In the male-dominated genre of hip-hop, it’s often easy to overlook the many female artists tirelessly making music. Rap is sometimes looked at as a hotbed of misogyny, homophobia and racism more than a true art form. Such stigmas have made it difficult in the past for women to break through and spread their music without adopting a thug mentality or oversexualizing their music videos and performances like Nicki Minaj and Lil’ Kim. With this recent surge in interest from hip-hop fans, we should start viewing rap as a possible feminist frontier. Here are ten women in hip-hop who are absolutely killin’ it right now.
1. Kilo Kish
Fashionista and rapper Kilo Kish’s songs often feel like an out-of-world listening experience. Rapping to easy-listening background music, her voice is breathy and sensual and her lyrics are powerful yet laid back. Her style is a nice release from the in-your-face style of hip-hop that has been popular for years. Often her rhymes feel like poetry more than rap and can catch you off guard with the slow style of beats and rhythm.
Song to listen to: “Navy”
2. Awkwafina
This Asian-American rapper does not have the typical hardcore hip-hop facade, but instead wears glasses and more “nerdy” clothing. However, she uses her appearance to spark interest with her satirical, sarcastic, hilarious and extremely intelligent music. Even though her songs are often funny, Awkwafina is no joke. Her mad skills are a gift and her lyrics are genius.
Song to listen to: “NYC Bitche$”
3. Lauryn Hill
Since her days in the Fugees, Lauryn Hill has become a hip-hop household name. With a total of eight Grammys under her belt, the emcee had some trouble with the law this past year and served time for tax evasion. While in prison, the rap veteran managed to release her enlightening single “Consumerism” via YouTube. She discusses consumerism, egotism and narcissism. Her single proves that she still is, and will always be, rap royal.
Song to listen to: “Doo-Wop (That Thing)”
4. Iggy Azalea
When Iggy Azalea was told by her first manager that a white girl couldn’t make it in hip-hop, she didn’t take no for an answer. Hailing from Australia, the stunning blonde has since became a staple in the female rap community with hits including “Work” and “Bounce.” Her songs are catchy, her beats are awesome and her image busts every stereotype you could make about hip-hop. Her newest music video “Fancy” is a tribute to the classic cult-movie Clueless and an absolutely fantastic visual accompaniment to the song.
Song to listen to: “Fancy ft. Charli XCX”
5. Angel Haze
When her cover of Macklemore’s “Same Love” went viral, Angel Haze received massive fan support. She provided a point of view from a member of the gay community in hip-hop and touched the hearts of many. The song drew support from people who were already fans, while also drawing many underground hip-hop lovers to her music. Her most recent music video “Battle Cry” has garnered over 800,000 views in under a month. The song details her own personal story of sexual abuse and experience growing up in a Christian cult. From her poetic lyrics to her effortless flow, Angel Haze is the real deal.
Song to listen to: “Battle Cry ft. Sia” ♦