10 Iconic Female Rappers From The 80s And 90s You Should Know About

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Introduction

The realm of hip-hop has always been a space where innovation and the breaking of boundaries converge, with female rappers playing an integral part in its evolution. From the 1980s through to the 1990s, women in rap not only carved out niches for themselves but also paved the way for future generations. Here, we'll delve into the profiles of ten iconic female rappers from this era who left an indelible mark on the music industry.

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MC Lyte

MC Lyte was a pioneer whose voice was not just heard, it resonated. Emerging in 1987, her debut album Lyte as a Rock marked a milestone in women's rap with its assertive lyrics and strong beats. 🎤 Her influence was profound; she was one of the first female MCs to have her own record deal. Here's why she's iconic:

• First Album: Lyte As A Rock (1988)
• Notable Achievements: First solo female rapper to release a full-length album.

<p class="pro-note">🎶 Note: MC Lyte was also the first female rapper to perform at Carnegie Hall.</p>

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Salt-N-Pepa

As a dynamic duo, Salt-N-Pepa broke stereotypes with their infectious hits like "Push It" and "Shoop." These songs were not just dancefloor fillers; they embodied a message of empowerment and confidence. 🌟 Here's what made them stand out:

• Breakout Single: Push It (1987)
• Impact: Advocates for sex education and positive representation of women.

<p class="pro-note">💃 Note: Their music videos often showcased them performing complex choreography, which was not common for female rappers at that time.</p>

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Queen Latifah

When you think of influence in female rap, Queen Latifah is often at the forefront. Her debut album All Hail the Queen not only showcased her lyrical prowess but also her ability to tackle social issues. Here's her legacy:

• Debut Album: All Hail the Queen (1989)
• Significance: Advocate for women’s rights and against domestic violence in her music.

<p class="pro-note">🗣️ Note: Queen Latifah's song "U.N.I.T.Y." became an anthem for the empowerment of women, earning her a Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance.</p>

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Roxanne Shanté

Known for her sharp wit and biting diss tracks, Roxanne Shanté was the youngest female MC to reach mainstream success. She made history with the "Roxanne Wars" feud, setting the template for future hip-hop battles. Here's her contribution:

• Hit Track: Roxanne’s Revenge (1984)
• Notable Fact: She started her career at age 14, making her one of the youngest MCs ever.

<p class="pro-note">🎵 Note: Roxanne’s freestyle battles against other male rappers were instrumental in proving the competitive spirit and talent of women in rap.</p>

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Monie Love

Monie Love, with her British accent, brought an international flavor to hip-hop, showcasing that female rap could transcend borders. Her collaboration with Queen Latifah on "Ladies First" became an anthem. Here's her influence:

• Hit Song: Ladies First (1989)
• Achievement: First British female rapper to gain prominence in the U.S.

<p class="pro-note">🎬 Note: Monie Love's contribution to hip-hop was also recognized through her hosting gigs on BET’s "Rap City."</p>

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Da Brat

Da Brat, known for her unique flow and bold lyrics, emerged in the mid-90s with a brash style that challenged the gender norms within hip-hop. Here's her impact:

• Debut Album: Funkdafied (1994)
• Notable Fact: She was the first female rapper to go platinum with an album.

<p class="pro-note">🏆 Note: Da Brat was often seen collaborating with major artists like The Notorious B.I.G. and Mariah Carey, showcasing her versatility.</p>

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Lady of Rage

As one of Dr. Dre's protégés, Lady of Rage brought a West Coast flair to her rhymes, with a style that was both fierce and feminine. Her skills were showcased on her debut album Necessary Roughness. Here's her contribution:

• Debut Album: Necessary Roughness (1997)
• Recognition: Her rhymes were lauded for their complexity and storytelling.

<p class="pro-note">💿 Note: Lady of Rage appeared on tracks like "Do It 'Til It's Over" with 2Pac, which helped cement her reputation in the hip-hop community.</p>

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Gangsta Boo

As part of Three 6 Mafia, Gangsta Boo brought southern energy and style to female rap. Known for her unapologetic lyrics, she was a vital part of Memphis's hip-hop scene. Here's her legacy:

• Affiliation: Three 6 Mafia
• Significance: Her presence added depth and diversity to the group's sound.

<p class="pro-note">🌶️ Note: Gangsta Boo's involvement in the early mixtape scene also influenced the rise of independent artists in hip-hop.</p>

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Yo-Yo

A protégé of Ice Cube, Yo-Yo championed women's rights in hip-hop with her empowering lyrics. Her debut album, Make Way for the Motherlode, set a tone for political rap from a female perspective. Here's her influence:

• Debut Album: Make Way for the Motherlode (1991)
• Contribution: Her music frequently highlighted issues like sexism and misogyny.

<p class="pro-note">🎤 Note: Yo-Yo's public appearances often revolved around mentoring young female rappers, creating a cycle of empowerment.</p>

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Rah Digga

Emerging from the Flipmode Squad, Rah Digga brought a unique East Coast style with her lyrical dexterity and impactful flow. Her work with the squad and her solo efforts were critically acclaimed. Here's her impact:

• Notable Group: Flipmode Squad
• Skill Set: Known for her multisyllabic rhymes and intricate wordplay.

<p class="pro-note">🗣️ Note: Rah Digga's verse on "The Imperial" alongside fellow female MCs was a pivotal moment in showcasing the skill level of women in rap.</p>

Conclusion

From crafting their own place in a male-dominated industry to setting standards for future female rappers, these ten women have left a lasting legacy in hip-hop. Their stories of resilience, creativity, and fierce talent are a testament to their enduring influence. As we listen to new talents in the rap scene today, we must not forget the foundational work laid down by these trailblazers in the 80s and 90s. Their contributions are not just historical footnotes but living inspirations for all who aspire to use their voice in music.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Who was the first female rapper to release a full-length solo album?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>MC Lyte was the first female rapper to release a full-length solo album with Lyte As A Rock in 1988.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What was the impact of Salt-N-Pepa on the music industry?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Salt-N-Pepa not only pushed boundaries with their style and music but also became advocates for sex education and positive representation of women, significantly impacting the cultural landscape of hip-hop.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Did Queen Latifah ever win a Grammy for her work in rap?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, Queen Latifah won a Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance for her song "U.N.I.T.Y."</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Who was the youngest female MC to achieve mainstream success in rap?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Roxanne Shanté achieved mainstream success at the age of 14.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What makes Monie Love unique among her peers?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Monie Love brought an international perspective to hip-hop as one of the first British female rappers to gain recognition in the U.S., and her accent added a distinct flavor to her music.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>