The top female rapper of 2025 is none other than the reigning queen of rap, Nicki Minaj, who has held her title for a long time.
The female rap scene has transformed since her emergence, with more women dominating charts, breaking streaming records, and reshaping culture.
Following the historic rap battles in early 2024 between titans like Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion, female artists have become the driving force in hip-hop.
This guide ranks the top female rapper of 2025 based on performances, commercial success, critical acclaim, and cultural impact, as I researched from various sources.
So, without further ado, let us get right into it!
Top 11 Female Rappers Right Now (2025)
The current female rap scene is incredible in its diversity in style, sound, and artistic vision. This ranking is based on recent releases, chart performance, cultural influence, and overall impact in 2025.
| Rank | Name | Hit Rap Song |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nicki Minaj | “Super Bass“ |
| 2 | Doja Cat | “Paint The Town Red“ |
| 3 | Megan Thee Stallion | “Savage“ |
| 4 | Cardi B | “Bodak Yellow“ |
| 5 | GloRilla | “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)“ |
| 6 | DOECHII | “What It Is“ |
| 7 | Sexyy Red | “Pound Town“ |
| 8 | Latto | “Big Energy“ |
| 9 | Saweetie | “My Type“ |
| 10 | Flo Milli | “Beef FloMix“ |
| 11 | Ice Spice | “Princess Diana“ |
Let’s get deeper into what makes each of these artists exceptional and why they’ve earned their place among the top female rappers of 2025.
1. Nicki Minaj
| Style / Genre | Pop-Rap/Hip-Hop |
| Awards | Multiple BET Awards, American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards |
| Why Is She On The List? | Continued dominance with chart-topping hits and influential presence |
| Listen Here | Nicki Minaj Music |
Nicki Minaj has been in the rap scene for over a decade, and she maintains her position at the top through consistent innovation and cultural relevance. With over 100 million records sold according to industry figures, she remains the best-selling female rapper of all time.
Despite fierce competition from newer artists, Minaj’s influence extends beyond music into fashion and business, while her dedicated fanbase (the Barbz) ensures her commercial dominance across streaming platforms and touring.
Nicki Minaj isn’t just one of the top female rappers; she’s also among the wealthiest in the game. Take a look at the richest rappers in the world to see where she ranks and how her success compares to other hip-hop giants.
2. Doja Cat
| Style / Genre | Alternative Hip-Hop/R&B |
| Awards | Grammy Award, Billboard Music Awards, MTV VMAs |
| Why Is She On The List? | Groundbreaking genre-bending artistry and consistent commercial success |
| Listen Here | Doja Cat Music |
Doja Cat’s innovative approach of blending genres continues to set her apart in 2025. Her artistic evolution has been remarkable, moving from viral sensations to critically acclaimed work that pushes boundaries.
Her production choices, lyrical depth, and theatrical performances have made her one of the most fascinating artists to watch. Despite some controversy, her music remains consistently groundbreaking.
3. Megan Thee Stallion
| Style / Genre | Southern Rap with confident delivery and feminist themes |
| Awards | Grammy Awards, BET Awards, American Music Awards |
| Why Is She On The List? | Razor-sharp bars and cultural impact beyond music |
| Listen Here | Megan Thee Stallion Music |
Megan continues to grow with her Southern rap style with confident, empowering lyrics and her trademark flow. Her 2024 “MEGAN: ACT II” album shows her greater musical experimentation while maintaining her core identity as a fierce lyricist.
The Houston native is releasing her new song soon, which is expected to top the charts. Her commitment to female empowerment through both lyrics and philanthropy has cemented her status as a voice for her generation.
4. Cardi B
| Style / Genre | Mainstream Hip-Hop |
| Awards | Grammy Award, Billboard Music Awards, BET Hip Hop Awards |
| Why Is She On The List? | Positioned for an explosive comeback after a quieter period |
| Listen Here | Cardi B Music |
As one of the best-selling female rappers with 54 million records sold, Cardi B has maintained her commercial appeal through authenticity and strategic timing. Her singles “Bodak Yellow” and “I Like It” remain among the best-selling singles from female rappers, with 11 million sales each.
