SUPPORTING WOMEN IN HIP-HOP CULTURE
They Were Here
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Fierce Flows — The Legacy Roster
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From 1979 to now. The women who built this
MC Sha-Rock
1979 · The Bronx, NY
MC Sha-Rock is a Bronx MC best known as the “+1” in the group Funky 4 + 1. Active in the late 1970s and early 1980s, she is widely cited as one of the first prominent women MCs in recorded hip-hop, appearing on tracks like “That’s the Joint” (1980).
The Sequence
1979 · Columbia, SC
The Sequence is a female rap trio from Columbia, South Carolina, signed to Sugar Hill Records in 1979. The group—Angie B (later Angie Stone), Cheryl The Pearl, and Blondy—released the single “Funk You Up” in 1979, one of the earliest rap records by a female group.
Sister Nancy
1982 · Kingston, Jamaica
Sister Nancy is a Jamaican dancehall singer from Kingston, known for her 1982 song “Bam Bam.” The track, released on her album One, Two, has become one of the most sampled and referenced songs in reggae and dancehall history.
Dimples D
1983 · Brooklyn, NY
Dimples D is a Brooklyn-born rapper who released the single “Sucker DJ’s (I Will Survive)” in 1983, produced by Marley Marl. The song was re-released in 1990 with additional production and became a hit in several European countries.
Roxanne Shanté
1984 · Queensbridge, NY
Roxanne Shanté is a Queensbridge, New York MC who gained fame at age 14 with the 1984 single “Roxanne’s Revenge,” an answer record to UTFO’s “Roxanne, Roxanne.” She was associated with the Juice Crew and released the album Bad Sister in 1989.
The Real Roxanne
1984 · New York, NY
The Real Roxanne (Adelaida Martinez) is a New York rapper who recorded answer records during the “Roxanne Wars” in the mid-1980s. She released singles such as “The Real Roxanne” and a self-titled album in 1988, and was associated with Select Records.
Salt-N-Pepa
1985 · Queens / Brooklyn, NY
Salt-N-Pepa is a hip-hop trio from New York City formed in 1985, originally made up of Cheryl “Salt” James, Sandra “Pepa” Denton, and DJ Spinderella. They released their debut album, Hot, Cool & Vicious, in 1986 and broke through with the single “Push It.”
Sparky D
1985 · Brooklyn, NY
Sparky D is a Brooklyn-born MC who emerged in the early 1980s and became known for her role in the “Roxanne Wars,” a series of answer records in hip-hop. She released tracks such as “Sparky’s Turn (Roxanne, You’re Through)” in 1985, responding to UTFO’s “Roxanne, Roxanne.”
Sweet Tee
1986 · New York, NY
Sweet Tee is a Queens, New York MC who came to prominence in the mid-1980s. She released the single “It’s My Beat” with DJ Jazzy Joyce in 1986 and is best known for her 1988 hit “On the Smooth Tip” and the album It’s Tee Time on Profile Records.
Shelly Thunder
1986 · Kingston Jamaica
Shelly was born in Kingston Jamaica and moved to New York in the 1980's. She began deejaying in 1985 and her first single, "Shock mi a Shock" hit #1 on the US reggae charts.
MC Lyte
1987 · Brooklyn, NY
MC Lyte is a Brooklyn, New York rapper who released her first single, "I Cram To Understand U (Sam)" in 1987. Her debut album Lyte as a Rock was released in 1988 on First Priority/Atlantic Records. She is the first solo female rapper to release a full-length album.
ANTOINETTE
1987 · Bronx, New York
Antoinette is a New York rapper who emerged in the late 1980s. She released the single “I Got an Attitude” in 1987 and the album Who’s the Boss? in 1989 on Next Plateau Records, gaining attention for her battle-ready style.
