Top 10 Best Female Rappers In 2023: Who Is Your Favorite?

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for dancing and headbanging! As this year has been an exciting one for the world of hip-hop, it’s such a blessing to see female rappers leading the way with their fearless lyricism, unapologetic attitudes, and undeniable talent.
In this article, we'll be counting down the top 10 best female rappers at the moment, showcasing the cream of the crop in a genre that has long been dominated by men. From established icons to up-and-coming stars, from Grammy Award-winning – queen Megan Thee Stallion – to the one-and-only Nicki Minaj, we've got it all covered. Keep scrolling, whether you're a die-hard rap fan or just dipping your toes into the genre!
So, who made the cut? Who are the fierce and fabulous ladies who bring new flavors into the industry? Sit back, grab some popcorn, and let's celebrate the wonderful women who are changing the game, one beat at a time.

#1 Nicki Minaj

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Nicki Minaj is a rapper, singer, songwriter, actress, and model from Spain. She gained widespread recognition after releasing three mixtapes: Playtime Is Over, Sucka Free, and Beam Me Up Scotty. In 2009, she signed with Young Money Entertainment and released her debut studio album, Pink Friday (2010), which debuted at number one in several countries.
Her second album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2012), also topped charts around the world. Minaj's style is characterized by her fast flow and the use of alter egos and accents, particularly a British cockney. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential female rap artists of all time. She has received numerous nominations throughout her career, including 10 Grammy Award nominations.

#2 Doja Cat

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Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, or Doja Cat, is an American singer, rapper, and songwriter born and raised in Los Angeles. She began making and releasing music on SoundCloud as a teenager and signed a joint record deal with RCA Records and Kemosabe Records when she was 17.
Doja Cat is recognized for producing songs and music videos that gain popularity on social media channels such as TikTok and YouTube. Her exceptional work has earned her nominations for four American Music Awards, one Billboard Music Award, and four MTV Video Music Awards.

#3 Megan Thee Stallion

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Megan Thee Stallion (real name: Megan Jovon Ruth Pete) is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. She gained attention in 2013 when videos of her freestyling in cyphers became popular on social media. Since 2016, she has been writing, performing, and releasing raps.
Megan Thee Stallion has commercially released three EPs since 2017: Make It Hot, Tina Snow, and Suga, with the latter two charting on the US Billboard 200. She signed to 300 Entertainment in 2018 and released her first full-length mixtape, Fever, in 2019, which received critical acclaim.

#4 Missy Elliott

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Missy Elliott is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, and philanthropist. She began her music career in the early-mid 1990s with the all-female R&B group Sista and later became a member of the Swing Mob. Her debut album "Supa Dupa Fly" produced the top 20 single "Sock It 2 Me." Elliott's international success came with the release of "Miss E... So Addictive" (2001), "Under Construction" (2002), and "This Is Not a Test" (2003).
Elliott has won five Grammy Awards and sold over 30 million records in the United States, making her the best-selling female rapper in Nielsen Music history. In 2019, she became the first female rapper to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and received the MTV VMAs Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

#5 Latto

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Latto, or Alyssa Michelle Stephens, is an American rapper from Atlanta, Georgia. She rose to prominence in 2016 after appearing on the reality television series "The Rap Game." Her breakout hit single "Bitch from da Souf" came in 2019, and she signed with RCA Records soon after.
In 2021, Latto released "Big Energy," the lead single from her second studio album. It reached the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 and became her highest-charting single to date.

#6 Saweetie

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Saweetie is an American rapper. She released her debut extended play "High Maintenance" in 2018, and her debut album "Pretty Bitch Music" is scheduled for release in 2022. The album was preceded by the singles "Tap In" and "Best Friend" (featuring Doja Cat), both of which reached the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.
In 2021, Saweetie received two nominations including one for Best New Artist for the 64th Annual Grammy Awards.

#7 Cardi B

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Cardi B is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and media personality. At the beginning Cardi B gained notoriety for discussing her experiences as a stripper on social media. In 2017 she signed a major record deal with Atlantic Records. Her debut single "Bodak Yellow" topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and she has since collaborated with various artists such as Migos, Bruno Mars, 21 Savage, and Juicy J.

#8 BIA

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Bianca Landrau (born August 16, 1991), known as Bia, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and model. She made her debut on the reality show Sisterhood of Hip Hop and released her first EP, "Nice Girls Finish Last: Cuidado," .
She gained recognition for her collaborations on "Safari" by J Balvin and "Best on Earth" by Russ. In 2020, BIA signed with Epic Records and released her second EP, "For Certain," in 2021.

#9 Iggy Azalea

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Iggy Azalea is an Australian rapper. She ho moved to the United States at the age of sixteen to pursue her career in hip-hop music. She gained recognition after releasing music videos on YouTube and was eventually signed by Grand Hustle Records, owned by American rapper T.I. Her debut mixtape, "Ignorant Art," helped to establish her in the music industry.

#10 Flo Milli

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Flo Milli, or Tamia Monique Carter, is an American rapper and songwriter from Alabama. She began releasing music in 2015 and gained widespread attention after her singles "Beef FloMix" and "In The Party" went viral. She later signed with RCA Records.
Which up-and-coming female hip-hop artists are you looking forward to seeing in concert, and whose albums are you currently enjoying?