*The rap game has certainly become better for women, with some female artists commanding as much attention as their male counterparts. But this shouldn’t make you think that females have just joined the rap game. Younger people stanning for Nicki Minaj, Cardi B and Azealia Banks tend to not know much about the Rap and Hip-Hop Queens before them. The real tea is that none of these current artists would be having careers right now if these women hadn’t paved the way. Let’s acknowledge 5 of these female artists and their best tracks.
MC Lyte
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaJan8d-4W4
A true game changer, MC Lyte was the first female rapper to have her own debut record, Lyte as a Rock (1988). She enjoyed a series of hits in the 90s like “Keep on, Keepin’ On”, the Grammy-nominated “Ruffneck” and “Cold Rock A Party.” Her music explored the dynamics between Black men and women as they both struggle in the harsh world. Her raps are still considered legendary and she continues to make music with her latest album Legend being released in 2015.
Lil Kim
Discovered by Biggie, Lil Kim started off as a member of Junior M.A.F.I.A. in 1994 only to follow a solo career two years after. Her debut album Hard Core went double platinum and her subsequent releases The Notorious K.I.M. (2000) and La Bella Mafia (2003) also went platinum, making her one of the three female rappers to have three or more platinum records. Her last album “The Naked Truth” got it a five mic review from The Source, a rare honor that hasn’t been bestowed on any other female rapper so far. Even if you’re not from the culture, you know her from her team-up on the all-girls joint “Lady Marmalade”. With her fire pen game and outrageous fashion sense, Lil Kim wrote the blueprint for future female rappers; exude raw sexuality and wield it like a weapon. Her work changed what it means to be a female in the game. Study her discography and you’ll see the evolution of a real artist.
Foxy Brown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=almJVOvH29o
A solo artist in her own right while being a member of Nas’ group The Firm, Foxy Brown started her career by doing guest verses for artists like LL Cool J and Toni Braxton. Her albums Ill Na Na (1996), Chyna Doll (1999) and Broken Silence (2001) played a big role in showcasing the raw power women could bring to rap. With her dark straight hair, dark lipstick and mink coat, Foxy Brown created the Brooklyn MC uniform. If you get overwhelmed thinking about Azealia Banks, wait till you find out about Foxy Brown. The self-proclaimed “Mahogany Rap B***h from New York” has had a long history of feuds with almost every female artist in the game. Despite facing health and legal troubles, Foxy has persevered in the game. She’s currently working on a new album due for release this year.
Queen Latifah
Serving a different perspective, Queen Latifah has been a pioneer of hip-hop feminism. Her music has been all about keeping it real when discussing issues like disrespect of black women in rap and domestic violence. Her tracks like “U.N.I.T.Y.” and “Ladies First” are female-empowerment anthems that are relevant even today. If you have only known Queen Latifah through her film and TV work, you should definitely check out her music.
Lauryn Hill
There have been two periods in hip-hop; before Miseducation and after Miseducation. That is the influence of Lauryn Hill, the double threat female MC and vocalist. Busy with live performances these days, she is yet to release a follow-up to her landmark album. Besides her debut, one can listen to her vocal contribution as part of Wyclef Jean’s Fugess. If you haven’t heard her debut album, correct the situation immediately. You’ll soon find out why Nicki Minaj bows down to her.
We’ll be discussing more Hip-Hop and Rap Queen from the 90s in our next throwback installment. Stay tuned!
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