Billboard has named Nicki Minaj the greatest female rapper of all time.
The 42-year-old artist, originally from Trinidad and Tobago and raised in New York, topped the list created by Billboard’s editorial team, which honors the most influential women in hip-hop history.
Minaj outshone iconic figures such as Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, Lil’ Kim, and Queen Latifah, who ranked second through fifth.
Other notable female rappers in the top 10 include MC Lyte, Salt-N-Pepa, Roxanne Shanté, Eve, and Foxy Brown.
Current chart competitors Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion did not make the top 10, with Cardi B at number 11 and Megan Thee Stallion at 15.
Despite her immense success and worldwide recognition, Nicki Minaj has never won a Grammy Award, having received 12 nominations over the years without a win. In contrast, both Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion have secured Grammy Awards in rap categories.
Who is Nicki Minaj?
Born Onika Tanya Maraj, Nicki Minaj moved to the United States with her family as a child and grew up in Queens, New York. She began attracting attention in the late 2000s with a series of mixtapes, leading to a record deal with Young Money Entertainment.
Her debut album, Pink Friday, was released in 2010 and quickly reached the top of the Billboard 200. She followed this success with several more albums, including Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded in 2012 and The Pinkprint in 2014.
Minaj is renowned for her bold fashion choices, energetic delivery, and unique blend of rap and pop. Over time, she has inspired a new generation of female rappers and earned the title “Queen of Rap” from her fans.
Here is the complete list published by Billboard:
- Nicki Minaj
- Missy Elliott
- Lauryn Hill
- Lil’ Kim
- Queen Latifah
- MC Lyte
- Salt-N-Pepa
- Roxanne Shanté
- Eve
- Foxy Brown
- Cardi B
- Da Brat
- Trina
- Left Eye
- Megan Thee Stallion
- Doja Cat
- Rapsody
- Remy Ma
- Latto
- Monie Love
- GloRilla
- Jean Grae
- Yo-Yo
- Bahamadia
- Tierra Whack
Billboard stated that the rankings were determined by its staff based on criteria including body of work, cultural impact, longevity, lyrics, and flow.
SOURCE: GBCGHANAONLINE
