No matter what era you explore in hip-hop, you’re bound to find some amazing female rappers. And the 90s was no exception.
From the likes of Lauryn Hill and Missy Elliott to Lil’ Kim and Latifah, the ’90s were full of fierce and talented female rappers.
So, in honor of these ladies of hip-hop, we’re taking a look at some of the best female rappers of the ’90s. From chart-toppers to underground queens, these are the women who helped make the ’90s one of the most iconic decades in hip-hop history.
Top 10 Best Female Rappers of the 90s
There are so many great female rappers out there but the 10 mentioned below are what we think are truly the cream of the crop. These are the ladies that showed rap isn’t just a boys’ game and they did it with style and grace.
- Mary J. Blige
- Missy Elliott
- Lauryn Hill
- Salt-N-Pepa
- Erykah Badu
- Eve
- Lil’ Kim
- Foxy Brown
- Queen Latifah
- MC Lyte
Black Female Rappers of the 90s
While there are many great white female rappers, the ’90s were definitely dominated by black women in hip-hop.
To name a few, we have the likes of Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott, Lil’ Kim, and Lauryn Hill. Queen Latifah in particular was one of the first successful female rappers that paved the way for other women in the genre.
Missy Elliott also had a huge impact on the rap industry, and her unique style is still imitated by many artists today.
Lauryn Hill was another hugely successful rapper, and her album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” is considered to be one of the greatest albums of all time.
Then there’s Lil’ Kim, who was known for her provocative style and lyrics. She was also a successful businesswoman, and she remains one of the most iconic female rappers of all time.
Other notable black female rappers from the ’90s include:
- Monie Love
- Roxanne Shante
- Sharon Green
- Rah Digga
- Lil’ Kim
90s Female Gangsta Rappers
The gangsta rap scene of the early to mid-1990s was undoubtedly a male-dominated space. But there were a number of female rappers who made their mark on the genre during this time.
One of the most famous female gangsta rappers was Yo-Yo. She released a number of successful albums and singles during the early ’90s including “Make Way for the Motherlode” and “You Can’t Play with My Yo-Yo.”
Another well-known female gangsta rapper was MC Lyte, who was the first solo female rapper to release a full album. She was also one of the first female rappers to be nominated for a Grammy Award.
Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes was another successful female gangsta rapper, and she was a member of the hugely successful group TLC. In addition to her rapping skills, Left Eye was known for her outrageous style and her public persona as an independent woman. She was often compared to the late Tupac Shakur for her honesty and willingness to speak out about social issues.
Here are some other notable female gangsta rappers from the ’90s:
- Yo Yo
- Michel’le
- Boss
- Lisa Lopes
- Gangsta Boo
- Smooth
- Simple E
- Boss
Underground Female Rappers of the 90s
Underground female rap artists of the 90s were raw, aggressive, and unapologetic in their lyrics. They were also fiercely independent, often forming their own labels and production companies.
Although they didn’t achieve the same level of mainstream success as some of their male counterparts, these women were nonetheless hugely influential in the underground hip-hop scene.
Here are some of the most important underground female rappers of the 90s that deserve a place on your playlist:
- Champ MC
- Lin Que
- N-Tyce
- Shortie No Mass
- Queen Pen
- Nadanuf
- Mama Mystique
- Bigga Sistas
Old School Female Rappers of the 90s
90s old-school rap scene can be characterized by its raw, unadulterated sound, its focus on issues like poverty, violence, and racism; and its embrace of gangsta culture.
While some criticized the genre for its negative portrayal of black culture, others saw it as an honest reflection of the realities faced by many inner-city residents.
Ultimately, old-school rap remained an important part of hip-hop history, and the female rappers of this era played a significant role in its development. Even today, their music continues to inspire new generations of rappers and producers.
- J.J. Fad
- Nikki D
- Deadly Venoms
90s West Coast Female Rappers
The west coast rap scene of the ’90s was defined by its laid-back, G-funk sound. Characterized by its use of synthesizers, samples, and heavy bass this new style of rap music became hugely popular, and it was led by artists like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Warren G.
Though highly male-dominated, the west coast rap scene also had a number of successful female rappers.
