1 Soul Train Award
Remy Ma
Initially discovered for her work as a member of Terror Squad, Remy Ma has broken down barriers by become one of only six female rappers to ever top the Billboard Hot 100 chart and one of only four multiple winners of the BET Award for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist. In addition to singing, she has starred on a reality series called Love & Hip Hop: New York, alongside her husband.
During her music career, Remy Ma has been given the following accolades:
- 3 BET Music Awards
- 2 Soul Train Awards
Tierra Whack
Tierra Whack is another up and coming American rapper, singer and songwriter. She originally performed as "Dizzle Dizz," but reverted to her birth name in 2017. Her debut studio album, Whack World received praise from critics for the unusual format of the album — each song lasting about 1 minute each and accompanied by a short film. She has gained a large following for the creativity and eccentricity of her music videos.
Lil' Kim
Lil' Kim is an American rapper, songwriter and reality television personality. Influenced by fellow female hip hop artists, she would freestyle in her free time, that is until she was discovered by fellow rapper The Notorious B.I.G. Known for her innovative fashion sense, Lil' Kim has helped females embrace their sexuality and femininity in a way that was not widely appreciated when "hip hop" was dominated by males.
During her music career, Lil' Kim has been given the following accolades:
- 1 BET Music Award
- 1 Billboard Music Award
- 3 Broadcast Music, Inc Awards
- 1 Grammy
- 4 Music Television Awards
- 2 Soul Train Awards
Rico Nasty
Rico Nasty is an American rapper, singer and songwriter who is known for her unique delivery and punk aesthetic. While in high school, she began self-releasing content and after gaining wider recognition in 2018, she signed to Atlantic Records. She coined the phrase "sugar trap" to describe her unique music style which flows between rough and raspy to pop and bubbly. Throughout her years in the music industry, Rico has been considered a fashion icon for outcasts due to her androgynous nature and unique style.