However, many female rappers still trailblaze and make a name for themselves in the industry, becoming some of the highest selling artists in the game.
Here are 17 of the highest selling female rappers:
Kellee Maize is recognized for her empowering lyrics and spiritual themes, and her music often explores themes of personal growth, consciousness, and environmental awareness. With albums like "Aligned Archetype" and "The 5th Element," she has amassed a dedicated following, earning praise for her positive messages and genre-blending sound, which incorporates elements of hip-hop, electronic, and alternative music. She continues to release music on her own terms, embracing technology and community engagement to connect with her audience and inspire positive change.
Some of her popular songs include “In Tune” and “Yesterday”.
Cardi B, born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, is a Dominican-American rapper, songwriter, and actress known for her charismatic personality and raw lyricism. She rose to prominence with her hit single "Bodak Yellow," which earned her the distinction of being the first female rapper to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart since Lauryn Hill in 1998. Her unfiltered approach to music and life, coupled with her humorous and relatable social media presence, has endeared her to a massive audience. She's continued her success with albums like Invasion of Privacy and has expanded her career into acting and fashion.
Some of her most popular songs include “WAP” and “Please Me”.
Nicki Minaj, a dominant figure in the rap game, captivates audiences with her dynamic flow, bold persona, and versatile artistry. Rising to fame with her mixtapes, she solidified her status as a rap icon with albums like Pink Friday and The Pinkprint, featuring hits like "Super Bass" and "Anaconda." Her music showcases her unparalleled lyricism, infectious hooks, and boundary-pushing creativity, earning her numerous awards and record-breaking achievements. Beyond her music, she's recognized for her larger-than-life personality and unique style. Her impact on the rap industry and pop culture at large is undeniable, cementing her legacy as one of the most influential artists of her generation.
Some of her popular songs include “Super Bass” and “Bang Bang”.
Lauryn Hill is a pioneering figure in rap music, renowned for her distinctive flow, introspective lyrics, and commanding stage presence. Initially gaining prominence as part of the iconic hip-hop trio The Fugees, she later solidified her status as a solo artist with the release of her groundbreaking album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Her lyrical prowess and thought-provoking messages have cemented her legacy as one of the most influential figures in rap history.
Some of her notable songs include “Ex-Factor” And “Doo Wop (That Thing)”.
Iggy Azalea, born Amethyst Amelia Kelly, is an Australian rapper known for her confident demeanor, catchy hooks, and bold fashion sense. Rising to fame in the early 2010s, Iggy Azalea gained recognition for the hit song "Fancy”, which exploded on the charts and earned her multiple award nominations. She has collaborated with various artists and producers, showcasing her versatility and adaptability as an artist. While she has faced criticism and controversy throughout her career, she continues to make music and engage with her fanbase, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the music industry.
Some of her other hits include “Problem” and “Black Widow”.
Lil' Kim revolutionized hip hop with her bold style, explicit lyrics, and unapologetic attitude. She rose to fame as a member of Junior M.A.F.I.A. and later embarked on a successful solo career with iconic albums like Hard Core and The Notorious K.I.M. Her music is characterized by her provocative persona and fearless exploration of themes such as sexuality, empowerment, and street life. Beyond her music career, she has made a significant impact on fashion and pop culture, becoming a cultural icon and inspiration for generations of artists.
Some of her hits include “Magic Stick” and “#Mine”.
Missy Elliott is celebrated for her innovative sound, groundbreaking music videos, and dynamic stage presence. She became known for her unique blend of hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music, producing hits like "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)," "Get Ur Freak On," and "Work It." Her music often pushes the boundaries of genre and convention, incorporating elements of humor, futurism, and social commentary. As one of the most influential and respected artists in hip-hop, Missy Elliott's impact on the industry is undeniable, inspiring generations of musicians and pushing the culture forward with her creativity and innovation.
She is known for hits like "Told Ya" and "Lose Control".
Megan Thee Stallion, born Megan Jovon Ruth Pete, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter known for her bold and confident lyricism, empowering messages, and charismatic persona. Her music often explores themes of female empowerment, sexuality, and self-assurance, drawing from her experiences growing up in Houston, Texas. In addition to her music career, she is known for her advocacy for women's rights and her outspokenness on social issues.
Some of her hits include “WAP” and “Hiss”.
