This isn’t a moment for female rap, it’s a movement that’s not going anywhere. This week, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion are ruling the US Hot 100 with WAP while Doja Cat, Nicki Minaj, Mulatto and Saweetie all have songs on the chart. Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki and Doja have all had all-female number-ones this year, collecting long-overdue accolades.
The best part is, it doesn’t stop there. There’s a whole new crop of rappers on the come up right now, many of which will be infiltrating the charts very soon, if they’re not already. Here’s a list of our favourite female rappers storming the scene right now.
Mulatto
Mulatto is having a huge 2020. Earlier this month, she was featured in Cardi B’s WAP video but the young rapper was already making big moves before that. She was discovered on reality series The Rap Game and has since collaborated with Gucci Mane, Trina and NLE Choppa. Just last week, she cracked the US Hot 100 with Bitch From Da Souf. It’s only the beginning.
Flo Milli
Flo Milli has been popping off on TikTok with her breakthrough, viral hit Beef Flomix but there’s plenty more to discover from the Alabama rapper. She’s responsible for one of the best hip-hop projects of the year Ho, Why Is You Here - a sharp, playful collection of rap cuts that immediately positions her as a charismatic rapper. Cardi and Megan Thee Stallion producer J White Did It is working with her but we get the feeling she could rap over anything and make it great.
Bree Runway
Here’s one for those that like their rap a little left of center. The Britsh rapper/singer traverses genre moving through everything from industrial rap to soulful pop. Last year’s Be Runway was a breakthrough but she’s taken it even bigger this year with single drops like the sleek Gucci and her feature on the remix of Rina Sawayama’s XS. The cherry on the top is her wild visuals, far beyond an artist who is in her infancy.
Tkay Maidza
Most Australians are already familiar with Tkay Maidza but the rest of the world is tuning in thanks to her 2020 project Last Year Was Weird Part 2. From Anthony Fantano to Pitchfork, everyone who has come in contact with the project has fallen instantly for it. It’s a diverse, versatile set of songs centering around Maidza who proves she can do everything from grinding trap to psychedelic soul. An icon in the making.
Chika
Chika was on this year’s XXL Freshman list rightfully earning her place after a handful of excellent drops. She’s a Queer, outspoken rapper who puts everything into her autobiographical, vivid raps. On her debut project INDUSTRY GAMES, she gives a well-rounded view of everything she’s about, taking shots at the industry while also reflecting on how far she’s come. Just last week she was tapped for the soundtrack of Project Power, offering up the uplifting My Power.
Yung Baby Tate
Yung Baby Tate has been grinding for a while, releasing projects since 2015. She hit her stride on 2018’s BOYS though and carried on with 2019’s GIRLS. Teaming up with Kari Faux, Mulatto, Bbymutha and more, she celebrates the state of female rap while switching up her flow over a variety of versatile beats. The accolades have continued in 2020 as she nabbed a feature in Issa Rae’s Insecure, tapping Buddy for the hypnotic Do Me Like That.
BIA
It’s been a long road for BIA who worked on her music career for most of last decade. During that time, she signed to Pharrell’s label, collaborated with the likes of Jennifer Hudson and T.I. and opened for Ariana Grande on tour. It feels like she’s hit her stride recently though splitting with her label and releasing a string of excellent singles. Rihanna labeled her track Best On Earth her new fave song while latest cuts COVER GIRL and FREE BIA (1ST DAY OUT) show a renewed focus.
Saweetie
Saweetie may be the most well-known name on this list thanks to last year’s huge hit My Type but she’s only been dropping music officially for 2 years. Two projects down and a couple hits in the bag, she’s continuing to flourish in 2020. So far, she’s contributed to The Birds Of Prey soundtrack, collaborated with Ava Max on budding hit Kings & Queens and released her own single Tap In. It’s everywhere right now and it’s about to go even bigger thanks to a remix featuring DaBaby, Jack Harlow and one other TBA guest.
Sophiegrophy
Australian rap is having a bit of a moment right now but few have dropped a project as good as Sophiegrophy. The Melbourne MC came through with the excellent BOLD this year, working with producer Jia Lih for a set of fierce songs. Whether its dancehall, electronica or trap, Sophiegrophy takes it on with focus and power. Shake, in particular, is ready to take over the globe.
