Billboard names Nicki Minaj as Best Female Rapper of All Time

Trinidadian rapper and singer-songwriter, Nicki Minaj has officially been named the Greatest Female Rapper in Hip-Hop history by Billboard, solidifying her legacy in the industry.

Billboard, one of the world’s most influential music media brand unveiled the ranking on Monday, April 7, 2025.

Nicki Minaj topped the ranking ahead of Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, Lil’ Kem and Queen Latifah based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including chart performance, cultural impact, lyrical skill, longevity, and flow.

According to Billboard, Minaj’s body of work and groundbreaking achievements made her the best candidate to top the chart.

Notably, she became the first female rapper to surpass 100 entries on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2018—an achievement few artists across any genre can claim. More recently, her Pink Friday 2 World Tour shattered records, becoming the highest-grossing tour ever by a female rapper, further underscoring her staying power and star appeal.

“From mixtape bars to mainstream dominance, Nicki has consistently delivered,” Billboard noted, highlighting her ability to blend razor-sharp lyricism with genre-bending versatility and unmatched charisma.

Following Minaj on the list were other Hip-Hop icons: Missy Elliott, Lauren Hill, Lil’ Kim, and Queen Latifah who each contributed significantly to shaping the sound and scope of female rap across different eras.

https://twitter.com/billboardhiphop/status/1909306569931567316

With over a decade in the game, countless platinum records, and a dedicated fanbase known as the Barbz, Minaj’s influence spans far beyond music.

The publication highlighted how each woman on the list contributed to the evolution of hip-hop, from the golden age of the ’80s and ’90s to the digital era of the 2000s and beyond.

Nicki Minaj, known for her animated flows, razor-sharp lyricism and genre-bending versatility, has consistently broken barriers in a male-dominated industry. Since her breakout mixtapes and debut album Pink Friday, she has amassed dozens of chart-topping hits, millions of global fans, and an undeniable influence on the sound and image of contemporary female rap.

See full rankings below.

1. Nicki Minaj

2. Missy Elliott

3. Lauryn Hill

4. Lil Kim

5. Queen Latifah

6. MC Lyte

7. Salt-N-Pepa

8. Roxanne Shante

9. Eve

10. Foxy Brown

11. Cardi B