The Female Rap Game

Photo+by+Mwabonje+from+Pexels

Photo by Mwabonje from Pexels

Emily Zhu, Online Staff Writer

Despite having been around since the early days of hip hop, most people agree that the past year has been especially strong for female artists in the rap scene. Female artists have been topping charts and dominating TikTok with their catchy and vibrant songs and dance challenges. In such a male-dominated music industry, artists such as Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, Doja Cat, and Megan Thee Stallion are proving that they are worth just as much as their male counterparts. 

Although today there are numerous female rappers that have become household names, things have not always been this way. Women have been largely underrepresented in the rap industry, and they have had to work extra hard to become known. PDS students recognize the setbacks that female rappers face and believe that their rising popularity deserves to be celebrated. Junior Ngozi Mahjied shares, “I think it’s amazing that female rappers are getting a lot of attention within the hip hop world. For so long people have doubted women’s abilities in regards to music solely for the fact of them being women when in reality these female artists are just as capable as the male ones.” Certainly, even in the spotlight, female rappers are not receiving equal reception as males. As sophomore Ziya Brittingham asserted, “One thing I think people need to understand is that they shouldn’t criticize female rappers for speaking about more ‘risqué’ or sexual topics because no one ever criticizes men the same way. Male rappers and artists have been rapping about women and their sexuality in vulgar ways for forever. But recently, as women start to do it, they deserve to be canceled or ostracized for it.” 

PDS rap enthusiasts enjoy listening to female artists from a wide range of years. Junior Sophie Zhang declares, “I especially like Megan Thee Stallion and it’s been nice to see her grow more and more since the 2019 xxl cypher when she smoked Lil Mosey”. Of course, it would be impossible to talk about female rappers without mentioning one of the most important figures who helped shape the sound of modern hip hop: Lauryn Hill. Ngozi Mahjied says that her favorite female rapper is Lauryn Hill, and her favorite album is The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Meanwhile, Brittingham’s current favorites include more recent artists such as CHIKA and Megan Thee Stallion: “ My favorite album by CHIKA is probably Industry Games and my favorite Megan album is probably Tina Snow.”

Among all female rappers, each is extremely distinctive in their style, flow, and execution. Female rappers are expressive and unique in many ways. For many young girls, these female rappers can serve as a source of empowerment and look up to the rappers for the confidence, energy, and unapologetic attitude that they exude. The hip-hop world has been brutal on women, but these rappers have managed to overcome the difficulties to secure their spot at the top, bringing a brand new sound to rap music.