Ms. Melodie
1988 · Brooklyn, New York
Ms. Melodie was a rapper from Brooklyn, New York, associated with Boogie Down Productions. She released Hype According To Ms. Melodie in 1988, and the album Diva in 1989 on Jive Records.
L’TRIMM
1988 · Miami, Florida
L’Trimm was a Miami bass rap duo from Miami, Florida, made up of Bunny D and Lady Tigra. Active in the late 1980s, they are best known for their 1988 single “Cars That Go Boom” and the album Grab It! released on Time-X/Atlantic Records.
The Mistress & DJ Madame E
1989 · Toronto, Canada
The Mistress & DJ Madame E were a Canadian hip-hop duo associated with Toronto’s early rap scene in the late 1980s. They appeared on compilations and local releases that documented the growth of Canadian hip-hop during that period.
Finesse & Synquis
1989 · New York, NY
Finesse & Synquis were a female rap duo from New York City. Finesse (Sidney Hall) and Synquis (Sheraine Brewster) were signed to Uptown/MCA Records. They released the album Soul Sisters in 1989.
Oaktown's
3-5-7
1989 · Oakland, CA
Oaktown’s 3.5.7 was a female rap group from Oakland, California, formed by MC Hammer in the late 1980s. Signed to Capitol Records, they released the album Wild & Loose in 1989 and are known for singles like “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah” and “Juicy Gotcha Krazy.”
Queen Latifah
1989 · Newark, NJ
Queen Latifah is a rapper, singer, and actress from Newark, New Jersey. She released her debut album All Hail the Queen in 1989 on Tommy Boy Records, featuring the single “Ladies First.” She later won a Grammy Award for Best Solo Rap Performance in 1995 for “U.N.I.T.Y.”
Ice Cream Tee
1989 · Philadelphia, PA
Ice Cream Tee is a Philadelphia-born rapper who released the single “To Be Continued (Watch Out)” in 1989 on Tuff City Records. She recorded during the late 1980s and early 1990s, contributing to the era’s East Coast hip-hop output.
Shocky Shay
1989 · Bronx, New York
Shocky Shay is a Bronx, New York rapper active in the late 1980s. She released her album No Joke in 1989 on Orpheus Records.
Def Dames
1989 · Bakersfield, California
Def Dames was a female rap group from Bakersfield, California. The duo consisted of Marilyn Smith, and Yolanda Sugart who was replaced by Petrina Walker in 1991. Their first album, 2-4-The Bass was released in 1989.
Smiley
1989 · Detroit, Michigan
Smiley is a Detroit rapper who emerged in the late 1980s. She released The Smile Gets Wild in 1989, making her one of the first female rappers from Detroit to do so.
Silk Tymes Leather
1989 · Atlanta, GA
Silk Tymes Leather was a female rap trio from Atlanta, Georgia. In 1989, they released their debut single “Do Your Dance (Work It Out)." Their album It Ain't Where Ya From...It's Where Ya At was released in 1990. They were the first rap act from Atlanta signed to a major label.
MC Choice
1990 · Houston, TX
MC Choice is a rapper from Houston, Texas, active in the early 1990s. She released the album “The Big Payback” in 1990 on Rap-A-Lot Records, one of the South’s key hip-hop labels. MC Choice became one of the first Southern women MCs to gain national distribution.
M.C. Trouble
1990 · Los Angeles, California
MC Trouble was a rapper from Los Angeles, California. Signed to Motown Records, she released the album “Gotta Get a Grip” in 1990. She was one of the first female rappers on a major label before her death in 1991.
Monie Love
1990 · London, UK
Monie Love is a British rapper from London who became part of the Native Tongues collective. She released the album “Down to Earth” in 1990, featuring the hit “Monie in the Middle.”
L.A. Star
1990 · Los Angeles, CA
L.A. Star is a Los Angeles rapper active around 1990. She released the single “Poetess” on Profile Records, adding a woman’s voice to the West Coast underground.
