The Richest Female Rappers in the Game

As an up and coming artist, it can be difficult to find success in the hip hop world – especially as a woman. However, several women have defied the odds and found success in such a male-dominated industry.

Female singer singing on the stage

We’ve covered the best female rap artists, but here are are some of the richest female rappers in the game:

Kellee Maize

Kellee Maize

Kellee Maize gained recognition for her socially conscious music, empowering lyrics, and independent approach to the music industry. Her music often incorporates elements of hip-hop, electronic, and pop genres, with lyrics that touch on themes of personal growth, environmentalism, and social justice. With albums like "Aligned Archetype" and "The 5th Element," she has earned a dedicated fanbase and garnered praise for her uplifting messages and melodic flow.

Some of her hits include “Dance With Lightning” and “Third Eye”.

Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj
Image courtesy of Billboard. 

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 “Starships”. 

Cardi B

Image courtesy of People Magazine. 

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 “Money” and “I Like It”.

Azealia Banks

Image courtesy of Billboard. 

Azealia Banks is known for her bold lyrics, versatile style, and outspoken personality. She gained recognition with her debut single "212," which showcased her unique blend of hip-hop, house, and electronic music. Despite facing controversy and setbacks throughout her career, she has continued to release music independently and build a dedicated fanbase. Beyond her music career, Azealia is also known for her outspokenness on social media, and ventures into fashion and acting. While she remains a polarizing figure in the industry, Azealia Banks' undeniable talent and boundary-pushing creativity have left a lasting impact on the music landscape.

Some of her hits include “Liquorice” and “Luxury”.

Megan Thee Stallion

Megan Thee Stallion
Image courtesy of Spotify. 

Megan Thee Stallion, born Megan Jovon Ruth Pete, is a dominant force in the rap game known for her confident demeanor, fierce lyricism, and captivating stage presence. She gained widespread recognition with hits like "Hot Girl Summer" and "Savage," which went viral on TikTok. Her music often celebrates themes of empowerment, body positivity, and female sexuality, and she is celebrated for her unapologetic embrace of her own identity and desires. With her charismatic personality and impressive work ethic, she has quickly become one of the most influential and respected voices in hip-hop, earning praise for her authenticity and dedication to her craft. 

Some of her popular songs include “Body” and “SG”.

Missy Elliot

Missy Elliot
Image courtesy of Spotify. 

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".

Latto

Latto
Image courtesy of Rolling Stone

Latto, formerly known as Mulatto, is a rising star in the rap scene, 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 “Lottery” and “Wheelie”.

Remy Ma

Image courtesy of Page Six. 

Remy Ma commands attention with her raw lyricism, gritty delivery, and unwavering authenticity. Emerging from New York, she 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. She remains a true icon in hip-hop, celebrated for her contributions to the culture and her unapologetic commitment to keeping it real.

Some of her top songs include “Lean Back” and “Conceited”.

Iggy Azalea

Iggy Azalea
Image courtesy of Youtube. 

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

Lil’ Kim
Image courtesy of Billboard.

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”.

Young M.A

Image courtesy of The U.S. Sun. 

Young M.A, born Katorah Marrero, is a rapper and songwriter known for her gritty lyrics, charismatic delivery, and unapologetic persona. She gained widespread recognition with her breakout single "OOOUUU" in 2016, which earned critical acclaim and commercial success. Her music often explores themes of street life, resilience, and personal triumph, resonating with audiences for its authenticity and raw emotion. With her distinctive voice and effortless flow, she has solidified her status as one of the most talented and respected MCs in the game. Beyond her music career, she is celebrated for her openness about her identity as a lesbian and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, making her a trailblazer in both hip-hop culture and the broader community.

Some of her hits include “Open Scars” and “Big”.

Da Brat

Da Brat
Image courtesy of CBC. 

Da Brat, born Shawntae Harris, is a pioneering female rapper hailing from Chicago, Illinois. She rose to prominence in the 1990s with her debut album Funkdafied, which featured the hit single of the same name. Her  music often incorporates elements of funk and soul, and she is celebrated for her confident delivery and charismatic stage presence. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with numerous artists and earned critical acclaim for her versatile style and undeniable talent. 

Some of her popular songs include “In Love Wit Chu” and “Ghetto Love”.

Saweetie

Saweetie
Image courtesy of CBC. 

Saweetie, born Diamonté Quiava Valentin Harper, is a rising star in the rap game known for her confident persona, catchy hooks, and glamorous style. Rising to prominence in the late 2010s, she gained recognition with her debut single "Icy Grl," which went viral on social media platforms. She has quickly become one of the most recognizable voices in hip-hop, earning praise for her distinctive flow and undeniable talent. Beyond her music career, she is also known for her fashion sense and entrepreneurial ventures, solidifying her status as a rising force in the music industry. 

Some of her most popular songs include “Tap In” and “My Type”. 

Foxy Brown

Foxy Brown
Image courtesy of iHeart. 

Foxy Brown, born Inga DeCarlo Fung Marchand, is a legendary rapper known for her fierce lyricism, sultry delivery, and influential contributions to hip-hop. She gained her fame for her collaborations with artists like LL Cool J and Jay-Z before releasing her debut album Ill Na Na in 1996. Her music often explores themes of empowerment, femininity, and street life, and she is celebrated for her confident persona. Today she remains a respected figure in the rap game, inspiring generations of female MCs and leaving a lasting legacy on the genre's history.

Some of her hits include “Oh Yeah” and “Candy”.

M.I.A.

M.I.A.
Image courtesy of NPR. 

M.I.A., born Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam, is a British rapper, singer, songwriter, and visual artist known for her eclectic style, politically charged lyrics, and innovative music videos. She gained international fame with hits like "Paper Planes" and "Galang," which blended elements of hip-hop, electronic, and world music. M.I.A.'s music often addresses social and political issues, drawing inspiration from her own experiences as a Sri Lankan Tamil refugee. With her bold persona and boundary-pushing creativity, she has solidified her status as one of the most influential and groundbreaking artists of her generation.

Some of her hits include “Time Traveller” and “Bad Girls”.

MC Lyte

MC Lyte
Image courtesy of Getty Images. 

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”.

Trina

Trina
Image courtesy of Page Six.

Trina, also known as "The Baddest Btch," is a pioneering figure in the rap game, celebrated for her hits like "Pull Over" and "Da Baddest Btch". Her music often explores themes of empowerment, independence, and female sexuality, and she is revered for her confidence and authenticity on the mic. Beyond her music career, she has ventured into business and philanthropy, solidifying her legacy as a multifaceted talent and a trailblazer for women in rap. She remains a respected icon in the genre, inspiring fans with her resilience, tenacity, and undeniable talent.

Some of her hits include “Here We Go” and “I Got a Thang for You”.

Sandra Denton

Image courtesy of Getty Images.

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 ("Salt") and Deidra Roper ("DJ Spinderella"), 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!”. 

DJ Spinderella

DJ Spinderella
Image courtesy of OffBeat Magazine. 

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 "Salt" James and Sandra "Pepa" Denton. With hits like "Push It," "Shoop”, Salt-N-Pepa broke barriers as one of the first all-female rap groups to achieve mainstream success. Spinderella’s rap style is characterized by her confident delivery, sharp lyricism, and undeniable charisma on the mic. 

Some of her most popular songs include “Whatta Man” and “Do You Want Me”. 

While it’s difficult to make it in the rap world, especially for women, many have proven how it’s still possible to become a successful artist. 

Allison Radziwon

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