They might not be as well-known as their male counterparts, but these women were nonetheless hugely influential in the development of west coast rap. Take a look at some of the most essential female west coast rappers of the ’90s:
- Trina
- Suga-T
- The Lady of Rage
- Mia X
- MC Trouble
Early, Mid, Late 90s Female Rappers
In the early 1990s, female rappers were few and far between. The most successful female rapper at the time was Queen Latifah, who released her debut album All Hail the Queen in 1989. Her success paved the way for other female rappers, such as Da Brat and Lil’ Kim, who both released their debut albums in 1994.
The mid-1990s saw a slight increase in the number of successful female rappers. In addition to Queen Latifah and Lil’ Kim, artists such as Missy Elliott and Foxy Brown began to find success with their own unique styles. However, it wasn’t until the late 1990s that the female rap scene truly began to blow up.
Artists like Lauryn Hill, Eve, and Erykah Badu all released breakout albums in the late 1990s that cemented their place in hip-hop history.
Regardless of when they emerged, all of these female rappers have had a major impact on the rap game. They’ve challenged norms, pushed boundaries, and inspired other women to pursue their dreams. If you’re a fan of rap music, then these are the female rappers that you need to know about.
Early 90s Female Rappers
- Queen Latifah
- Lil Kim
- The Lady of Rage
- Kandi Burruss
- MC Lyte
Mid 90s Feamle Rappers
- Missy Elliott
- Foxy Brown
- Bahamadia
- Mia X
Late 90s Female Rappers
- Lauryn Hill
- Erykah Badu
- Eve
- Amil
- Imani Coppola
90s New York Female Rappers
New York City was teeming with creativity in the ’90s. This was especially true for the hip-hop scene, which was undergoing a major renaissance. After falling out of favor in the early ’90s, New York rap was revitalized by a new wave of artists who brought fresh energy and innovative styles to the genre.
This new wave of New York rappers was led by artists like Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., and Wu-Tang Clan. But while the male rappers of this era have gone down in history, the women of this era are often overlooked.
And that’s a shame because the female rappers of this era played a significant role in its development. So, it’s the time to give these women their due credit and shine a light on some of the most essential female New York rappers of the ’90s.
- Angie Martinez
- Jean Grae
- Amil
- Dimples D.
- Princess Superstar
- Sweet Tee
90s Memphis Female Rappers
The Memphis rap scene might not be as well-known as the ones in New York or Los Angeles, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less important.
One of the most successful female rappers from Memphis was La Chat. She released her debut album, Murder she Spoke, in 1997. The album was a success, helped put Memphis rap on the map, and solidified La Chat as one of the city’s most essential rappers.
Other notable female rappers from Memphis include Gangsta Boo. These artists have all helped to create a unique sound that is synonymous with Memphis rap. And while the city has long been known for its blues and soul music, the rap scene is quickly becoming one of its most defining characteristics.
- MC Money
- Lt. Princess Loko
- The Legend Lady J
- Boss Bytch
- Gangsta Gold
Bay Area Female Rappers 90s
When it comes to Bay Area female rappers in the ’90s, there are a few names that come to mind. Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, and Missy Elliott are just a few of the most successful women in rap who hailed from the Bay.
These women were all unique in their own ways, but they had one thing in common: they were unafraid to speak their minds and stand up for what they believed in.
They used their platform to promote messages of positivity and empowerment, and they continue to inspire new generations of female rappers.
- The Conscious Daughters
- Ms. Parle’
- Suga-T
- Queen Latifah
- MC Lyte
Sexiest 90s Female Rappers
We don’t know how you define “sexy” but these women mentioned below definitely fit the bill. From their curvaceous figures to their sultry voices, these female rappers are the epitome of sexiness.
- Lauryn Hill
- Eve
- Lil’ Kim
- Queen Latifah
- Charli Baltimore
- Gangsta Boo
- Jean Grae
- Lisa Lopes
- Yo-Yo
Wrapping Up
So, there you have it: a list of the best female rappers of the ’90s. As you saw, there was a wide range of styles and sounds represented on this list. But one thing is for sure: these women all helped to shape the sound of hip-hop in the ’90s and they continue to inspire new generations of rappers.