Smooth the MC
1990 · Los Angeles, CA
Smooth the MC is a Los Angeles rapper. She released the single “Smooth & Legit” and appeared on West Coast rap compilations.
Tairrie B
1990 · Los Angeles, CA
Tairrie B is a rapper from Los Angeles who was signed to Eazy-E’s Ruthless Records. She released the album “Power of a Woman” in 1990, produced in part by members of N.W.A.
Isis (Queen Mother Rage)
1991 · New York, NY
Isis, later known as Queen Mother Rage, is a New York rapper affiliated with X-Clan and the Blackwatch movement. Active in the early 1990s, she released the album “Rebel Soul” in 1991.
Nikki D.
1991 · New York, NY
Nikki D is a rapper from New York who became the first female artist signed to Def Jam Recordings. She released the album “Daddy’s Little Girl” in 1991, and her single of the same name reached the Billboard rap charts.
Overweight Pooch
1991 · Los Angeles, CA
Overweight Pooch (Tonya Davis) is a rapper from Los Angeles, active in the early 1990s. She released the album “Female Preacher” in 1991 on A&M Records, featuring the single “I Like It.”
MC Peaches
1991 · Brooklyn, New York
MC Peaches is a rapper active in the early 1990s. She released the album “More Than Just A Pretty Face” in 1991 on EastWest Records. Singles include "I'mma Let You Know" and the title track.
Poizon Posse
1991 · New York, NY
Poizon Posse was a New York–based female rap group active in the early 1990s. They released the single “Poizon” and appeared alongside Sweet Tee performing "However Do You Want Me" at the Sisters In The Name Of Rap concert in 1991.
Yo-Yo
1991 · Los Angeles, CA
Yo-Yo is a rapper and actress from Los Angeles, California. Introduced by Ice Cube, she released her debut album “Make Way for the Motherlode” in 1991, followed by “Black Pearl” and other projects.
Heather B.
1992 · Jersey City, NJ
Heather B. is a rapper and media personality from Jersey City, New Jersey. Her single "I Get Wreck" was released in 1992, and her debut album “Takin’ Mine” was released in 1996.
Patra
1993 · Kingston, Jamaica
Patra is a dancehall artist from Kingston, Jamaica. She rose to international fame in the early 1990s with hits like “Worker Man,” “Romantic Call,” and “Pull Up to the Bumper.” Her first album “Queen of the Pack” was released in 1993.
LeShaun
1993 · Brooklyn, New York
LeShaun is a rapper from New York best known for her work with LL Cool J on the hit single “Doin’ It” in 1996. Earlier, she released solo material including the EP “Wide Open” in 1993 and appeared on underground tracks in the early 1990s.
Bo$$
1993 · Detroit / Los Angeles
Bo$$ is a rapper from Detroit who was raised in Los Angeles. Signed to Def Jam, she released the album “Born Gangstaz” in 1993, one of the first major-label gangsta rap albums by a woman.
Lauryn Hill
1993 · South Orange, NJ
Lauryn Hill is a rapper, singer, and songwriter from South Orange, New Jersey. She first gained recognition with the Fugees on the album “The Score” (1996), then released her solo classic “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” in 1998.
Suga T
1993 · Vallejo, California
Suga T is a rapper and singer from Vallejo, California. A member of The Click with her brother E-40, she released solo project “It's All Good” in 1993. Her work helped shape the Bay Area’s independent rap sound, mixing street stories with R&B hooks.
The Conscious Daughters
1993 · Oakland, CA
The Conscious Daughters were a rap duo from Oakland, California, made up of Carla “CMG” Green and Karryl “Special One” Smith. Signed to Paris’s label Scarface Records, they released “Ear to the Street” in 1993 and “Gamers” in 1996.
Dis 'N' Dat
1993 · Atlanta, GA
Dis ’N’ Dat was a female rap duo from Atlanta, Georgia, produced by Jermaine Dupri. Active in the mid-1990s, they released the album “Bumpin’” in 1994 on So So Def and Epic Records.
