10 Black Female Rappers: Icons of Hip-Hop and Their Impact

Female rappers have long been a driving force in hip-hop, demonstrating both musical prowess and lyrical brilliance. From the trailblazing pioneers to today’s chart-topping stars, these remarkable artists have consistently challenged stereotypes, shattered barriers, and infused the genre with their distinct styles and voices.

Let’s explore the contributions of some of the most influential Black female rappers who have made an indelible mark on the rap scene.

List of Black Female Rappers

1: Trina

Date of Birth: December 3, 1978, Miami, Florida, U.S.

Best Works:

• I Got A Thang For You
• Pull Over
• Single Again
• Look Back At Me

Accolades:

• ASCAP Awards
• BMI Awards
• Billboard Music Award
• EME Award

Trina is an iconic American rapper who gained international fame in the late 1990s for her collaborations with Trick Daddy singles “Nann Nigga”, “Shut Up”, and “Take It to da House”. Known for her bold lyrics, fierce persona, and electrifying stage presence, Trina quickly solidified her place in the hip-hop world.

In 2000, Trina released her debut album Da Baddest Bitch, which peaked at number 11 on the Top R&B and hip-hop albums chart and number 33 on the U.S. Billboard 200. With a career spanning over two decades, Trina remains one of the most successful Black female rappers, captivating audiences with her unique style and unapologetic attitude.

2: MC Lyte

Date of Birth: October 11, 1970, New York City, U.S.

Best Works:

• When in Love
• Ruffneck
• Cha Cha Cha
• Cappucino
• Eyes Are the Soul

Accolades:

• Soul Train Awards
• Best Director at Believe Psychology Film Festival

MC Lyte, a multi talented American rapper, gained international recognition with her debut studio album in 1988, Lyte as a Rock, becoming the first female rapper to release a full solo album. Her lyrical prowess and captivating stage presence broke barriers in hip-hop and earned her critical acclaim.

In addition to her career as a rapper, Lyte has worked in television shows and films such as Hip Hop Honors and Civil Brand. She made her directorial debut in 2022 with the short film Break Up In Love and established her charity foundation, Hip Hop Sisters.

3: Lauryn Hill

Date of Birth: May 26, 1975, East Orange, New Jersey, U.S.

Best Works:

• Doo Wop (That Thing)
• Ex-Factor
• Everything Is Everything
• Lost Ones
• To Zion

Accolades:

• American Music Awards
• ASCAP Awards
• Billboard Music Awards
• Brit Awards
• Grammy Awards

Lauryn Hill, renowned as an American singer-songwriter, rapper, record producer, and actress, became famous for her soulful voice and profound lyrics, topping both hip-hop and R&B charts. Hill was a trailblazer in popularizing melodic rap and neo-soul for mainstream audiences.

She first gained prominence in 1990 as the lead vocalist of the hip-hop trio Fugees. In 1998, Hill released her solo debut album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, which received widespread critical acclaim. Throughout her career, Hill has captivated audiences worldwide and made a lasting impact on music and entertainment.

4: Rico Nasty

Date of Birth: May 7, 1997, Largo, Maryland, U.S.

Best Works:

• Trust Issues
• Rage
• In the Air
• Roof
• Ice Cream

Rico Nasty, a renowned American rapper and singer, is celebrated for her energetic performances of hip-hop and trap music. Known for her gritty, boisterous vocals, she has captivated audiences worldwide.

In 2016, she gained recognition with her breakout single “iCarly,” which amassed over 500,000 YouTube views within months. In 2020, Rico Nasty released her debut studio album, Nightmare Vacation, which received praise from critics. As one of the youngest Black female rappers, she has cemented her place in the music industry with her bold style and fearless attitude.

5: Queen Pen

Date of Birth: September 24, 1972, Brooklyn, New York City, U.S.

Best Work:

• Party Ain’t A Party
• All my Love
• It’s True
• I Got Cha

Accolades:

• Soul Train Awards

Queen Pen, a notable American rapper, rose to international fame after featuring on Teddy Riley’s Blackstreet single, “No Diggity,” in 1996. A year later, in 1997, she released her debut studio album, My Melody, which reached number 13 on the U.S. Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

Known for her unique style and dynamic performances, Queen Pen quickly built a devoted fan base. Over the years, she has continued to inspire listeners and has made a significant impact on the hip-hop genre.

6: Rah Digga

Date of Birth: December 18, 1974, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.

Best Works:

• Lessons of Today
• Tight
• Showdown
• Break Fool
• Curtains

Accolades:

• BET Awards (Nominated for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist in 2002 and 2004)
• BET Hip Hop Awards (Nominated for Hip-Hop Video of the Year in 2006)

Rah Digga, a talented American rapper and actress, is best known for her role as a longtime member of the hip-hop group Flipmode Squad. With her fierce lyricism and commanding stage presence, Digga has carved out her own niche in the music industry. In 2000, she released her debut album, Dirty Harriet, which peaked in the top 20 of the Billboard 200.

Beyond music, Rah Digga has also appeared in films such as Da Hip Hop Witch and Thirteen Ghosts, further solidifying her influence in both music and entertainment.

7: Kid Sister

Date of Birth: July 3, 1980, Markham, Illinois, U.S.

Best Works:

• Right Hand Hi
• Look Out Weekend
• Hide & Seek
• Long Way Back

Accolades:

• BET Awards (Nominated for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist in 2008)

Kid Sister, an American rapper and singer, is known for blending electro-pop, hip-hop, ghetto house, and other uptempo sounds, making her a standout artist. She gained international prominence in 2007 with her hit single “Pro Nails,” featuring punchy synths and syllable-flipping rhymes that resonated with listeners. Kid Sister’s unique style and charismatic delivery have helped solidify her position in the music industry.

8: Janelle Monáe

Date of Birth: December 1, 1985, Kansas City, Kansas, U.S.

Best Works:

• Make Me Feel
• Tightrope
• Victory
• Sincerely, Jane.
• Dance Apocalyptic

Accolades:

• Black Reel Awards
• Critics’ Choice Awards
• Satellite Awards
• Soul Train Music Awards

Janelle Monáe is a versatile American singer, songwriter, rapper, and actress, celebrated for her mezzo-soprano voice and thought-provoking lyrics. With her ability to fuse genres like R&B, funk, soul, hip-hop, and electronic music, Monáe creates a distinctive sound that pushes boundaries.

Her debut studio album, The ArchAndroid (2010), received critical acclaim, and her second album, The Electric Lady (2013), peaked at number five on the Billboard 200. With her genre-defying music and powerful messages, Monáe has become an icon in the music industry.

9: Shawnna

Date of Birth: January 3, 1978, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.

Best Works:

• Gettin’ Some
• Damn
• Can’t Break Me
• Chicago
• Candy Coated

Shawnna, a trailblazing American rapper, is celebrated for her fearless lyrics and distinctive style. She made a major impact on the rap scene in 2004 when she released her debut studio album, Worth the Weight, which captivated listeners worldwide. Known for her versatility and ability to adapt to different styles, Shawnna remains one of the most sought-after artists in hip-hop.

10: Saweetie

Date of Birth: July 2, 1993, Santa Clara, California, U.S.

Best Works:

• My Type
• Best Friend
• Tap In

Accolades:

• NAACP Image Awards
• MTV Video Music Awards

Saweetie, the viral sensation who shot to fame with her hit single “Icy Grl,” has become a force in modern hip-hop. With her infectious beats, empowering lyrics, and trendsetting fashion, Saweetie has quickly risen to stardom. A true style icon both on and off stage, she continues to dominate the charts and inspire a new generation of Black female rappers with her unstoppable charisma.