Trinidadian rapper tops prestigious list, while her rivals Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion fall outside the top 10
NEW YORK — April 9, 2025 – In a move that has sparked widespread conversation in the hip-hop world, Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj has been officially named the greatest female rapper of all time by Billboard. The announcement, which comes as part of Billboard‘s highly anticipated list of the “Best Female Rappers of All Time,” solidifies Minaj’s place at the pinnacle of rap history, despite ongoing debates within the music industry.
While the list recognizes the profound impact of numerous influential female artists, it is Minaj’s position at the top that is drawing the most attention. The chart-topping rapper, who has dominated the genre for over a decade, was placed first, with hip-hop legends such as Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, and Queen Latifah following closely behind in the top five.
Nicki Minaj Leads the List
Billboard’s ranking places Nicki Minaj in the coveted number one spot, a well-deserved recognition for a career marked by groundbreaking achievements and global influence. Over the years, Minaj has consistently reshaped the landscape of rap with her versatile flow, boundary-pushing style, and unmatched lyrical prowess. Her ability to transcend the traditional confines of hip-hop and dominate both the pop and rap charts has solidified her status as a global icon.
Minaj’s career-defining moments include her critically acclaimed albums, such as Pink Friday (2010) and The Pinkprint (2014), as well as her numerous chart-topping hits like “Super Bass,” “Anaconda,” and “Bang Bang.” Her contributions to the genre and her ability to continually innovate have set her apart from her contemporaries, leading Billboard to declare her the greatest female rapper of all time.
The Top 5: Hip-Hop’s Icons
In the second spot, Missy Elliott, a trailblazer in both rap and music videos, earned her place as one of the most influential artists in hip-hop history. Elliott’s unique style, innovative production techniques, and boundary-pushing music videos have made her a pioneering force in the industry. Hits like “Get Ur Freak On,” “Work It,” and “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” cemented her as a visionary who revolutionized the genre.
Lauryn Hill, the multi-talented artist known for her soulful delivery and conscious lyricism, landed in third place. Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill remains one of the most celebrated albums of all time, blending elements of rap, R&B, and soul to create a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners worldwide.
Lil’ Kim, known for her fearless attitude and bold lyrical content, took fourth place. As one of the pioneers of female rap in the 1990s, Kim’s influence on the genre is undeniable, with her album Hard Core regarded as one of the most iconic releases in rap history. Her distinctive voice, unapologetic sexuality, and fearless approach to rap have made her a trailblazer for future generations of female artists.
Queen Latifah, a legend in her own right, rounds out the top five. Latifah’s versatility as a rapper, actress, and activist has earned her a lasting legacy in the hip-hop world. Her albums All Hail the Queen (1989) and Nature of a Sista (1991) helped pave the way for women in hip-hop, while her acting career and advocacy work have made her one of the most respected figures in entertainment.
The Top 10: A Collection of Legends
The remaining spots in the top 10 include some of the most respected names in rap. MC Lyte, a pioneer in the 1980s who was one of the first female rappers to gain mainstream recognition, comes in at number six. Salt-N-Pepa, the groundbreaking trio that broke barriers for women in hip-hop, takes the seventh spot, while Roxanne Shanté, one of the first female rap stars of the 1980s, claims the eighth position.
Eve, a versatile rapper and actress who rose to prominence in the early 2000s, ranks ninth, while Foxy Brown, known for her fierce lyricism and bold persona, completes the top 10. These artists have all made lasting contributions to the evolution of female rap, helping to shape the genre into what it is today.
Rivals Outside the Top 10
The list has raised eyebrows, particularly regarding the ranking of Nicki Minaj’s rivals, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, both of whom have enjoyed major success in the rap world. Cardi B, known for her unapologetic persona and chart-topping hits like “Bodak Yellow” and “WAP,” was ranked at number 11, just outside the top 10. Megan Thee Stallion, whose rise to fame has been marked by hits like “Savage” and “Hot Girl Summer,” was ranked at number 15.
Both artists, despite their Grammy wins in rap categories, fall short of the top-tier ranking in Billboard’s list, raising questions about how success is measured in the context of female rap. While both Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion have undoubtedly made significant contributions to the genre, their lower rankings may reflect the broader view of hip-hop history and the influence of the artists who paved the way before them.
Nicki Minaj’s Grammy Snub Continues
Despite being widely regarded as the greatest female rapper in history, Nicki Minaj has yet to win a Grammy Award, a glaring omission that has sparked widespread discussion among fans and industry insiders. Minaj’s Grammy snub has been a longstanding point of contention, especially given her dominant presence in the rap and pop music scenes over the years.
In contrast, both Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion have won Grammy Awards, with Cardi B taking home the Grammy for Best Rap Album in 2019 and Megan Thee Stallion winning multiple awards, including Best New Artist and Best Rap Performance in 2021. Minaj’s absence from the Grammy winners’ circle continues to be a point of frustration for many of her supporters, who argue that her impact on the genre deserves to be recognized by the Recording Academy.
Looking Ahead: A New Era of Female Rap
The Billboard ranking serves as a reminder of the ongoing evolution of female rap and the incredible legacy of the artists who have shaped it. While Nicki Minaj may top the list, the genre continues to evolve, with new voices like Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, and others making their mark on the global stage.
As the conversation around female rap continues to grow, it’s clear that the contributions of these artists will continue to inspire future generations of women in music. Whether or not they win the accolades they deserve, their impact on the genre and culture is undeniable.