Champ MC
1994 · The Bronx, NY
Champ MC is a rapper from the Bronx, New York. Signed to EastWest Records, she released the album “Ghetto Flava” in 1994. Singles include "Funkhouse" and "Keep It On The Real."
Bahamadia
1994 · Philadelphia, PA
Bahamadia is a rapper and DJ from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She released the single "Total Wreck" in 1994, and her debut album “Kollage” in 1996 on Chrysalis/EMI.
Da Brat
1994 · Chicago, IL
Da Brat is a rapper from Chicago, Illinois. Her debut album “Funkdafied” was released in 1994 on So So Def. She became the first solo female rapper to go platinum.
Lady Saw
1994 · St. Mary, Jamaica
Lady Saw is a dancehall artist from St. Mary, Jamaica. Crowned the “Queen of Dancehall,” she released her first album "Bare As You Dare" in 1994. Known for her explicit lyrics and powerful stage presence, she broke barriers for women in reggae and dancehall before later turning to gospel music.
Lez Moné
1994 · Houston, TX
Lez Moné is a rapper from Houston, Texas. Her 1994 debut "Talkin' Shit" dropped on the independent label 7 Deuce Trey. Single "Take Care Ya Bizness" followed. She was part of the duo Nuckleheadz, which appeared on Eightball & MJG's "On Top Of The World" in 1995.
Marvaless
1994 · Oakland / Stockton, CA
Marvaless is a rapper from Sacramento/Oakland, California. She debuted with “Ghetto Blues” in 1994 and released several albums on the West Coast independent circuit. Working with artists like C-Bo, she became a staple of Northern California’s hardcore rap scene.
The Lady of Rage
1994 · Farmville, VA
The Lady of Rage is a rapper and actress from Virginia. Affiliated with Death Row Records. She released "Afro Puffs" in 1994 before releasing her debut album “Necessary Roughness” in 1997.
Menajahtwa
1994 · Compton, CA
Menajahtwa was a female rap duo from Compton, California. Rap duo Spice and Royal T, signed to Eazy-E's Ruthless Records. They released their only album "Cha-Licious" in 1994. Singles: "La La La" and "Giv Tha Azz 2 No 1."
Shortie No Mass
1993 / 1995 · Boston / Philadelphia
Shortie No Mass is a rapper associated with De La Soul and the Native Tongues circle. Her single "Like This / U Like My Style" was recorded in 1995.
Ghetto Twiinz
1995 · New Orleans, LA
The Ghetto Twiinz are twin sisters Tonya and Tremethia Jupiter from New Orleans, Louisiana. They released “Surrounded by Criminals” in 1995 and “In That Water” in 1997.
Mia X
1995 · New Orleans, LA
The First Lady of No Limit Records, Mia X held her own in one of the most commercially dominant rap empires of the 90s. She released her debut abum "Good Girl Gone Bad" in 1995
Hurricane G
1996 · Brooklyn, NY
Hurricane G was a Brooklyn rapper of Puerto Rican descent. She was featured on "Far Away" in 1996 and later released her debut album All Woman in 1997.
380 Dat Lady
1996 · Houston, Texas
380 Dat Lady is a Houston rapper who emerged in the mid‑1990s. She released "A Day In The Life Of 380 Vol. 1" in 1996 on Cartel Records.
Foxy Brown
1996 · Brooklyn, NY
Foxy Brown is a Brooklyn rapper who rose to prominence in the mid-1990s. She signed with Def Jam and released her platinum debut album Ill Na Na in 1996, followed by work with The Firm.
Lil' Kim
1996 · Brooklyn, NY
Lil’ Kim is a Brooklyn rapper who first gained attention as a member of Junior M.A.F.I.A. She released her debut album Hard Core in 1996, which became a major commercial success.
