Queens of the Mic: Iconic Anthems by Female Hip-Hop Royalty
From Missy to Nicki, these legendary ladies changed hip-hop with unforgettable anthems that still blast through speakers today.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 30: Lil Kim performs onstage during the BET Hip Hop Awards 2022 on September 30, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Terence Rushin/Getty Images)
When it comes to hip-hop, the ladies have never played backup. From dropping fierce bars to starting culture-shifting trends, female rappers have created some of the most iconic anthems the genre has ever heard. These songs go beyond beats and rhymes—they’re full-on power moves.
Let’s break down a few of the biggest tracks from women who didn’t just make music—they made statements.
MC Lyte – “Ruffneck” (1993)
Before the glam and glitter, MC Lyte was all grit. In “Ruffneck,” (CONTENT WARNING: EXPLICIT) she flipped the script, shouting out the kind of tough guy she wanted—without holding back. It was raw, real, and made her the first solo female rapper to go gold.
Queen Latifah – “U.N.I.T.Y.” (1993)
This wasn’t just a song—it was a shout for respect. Queen Latifah’s “U.N.I.T.Y.” tackled street harassment, sexism, and self-love with strength and soul.
Da Brat – “Funkdafied” (1994)
Da Brat came through with baggy jeans, braids, and bars. “Funkdafied” made her the first solo female rapper to go platinum—and showed the world girls could spit just as hard as the boys.
Foxy Brown – “I’ll Be” (1996)
New York swagger with luxury rhymes—Foxy Brown’s “I’ll Be,” featuring Jay-Z, oozed confidence and glam. Her husky voice and sharp delivery made her a '90s icon.
Lil’ Kim – “Crush on You” (1997)
Colorful wigs, high fashion, and unfiltered bars—Lil’ Kim made sure no one forgot her. “Crush on You” wasn’t just a love song; it was a style revolution. Her boldness paved the way for female artists to flaunt confidence and curves.
Lauryn Hill – “Doo Wop (That Thing)” (1998)
Lauryn Hill mixed soul, smarts, and sharp rhymes. “Doo Wop (That Thing)” was an instant hit with a message about self-worth, double standards, and staying true.\
Missy Elliott – “Work It” (2002)
What do you get when you flip a beat, reverse a verse, and make unique sound effects sound cool? A Missy Elliott classic. “Work It” was fun, futuristic, and totally unforgettable.
Nicki Minaj – “Super Bass” (2010)
Nicki’s bubblegum beat and rapid-fire rhymes took over airwaves—and made pink wigs a thing. “Super Bass” turned her into a global star and showed that bars could be fierce and flirty.
Cardi B – “Bodak Yellow” (2017)
Cardi B didn’t come to play. With “Bodak Yellow,” (CONTENT WARNING: EXPLICIT) she became the first solo female rapper to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in nearly 20 years. She came in loud, proud, and unapologetically Bronx.
Megan Thee Stallion – “Savage” (2020)
Classy, bougie, ratchet—and ready to take over. Megan’s viral TikTok anthem wasn’t just a dance craze, it was a message: powerful women aren’t one thing. They’re everything.
Royalty Still Reigns
These queens didn’t just break into a male-dominated game—they redefined the rules. Their songs weren’t just catchy; they were culture-shifters. And the best part? They’re still inspiring the next generation of artists, dancers, and dreamers—whether you’re bumping beats in your headphones or rapping in your bedroom mirror.
Long live the queens.
