Nicki Minaj Crowned Greatest Female Rapper of All Time by Billboard
Billboard has officially named Nicki Minaj the greatest female rapper of all time, placing her at the top of its newly released list celebrating iconic women in hip-hop.
The ranking, curated by Billboard’s editorial team, highlights the most influential and groundbreaking female rappers in the history of the genre. Minaj claimed the number one spot ahead of legendary artists such as Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, Lil’ Kim, and Queen Latifah, who round out the top five.
Other rap pioneers including MC Lyte, Salt-N-Pepa, Roxanne Shanté, Eve, and Foxy Brown were also featured in the top 10.
Notably, Minaj’s contemporaries Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion were ranked at numbers 11 and 15, respectively – falling outside the top tier despite their recent mainstream success and Grammy wins.
Minaj, who rose to prominence in the late 2000s and has since dominated the rap scene with her lyrical prowess and chart-topping hits, has yet to win a Grammy Award – a surprising omission given her impact on hip-hop over the past decade.
Still, Billboard’s recognition cements her legacy as a cultural force and trailblazer in a genre historically dominated by men.
