Billboard’s Top Female Rappers of All Time List Is Here—And It’s Fire

Nicki Minaj tops this very impressive list.

Even though Women’s History Month is officially over, Billboard is keeping the celebration going by honoring the top female rappers of all time. Leading the pack is none other than Nicki Minaj, a pick that might surprise some but feels like a no-brainer to many. Over the years, Nicki has proven herself not only as a lyrical powerhouse but as a cultural icon, shaping the sound and style of modern-day hip-hop.

Rounding out the top five are Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, Lil Kim, and Queen Latifah. Each of these women has left an undeniable mark on the genre—Missy with her futuristic creativity, Lauryn with her soulful depth, Kim with her fearless confidence, and Latifah with her pioneering influence. Together, they represent the foundation and evolution of female rap.

Billboard's Best Female Rappers of All Time

Rapsody at 17 tells me all I need to know

1. Nicki Minaj
2. Missy Elliott
3. Lauryn Hill
4. Lil Kim
5. Queen Latifah
6. MC Lyte
7. Salt-N-Pepa
8. Roxanne Shante
9. Eve
10. Foxy Brown
11. Cardi B
12. Da Brat
13. Trina
14. Left Eye
15.…
— Hip Hop By The Numbers (@HipHopNumbers) April 7, 2025

Digging deeper into the list, there are a few standout choices that reflect both respect for history and recognition of newer stars. Eve, a massively talented artist who often flies under the radar in these conversations, came in at #9. Cardi B, despite only having one full-length album to her name, landed at #11, which speaks volumes about her cultural impact. Megan Thee Stallion and Doja Cat also made the cut, showing how the new generation is carrying the torch forward.

One interesting element of the list is how it includes artists who blur the line between rapping and singing. Lauryn Hill is perhaps the best example of this, with her vocal versatility being a key part of her artistry. Doja Cat, too, has built a career on seamlessly mixing pop, R&B, and hip-hop into her music. Including artists like them shows how the genre continues to evolve and embrace fluidity in sound and style.

Billboard also made sure to pay homage to some of the originators of the game. The inclusion of legends like Roxanne Shanté shows respect for the women who helped build the blueprint for female rappers today. It’s a thoughtful reminder that hip-hop has always been shaped by a wide range of voices and experiences, even if some haven’t always received their due credit.

Overall, the list feels like a well-balanced mix of legends, innovators, and current hitmakers. It honors the past while recognizing the present and future of female rap. Whether or not you agree with every ranking, it’s refreshing to see women in hip-hop getting this kind of spotlight.