Nicki Minaj Crowned Greatest Female Rapper of All Time by Billboard

Nicki Minaj has been named the greatest female rapper of all time by Billboard, securing the top spot on the publication’s list of the most influential women in hip-hop history.

The 42-year-old rapper, originally from Trinidad and Tobago and raised in New York, surpassed other music legends like Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, Lil’ Kim, and Queen Latifah, who ranked second through fifth, respectively. The list celebrates the women who have had the most significant impact on the genre.

Other notable female rappers in the top 10 include MC Lyte, Salt-N-Pepa, Roxanne Shanté, Eve, and Foxy Brown. In contrast, Minaj’s current chart rivals, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, were placed outside the top 10. Cardi B came in at number 11, while Megan Thee Stallion was ranked 15th.

Despite her monumental success and global popularity, Nicki Minaj has yet to win a Grammy Award, despite receiving 12 nominations throughout her career. On the other hand, both Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion have secured Grammy wins in rap categories.

Who is Nicki Minaj?

Born Onika Tanya Maraj, Nicki Minaj moved to the United States with her family as a child, growing up in Queens, New York. She first gained attention in the late 2000s with a series of mixtapes, which led to a record deal with Young Money Entertainment.

Her debut album, Pink Friday, released in 2010, quickly topped the Billboard 200 chart, and she continued her success with several more albums, including Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2012) and The Pinkprint (2014).

Known for her bold fashion, energetic flow, and seamless blending of rap and pop, Minaj has been a trailblazer for a new generation of female rappers. Her fans have affectionately dubbed her the “Queen of Rap” in recognition of her immense influence and legacy.

Billboard’s Full List of the Greatest Female Rappers:

1. Nicki Minaj

2. Missy Elliott

3. Lauryn Hill

4. Lil’ Kim

5. Queen Latifah

6. MC Lyte

7. Salt-N-Pepa

8. Roxanne Shanté

9. Eve

10. Foxy Brown

11. Cardi B

12. Da Brat

13. Trina

14. Left Eye

15. Megan Thee Stallion

16. Doja Cat

17. Rapsody

18. Remy Ma

19. Latto

20. Monie Love

21. GloRilla

22. Jean Grae

23. Yo-Yo

24. Bahamadia

25. Tierra Whack

Billboard stated that the rankings were determined by its editorial team based on a combination of factors, including body of work and achievements (such as charted singles, albums, and certifications), cultural impact and influence (how the artist’s work helped shape the genre), longevity, lyrics (storytelling ability), and flow (vocal prowess).