Nicki Minaj has been crowned the G.O.A.T of female rap, officially.
Videos by According2HipHop
On Monday (April 7), Billboard released their annual list compiling the greatest female rappers of all time based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including chart performance, cultural impact, lyrical skill, longevity, and flow. The Harajuku Barbie placed in the top spot, beating out incredible acts such as Foxy Brown, MC Lyte, Missy Elliott and Lil Kim.
According to Billboard, Minaj’s body of work and groundbreaking achievements made her the clear standout.
Notably, Nicki Minaj 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
As for the rest of Billboard’s ranking, Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, Lil Kim, and Queen Latifah rounded out the top five. Several newer artists made the list as well such as Megan Thee Stallion and Doja Cat at 15 and 16 respectively. Doechii also ranked 24th.
Fans across social media had mixed reactions about Billboard’s rankings, particularly the Queens native’s spot atop the mount.
“Well deserved,” said one profile. “Nicki has worked Hard for the rap game & female rappers. Go Nicki.”
“List is trash. Nikki Minaj isn’t even top ten,” another wrote.
“And it still boggles me how the #1 female rapper has yet to receive a Grammy…. Yall keep letting these people play with our culture right in our face all because yall don’t like her,” one user wrote.
