Billboard has officially named Nicki Minaj as the greatest female rapper of all time, leading a list of the twenty-five most iconic female MCs in hip hop history. Minaj, also known as “The Queen,” has redefined the role of women in rap, marking her place as the most commercially successful female rapper to date. She made history as the first female rapper to surpass 100 Billboard Hot 100 hits, with 149 entries by 2018.
The list includes other legendary names such as Missy Elliot, who ranks second, and Lauryn Hill, who comes in third. Lil Kim follows closely in the fourth spot, with Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Salt-N-Pepa, Roxanne Shante, Eve, and Foxy Brown rounding out the top ten. Cardi B, another major force in rap, earned the 11th spot, while up-and-coming stars like Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, and Doechii (who made the list after just a year of mainstream success) also secured notable positions.
Nicki Minaj’s career is marked by groundbreaking achievements, from her fierce rivalries and unforgettable guest verses to her collection of hit singles and iconic performances, cementing her status as the most influential female rapper of all time.
