DISCLAIMER: I could talk about this subject all day, but for time constraints and word count, I’m going to hit (what I think) are the major points. So don’t kill me if I don’t mention a Hip Hop Queen you think deserves to be on my list. We can talk on Twitter; I welcome it. You know my handle. (@hollz_says)
This one’s for the girls who love hip hop and wanted to talk about the ladies who made them fall in love with rap. This might be a little over the head for some, but if you’re looking for something new (well, actually old) to listen to or don’t know much about female artists and want to learn a little, this is for you.
MISSY ELLIOT
Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliot is probably the most recognizable female rapper of the 21 and up club today. Even then that’s still pushing it; if you were privy to “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” then this applies to your age bracket. I don’t know about you, but “Work It” was my fourth grade jam. Not exactly sure what all of it meant at the time, but it was still my jam.
Her career spans back to the early 90s where she was a part of that hip hop/R&B/rap sweet spot. She came in at the tail end of the gangsta rap and continued to create some of the dopest music while Drake was still going by Aubrey Graham and played a kid named “Jimmy” on Degrassi: The Next Generation. That’s a pretty long career in creating chart-toppers.
When Do You Need Her?
When you want to throw on some old school jams that impress to get the party started. Specifically “Sock It To Me” and “Get Ur Freak On”. Trust me on this.
LAURYN HILL
As the token female voice of The Fugees, Lauryn Hill told the world that she was a force to be reckoned with when her smooth voice hoped on “Ready or Not” and felt like a silk blanket covering everyone’s body. It just felt right.
What really put her in the history books was ‘The Misducation of Lauryn Hill’. She was full of soul and wisdom. Her lyrics touched on some subjects that made you reevaluate your relationship and think about the social issues of the world.
‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ was Lauryn’s only solo album but in my opinion, it’s all she needed. She literally put out one album and disappeared. One album is all it took to be regarded as hip hop gold.
When Do You Need Her?
On those rainy nights when you’re feeling Bohemian. She pairs well with chai tea lattes or anything, for that matter.
TLC
I am not leaving this without sharing TLC with you. I’m sure “No Scrubs” is one of every fangirl’s go-to karaoke songs but they are more than that. Three chicks got together and made a lane for female hip hop girl groups to change the game. Plus, they had some pretty awesome names to match. T-boz, Chili and Left- Eye? I don’t know about you but those are some pretty badass names no matter the gender.
Let’s take it back to pre-“No Scrubs”. TLC came out swinging in the early ‘90s with the message of girls can be whoever they want to be and don’t have to confine themselves to be what society thinks women should be. “Hat 2 da Back” is a female empowerment ANTHEM. This was hard hitting feminist lyrics before most of us even knew what feminism was.
Later in their career they decided release “Red Light Special” and show the world that they can hang with the guys and still let their sexy, feminine sides show. If that doesn’t say “I am woman, hear me roar!” I don’t know what does.
Fun fact: TLC does have a greatest hits album that will get you up to speed on their repertoire. Highly recommend it.
When Do You Need Them?
When you’re feeling crazy, sexy and cool.
There you have it. A few amazing, fun and powerful women who can make you fall in love with hip hop.
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