Doja Cat, born Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, is known for her eclectic musical style, catchy hooks, and playful persona. She gained recognition for her viral hit “Mooo!,” which showcased her quirky sense of humor and innovative approach to music. With songs like “Boss Bitch,” and “Streets,” she has amassed millions of streams and earned critical acclaim for her infectious melodies and versatile vocal delivery.
Some of her other top songs include “Woman” and “Agora Hills”.
Azealia Banks is an American rapper and actress known for her provocative lyrics, genre-blending music, and outspoken personality. She gained attention with her breakout single "212" and has since released several EPs and albums showcasing her versatility and creativity. Banks is also recognized for her outspokenness on social media, often engaging in controversies and expressing her opinions on various topics.
Some of her other hits include “New Bottega” and “1991”.
Cheryl James, known by her stage name “Salt”, is one-third of the iconic hip-hop group Salt-N-Pepa. Alongside Sandra “Pepa” Denton and Deidra "DJ Spinderella" Roper, Salt helped pioneer the crossover of hip-hop into mainstream pop culture in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Salt-N-Pepa's music often focused on themes of female empowerment, sexuality, and independence. Beyond her contributions to music, Cheryl James has been influential in breaking down barriers for women in hip-hop, inspiring future generations of artists to assert their voices and challenge stereotypes in the industry.
Some of their hits include “Whatta Man” and “None Of Your Business”.
Sandra Denton, also known as "Pepa," is a pioneering figure in hip-hop, best known as one-third of the iconic rap group Salt-N-Pepa. Alongside Cheryl James and Deidra "DJ Spinderella" Roper, Pepa helped shape the landscape of hip-hop in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Salt-N-Pepa broke barriers as one of the first all-female rap groups to achieve mainstream success. Pepa's bold personality, confident delivery, and unapologetic lyrics played a significant role in the group's popularity and enduring influence.
Some of her most popular songs include “Shoop” and “Push It!”.
While DJ Spinderella is primarily recognized for her groundbreaking work as a DJ and producer, she has also showcased her lyrical prowess as a rapper. As a member of Salt-N-Pepa, she occasionally stepped up to the mic to deliver verses alongside her groupmates, Cheryl James and Sandra Denton. Salt-N-Pepa broke barriers as one of the first all-female rap groups to achieve mainstream success.
Some of their other most popular songs include “Do You Want Me” and “Let's Talk About Sex”.
Queen Latifah, born Dana Elaine Owens, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, actress, and producer who emerged in the late 1980s as one of the pioneers of women in rap. Renowned for her versatility and trailblazing spirit, Queen Latifah has achieved success in multiple artistic fields and has become an influential figure in hip-hop, film, and television. Her music often addresses social issues, female empowerment, and self-confidence, serving as a voice for marginalized communities.
Some of her most popular songs include “Ladies First” and “Weekend Love”.
MC Lyte, born Lana Michele Moorer, is a pioneering figure in hip-hop, revered for her groundbreaking contributions to the genre as one of its first prominent female MCs.. With hits like "Lyte as a Rock," she broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of female artists in hip-hop. Her impact on the rap game is undeniable, and she remains a respected icon in the industry, inspiring countless artists with her talent, integrity, and resilience.
Some of her hits include “Ruffneck” and “Paper Thin”.
Latto, formerly known as Mulatto, is known for her bold lyrics, confident delivery, and captivating stage presence. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, she gained widespread recognition after appearing on the reality show The Rap Game and subsequently releasing a series of successful mixtapes. With hits like "B*tch From Da Souf" and "Muwop," she showcases her Southern roots and unapologetic attitude, addressing themes of empowerment, success, and self-assurance. With her undeniable talent and work ethic, Latto has quickly become a force to be reckoned with in hip-hop, earning praise for her authenticity and determination to carve out her own lane in the industry.
Some of her popular songs include “Big Energy” and “Sunday Service”.
Remy Ma gained recognition as a member of the Terror Squad before solidifying her solo career with hits like "Conceited" and "Lean Back." Her music reflects her experiences in the hustle and the struggle, often exploring themes of resilience, loyalty, and empowerment. Despite setbacks, including a high-profile legal battle, she has emerged stronger than ever, earning respect for her undeniable talent and resilience in the face of adversity.
Some of her top songs include “All The Way Up” and “Ghetto & Rachet”.
Despite past shortcomings, women in rap continue to elevate the industry with their powerful lyrics and how they break barriers.
