I’d say it was about five to ten years ago. The female hip hop game is seriously lagging. Back in the 80s and 90s, there was a plethora of female rappers to listen to: Yo-Yo, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Lauryn Hill, Foxy Brown, Lil Kim, Left Eye, and probably a ton of people I’m forgetting. And even during the years of 2000 to about 2005, I’d say we had a few female rappers: Missy Elliott, Eve, etc.
Sorry (but not really) to say it, but Nicki Minaj just isn’t cutting it these says. Being the woman I am, I feel it’s okay to have a strong foundation of male rappers, such as Eminem, Jay-Z, Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, etc, that are around, but I think it’s always been reassuring to have women as well.
That’s why I’ve decided to provide a list of songs by female rappers that I think are exemplary of good music. Some are old songs, and some are new. Anyway, enjoy the music!
Ayolah
Brandy – I Wanna Be Down (Remix) (feat. MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, & Yo-Yo)
Lauryn Hill – Doo Wop (That Thing)
TLC – Waterfalls
Lil’ Kim – Hold On (feat. Mary J. Blidge)
Missy Elliott – Hot Boyz (feat. Lil’ Mo, Eve, & Nas)
Queen Latifah – U.N.I.T.Y.
AND if you’re looking for up-and-coming female rappers, here are two to interest you. I don’t really know much about current music. I indulge in the oldies, to be honest. But these two ladies have been listed on GlobalGrind’s 10 Favorite Up and Coming Female Rappers as of February 2012. Check ‘em out!
Iggy Azalea – My World
Azealia Banks – 212 (feat. Lazy Jay)