Bombshell
1996 · Detroit, Michigan
Bombshell is a Detroit rapper and vocalist active in the 1990s. Her 1996 album It’s In My Nature was released through Super Sonic Sound and is often recognized in Midwest hip-hop circles for its Detroit-rooted sound.
Sh'killa
1996 · Bay Area
Sh’Killa is a West Coast rapper associated with the 1990s gangsta rap era. She released Gangstrez From da Bay in 1996 through G.W.K. Records, with production connected to Havoc & Prodeje and distribution through Priority Records.
Nonchalant
1996 · Washington, D.C.
Nonchalant is a Washington, D.C. rapper and songwriter best known for her 1996 single “5 O’Clock.” The song reached the Billboard Hot 100, topped the Hot Rap Singles chart, and was certified gold by the RIAA. Her debut album Until the Day was released by MCA Records in 1996.
Lolo Swift
1997 · Vallejo, California
Lolo Swift is from Vallejo, California. Her debut album "I Got Lipstick On My Blunts" was released in 1997 on Backstreet Records. She is associated with Bay Area hip-hop.
D'Meka
1997 · Cincinnati, OH
D’Meka is a rapper from Cincinnati, Ohio. She was affiliated with local groups including OTR Clique and The Criminyles, and released the solo project Now… Feel Me! in 1997.
II Tru
1997 · Cleveland, OH
II Tru is a female rap duo from Cleveland, Ohio, made up of Brina and Jhaz. They were connected to Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and the Mo Thugs Family, appearing on Family Scriptures before releasing their 1997 album A New Breed of Female through Mo Thugs/Relativity.
Missy Elliott
1997 · Portsmouth, VA
Missy Elliott is a rapper, singer, songwriter, producer, and creative director from Virginia. Her debut solo album Supa Dupa Fly was released in 1997 and went platinum, and she later became the first female hip-hop artist inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023.
Gangsta Boo
1998 · Memphis, TN
Gangsta Boo was a Memphis rapper best known as the sole female member of Three 6 Mafia during the group’s classic 1990s run. She released her debut solo album Enquiring Minds in 1998 and remained an influential voice in Southern hip-hop until her death in 2023.
Paula Perry
1998 · Brooklyn, NY
Paula Perry is a Brooklyn rapper who first gained wider attention through her work with Masta Ace Incorporated. She later released solo singles including “Paula’s Jam” and “Extra, Extra,” and recorded the album Tales from Fort Knox, which was tied to Motown but did not receive a proper commercial rollout at the time.
Rah Digga
1998 · Newark, NJ
Rah Digga is a Newark, New Jersey rapper and actress. She was featured on "Six-Pack in 1998 and was a member of Da Outsidaz. Later she became known for her work with Busta Rhymes’ Flipmode Squad before releasing her debut solo album Dirty Harriet in 2000.
Sylk-E. Fyne
1998 · Los Angeles, CA
Sylk-E. Fyne is a Los Angeles rapper best known for her 1998 single “Romeo and Juliet” featuring Chill. The song appeared on her debut album Raw Sylk, released through RCA in 1998, and reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Hot Rap Singles chart.
Amil
1998 · New York, NY
Amil is a New York rapper who became widely known through her appearance on the 1998 single “Can I Get A...” She signed with Roc-A-Fella/Columbia and released her only studio album, All Money Is Legal, in 2000.
Eve
1999 · Philadelphia, PA
Eve is a Philadelphia rapper, actress, and songwriter who rose to prominence as part of the Ruff Ryders camp. Her 1999 debut album, Let There Be Eve... Ruff Ryders’ First Lady, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and was certified double platinum.
Solé
1999 · Kansas City, MO
Solé is a rapper from Kansas City, Missouri. She gained national attention through her feature on JT Money’s 1999 hit “Who Dat” and released her debut album Skin Deep through DreamWorks Records that same year.
