Hip hop is a genre that has historically been dominated by men, but in recent years, more and more women have been making their mark and breaking barriers in the rap game. From veterans to newcomers, these female rappers have been delivering hit after hit, earning accolades and respect from fans and peers alike. Here are five queens who are confidently killing it in hip-hop in 2023.
GloRilla is the breakout star of 2023, with a GRAMMY nomination, a No. 1 single, and a top 10 debut EP under her belt. The Memphis native signed with Yo Gotti in July 2022, and has since been on a roll with her catchy and confident anthems, such as “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)”, “Tomorrow”, and “Tomorrow 2” featuring Cardi B. She has also collaborated with other rap heavyweights, such as JT, Latto, and Gangsta Boo, and has been praised for her versatile flow, witty lyrics, and charismatic personality. GloRilla is showing no signs of slowing down, and is poised to become one of the biggest names in hip hop.
Lakeyah is another rising star from Quality Control, the label that brought us Migos, Lil Baby, and City Girls. The 21-year-old rapper from Milwaukee has been making waves since she was 15, when she went viral with the Monica #SoGoneChallenge. Since then, she has released four projects, including a Gangsta Grillz mixtape with DJ Drama, and has worked with artists like Gucci Mane, Nardo Wick, and Yung Bleu. She was also part of the XXL 2021 Freshman Class, and has been named an ambassador for Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty lingerie line. Lakeyah is known for her sharp bars, smooth delivery, and relatable stories, and has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with in the rap industry.
Ice Spice is a Bronx-born rapper who has been making a name for herself in the hip hop and drill scene. The 23-year-old redhead started rapping in 2021, and has since released two viral singles, “Bikini Bottom” and “Munch (Feelin’ U)”. She has also caught the attention of Nicki Minaj, who invited her to join her on Instagram Live and praised her for her talent and potential. Ice Spice is known for her aggressive and energetic style, her clever wordplay, and her unique voice, and has been compared to artists like Rico Nasty, Flo Milli, and Young M.A. Ice Spice is ready to take over the game with her raw and unapologetic rap.
Latto is no stranger to the rap scene, having started her career at the age of 10, and winning the first season of “The Rap Game” in 2016. However, the Atlanta rapper has reached new heights in 2022, with the release of her self-titled debut album, which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, and spawned the hits “Big Energy”, “The Biggest”, and “FTCU” with GloRilla and Gangsta Boo. She has also collaborated with artists like Doja Cat, Lil Wayne, and 2 Chainz, and has been nominated for two BET Hip Hop Awards. Latto is known for her confident and charismatic rap, her catchy hooks, and her versatile skills, and has established herself as one of the leading ladies of hip hop.
Megan Thee Stallion is arguably the most successful and influential female rapper of the decade, with multiple GRAMMYs, Billboard Hot 100 No. 1s, and platinum and gold certifications to her name. The Houston hottie has been dominating the charts and the culture since 2019, with her viral hits like “Savage”, “WAP”, and “Body”. She has also collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, such as Beyoncé, Cardi B, and Drake, and has been recognized for her activism, education, and philanthropy. Megan Thee Stallion is known for her fierce and fun rap, her empowering and sexy lyrics, and her charismatic and captivating personality, and has inspired a generation of female rappers and fans.
These are just five of the many female rappers who are making their mark and changing the game in hip hop in 2023. They are not only talented and successful, but also inspiring and empowering, and they deserve all the recognition and respect they get. Hip hop is not a boys’ club anymore, it’s a queens’ kingdom.