Her transparency and relatability continue to connect with fans worldwide, while her business ventures show her interests beyond music.
5. GloRilla
| Style / Genre | Memphis Crunk/Trap with distinctive vocal delivery |
| Awards | BET Hip Hop Award, Grammy nomination |
| Why Is She On The List? | Meteoric rise with Memphis authenticity and raw energy |
| Listen Here | GloRilla Music |
GloRilla’s meteoric rise continues in 2025, with her distinctive Memphis accent and raw authenticity separating her from the pack.
Since her breakout hit “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)” and subsequent collaborations with artists like Cardi B, she’s proven she’s not just a one-hit wonder. Her energetic performances and lyrics have made her a fan favorite in the current rap scene.
6. DOECHII
| Style / Genre | Alternative Hip-Hop with experimental production and flow |
| Awards | BET Awards, viral acceptance speech in 2025 |
| Why Is She On The List? | Avant-garde approach with rapid mainstream breakthrough |
| Listen Here | DOECHII Music |
DOECHII’s artistic growth has been remarkable, with 2025 marking her year of mainstream recognition while maintaining her top-class approach. Her fearless experimentation with sound, powerful visual aesthetics, and thought-provoking lyrics has earned her a dedicated following.
Her rapid rise from outside the top rankings to becoming one of rap’s most important voices showcases her undeniable momentum.
7. Sexyy Re
| Style / Genre | Explicit Street Rap with an unapologetic attitude |
| Awards | Billboard Women in Music Award, BET Hip Hop nomination |
| Why Is She On The List? | Unfiltered authenticity with viral success and cultural impact |
| Listen Here | Sexyy Red Music |
Sexyy Red’s unfiltered approach to rap has made her one of the most polarizing yet undeniably successful artists of 2025.
Following the viral success of “Pound Town” in 2023 and its remix featuring Nicki Minaj, she’s continued to build momentum with provocative lyrics and an authentic persona that connects perfectly with fans. Her commercial success and cultural impact have solidified her position among rap’s elite.
8. Latto
| Style / Genre | Atlanta Trap/Hip-Hop with commercial polish |
| Awards | BET Awards, MTV Video Music Awards |
| Why Is She On The List? | Consistent growth with chart success and southern swagger |
| Listen Here | Latto Music |
Kyle Denis in Billboard called Latto a “defining artist regardless of genre or gender.” Critics have also stated that Latto is another defining artist. Her strategic collaborations and versatile performances have expanded her audience while maintaining her credibility as a serious rapper.
Building on the success of hits like “Big Energy,” she’s expanded her rap career while maintaining the southern swagger that first brought her attention, defining many fans’ 2025 listening experience.
9. Saweetie
| Style / Genre | West Coast Hip-Hop |
| Awards | BET Hip Hop Award, People’s Choice Award |
| Why Is She On The List? | Fashion-forward image with catchy hooks and business savvy |
| Listen Here | Saweetie Music |
Saweetie’s combination of catchy hooks, aspirational lyrics, and business savvy keeps her relevant in the competitive rap scene of 2025. Her fashion-forward image and marketing expertise complement her musical output, creating a brand that extends beyond music.
Though some critics question her technical skills, her cultural impact and commercial success are something that no one can deny.
10. Flo Milli
| Style / Genre | Playful Southern Rap with confident delivery |
| Awards | BET Hip Hop Awards nomination, MTV Push Artist |
| Why Is She On The List? | Distinctive voice and playful approach with growing impact |
| Listen Here | Flo Milli Music |
Flo Milli has been enjoying a breakout with “Never Lose Me” becoming “the biggest hit of her career to date. Her ability to create viral moments while delivering substantive music has established her among rap’s most promising talents.
Building on the success of her early viral hits, she’s developed as an artist while maintaining the confidence and humor that first brought her attention. Her distinct voice and persona have created a recognizable brand that stands out in a crowded field.