LaChat
2001 · Memphis, TN
La Chat is a Memphis rapper associated with the Hypnotize Minds and Three 6 Mafia circle. She gained wider recognition through Project Pat’s “Chickenhead” and released her debut solo album Murder She Spoke in 2001.
Jean Grae
2002 · Brooklyn, NY
Jean Grae New York-raised rapper and writer known for her work in underground hip-hop. She first gained attention under the name What? What? before releasing albums such as Attack of the Attacking Things in 2002 and earning recognition for her lyricism.
SHAWNNA
1998 / 2004 · Chicago, IL
Shawnna is a Chicago rapper who first gained attention as part of the 1998 female rap duo Infamous Syndicate. She later signed to Ludacris’ Disturbing tha Peace label and released her solo debut album Worth tha Weight in 2004. She followed with Block Music in 2006, which included the single “Gettin’ Some.”
Remy Ma
2004 · The Bronx, NY
Remy Ma is a Bronx rapper discovered by Big Pun and later associated with Fat Joe’s Terror Squad. She appeared on Terror Squad’s 2004 No. 1 hit “Lean Back” and released her debut solo album There’s Something About Remy: Based on a True Story in 2006.
Nicki Minaj
2007 · Queens, NY
Nicki Minaj is Queens-raised rapper who rose through mixtapes before signing with Young Money. Her debut album, Pink Friday, was released in 2010 and later reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200; in 2023, Pink Friday 2 made her the first female rapper with three No. 1 albums on that chart.
Rapsody
2012 · Snow Hill, NC
Rapsody is a rapper from Snow Hill, North Carolina, known for her intricate lyricism and jazz‑ and soul‑influenced sound. A longtime Jamla Records artist, she earned critical acclaim and Grammy nominations for albums like “Laila’s Wisdom” and “Eve.”
DeJ Loaf
2014 · Detroit, MI
DeJ Loaf is a rapper and singer from Detroit. She gained national attention with her 2014 single “Try Me,” signed with Columbia Records, and later released projects including Sell Sole and …And See That’s the Thing.
Leikeli47
2015 · New York, NY
Leikeli47 is a rapper and songwriter raised between Virginia and New York, known for always performing in a mask. She gained attention with projects like “Wash & Set” and the “Acrylic” and “Shape Up” albums, often centering Black beauty and joy.
Dreezy
2016 · Chicago, IL
Dreezy is a rapper, singer, and songwriter from Chicago. She signed with Interscope Records, released her debut album No Hard Feelings in 2016, and earned a Billboard Hot 100 entry with the single “Body.”
Kamaiyah
2016 · Oakland, CA
Kamaiyah is a rapper and singer from Oakland, California. Her 2016 mixtape A Good Night in the Ghetto received critical attention, and she gained wider visibility through YG’s “Why You Always Hatin?” featuring Drake.
Maliibu Miitch
2016 · Brooklyn, NY
Maliibu Miitch is a rapper and songwriter born in Charlotte and raised in New York City. She was formerly part of the duo Malibu N Helene before building a solo career with releases such as Maliibu Miitch Top 5 and the single “Give Her Some Money.”
NoName
2016 · Chicago, IL
Noname is a Chicago rapper, poet, and songwriter. She gained wider recognition from her appearance on Chance the Rapper’s “Lost,” then released Telefone in 2016 and Room 25 in 2018; she is also part of Ghetto Sage with Smino and Saba.
Young M.A
2016 · Brooklyn, NY
Young M.A is a Brooklyn rapper best known for her 2016 single “Ooouuu.” The song became a major breakout hit, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 and earning multi-platinum certification; she later released her debut album Herstory in the Making in 2019.
Tierra Whack
2018 · Philadelphia, PA
Tierra Whack is a rapper, singer, and visual artist from Philadelphia. She gained major critical attention with Whack World in 2018, and her video for “Mumbo Jumbo” earned a Grammy nomination for Best Music Video.