Billboard has dropped its highly anticipated list of the 25 Best Female Rappers of All Time, and as expected, it set the internet ablaze. Fans and critics alike quickly took to social media to dissect the rankings, celebrate their favorites, and question a few placements—because in hip-hop, no list goes unchallenged.

The staff at Billboard analyzed the rappers based on the following criteria: body of work/achievements (charted singles/albums, gold/platinum certifications), cultural impact/influence (how the artist’s work fostered the genre’s evolution), longevity (years at the mic), lyrics (storytelling skills) and flow (vocal prowess).

Nicki Minaj claimed the top spot, edging out fellow icons like Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott, and her onetime rival, Lil Kim. Billboard praised Minaj for “stylistically rewriting the playbook for female rappers” and positioning herself as a dominant force in both hip-hop and mainstream pop. With a career spanning over a decade, a catalog of chart-toppers, and a fiercely loyal fanbase, Minaj’s placement at No. 1 comes as little surprise to many—but not without controversy.

Following Nicki, Missy Elliott secured the No. 2 spot, celebrated for her innovation, genre-defying creativity, and undeniable impact on music videos and production. Lauryn Hill, often lauded for her lyrical depth and the genre-defining album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, landed at No. 3, despite releasing only one solo studio album. Her influence, however, continues to resonate decades later.

Lil Kim and Queen Latifah rounded out the top five—both pioneers who helped pave the way for generations of women in hip-hop. Kim’s unapologetic style and fashion-forward image revolutionized the space for women in rap, while Latifah brought messages of empowerment and unity to the forefront.

Here’s the complete list, showcasing a powerful legacy of female MCs across eras and styles:

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
12) Da Brat
13) Trina
14) Left Eye
15) Megan Thee Stallion
16) Doja Cat
17) Rapsody
18) Remy Ma
19) Latto
20) Monie Love
21) GloRilla
22) Lady of Rage
23) Gangsta Boo
24) Doechii
25) Tierra Whack

The list represents a blend of old-school pioneers and modern chart-toppers, celebrating both mainstream success and lyrical prowess. While fans applauded the recognition of legends like MC Lyte, Roxanne Shanté, and the late Gangsta Boo, others questioned the omission of underground favorites or the ranking order—especially when it came to newer artists like Doja Cat, Latto, and GloRilla, whose careers are still unfolding.

Still, love it or debate it, Billboard’s list makes one thing clear: the legacy of women in hip-hop is rich, diverse, and undeniably essential to the culture. As the genre continues to evolve, so too will the conversation about who stands at the top.

Source: Billboard