11. Ice Spice
| Style / Genre | Bronx Drill/Pop-Rap |
| Awards | Grammy nominations, BET Hip Hop Award nominations, Billboard Hitmaker Award |
| Why Is She On The List? | Viral phenomenon with a distinctive sound and rapid mainstream crossover |
| Listen Here | Ice Spice Music |
Ice Spice burst onto the scene with her Bronx drill sound and recognizable flow, becoming a viral sensation overnight. Since her hit “Munch (Feelin’ U),” she has maintained momentum through consistent releases, collaborations with Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift, and a unique visual style.
Her great delivery and catchy ad-libs (“Grahh”) have made her a defining voice for a new generation of rap fans. She has translated viral fame into tangible chart success and critical recognition, solidifying her place in the 2025 rap landscape following her anticipated debut album release.
Bonus: Female rappers are making history in 2025, but to see how they stack up over time, check out the best-selling rapper of all time and how the rap game has evolved.
Greatest Female Rappers Of All Time
While the current Rap scene is growing, we must acknowledge the groundbreaking artists who paved the way for today’s stars. These legendary MCs helped define the genre and create space for women in what was once a male-dominated field.
Here are the top 5 greatest female rappers of all time:
1. Lil’ Kim
Lil’ Kim’s unapologetic sexuality and fierce rhymes challenged gender norms in hip-hop during the male-dominated 1990s. With 63 million records sold, her commercial success matched her cultural impact.
Kim’s fashion influence and fearless persona created space for female artists to express themselves authentically without conforming to industry expectations.
Artist Album Link: Hard Core
2. Missy Elliott
Missy Elliott revolutionized hip-hop with her innovative production, distinctive visual aesthetic, and boundary-pushing creativity. Her influence spans multiple generations, with countless artists citing her as inspiration.
With 30 million records sold worldwide and six studio albums, her perfect blend of commercial appeal and artistic innovation established a blueprint for success without creative compromise.
Artist Album Link: Missy Elliott Songs
3. Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah brought consciousness and dignity to female rap during hip-hop’s formative years. Her powerful voice addressed social issues while her entrepreneurial spirit expanded into successful acting and business ventures.
Latifah’s multifaceted career demonstrated the unlimited potential for women in hip-hop to transcend the music industry.
Artist Album Link: All Hail the Queen
4. Lauryn Hill
With over 50 million records sold, Lauryn Hill’s impact is more than just huge sales figures. Her masterpiece “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” remains the standard for artistic expression in hip-hop, seamlessly blending rap with soul, reggae, and R&B.
Hill’s lyrical depth and vocal versatility demonstrated the unlimited potential of female artists in the genre.
Artist Album Link: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
5. Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes
Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes earns her rank with an unforgettable, high-energy rapping style and creative vision. Integral to TLC’s massive success, she delivered distinct rap verses on hits like “Waterfalls” and “No Scrubs,” co-writing many tracks and shaping their groundbreaking image.
Artist Album Link: Eye Legacy
Must Check Out:
The greatest female rappers of all time have not only broken barriers but also delivered powerful albums that shaped hip-hop culture. To see how their work compares to the genre’s most iconic releases, check out the greatest rap albums of all time.
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Conclusion: Nicki Minaj Is The Best Female Rapper In 2025
Nicki Minaj is 2025’s best female rapper due to her exceptional lyrics, commercial success, and cultural impact. She is unmatched in the industry, continually reinventing herself while maintaining her signature style.
Doja Cat’s innovative, genre-blending artistry earns her second place, fusing rap with R&B to craft a unique, resonant sound. Megan Thee Stallion claims third place, known for her empowering messages and technical prowess.
Today’s leading female rappers continue the legacy of pioneers like Missy Elliott and Lauryn Hill, fostering an environment where women’s voices resonate in the hip-hop scene.
FAQs
Nicki Minaj holds this title with over 100 million records sold worldwide, establishing her as the commercial benchmark for women in hip-hop.
Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass” leads with 12 million sales, followed closely by Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow” and “I Like It” with 11 million each.
Female rappers regularly dominate charts, sell out arena tours, and secure lucrative endorsement deals comparable to the industry’s biggest male stars.
The South continues its dominance with artists from Memphis, Houston, and Atlanta, while New York maintains relevance through distinctive voices like Ice Spice.
Social platforms have democratized access to audiences, allowing female rappers to build
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