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THE TENS: 10 DOPE FEMALE RAPPERS NOT NAMED NICKI MINAJ
Although we enjoy the fact that Nicki Minaj is a female emcee occupying a space in a hip hop culture that is male dominated, we’re quite annoyed that the music industry acts like she’s the only female in hip hop that has skills. Actually, the mere concept is offensive to many of the women who have been rocking mics and haven’t been recognized by the mainstream because they don’t ooze of sexual energy or aren’t affiliated with a top male act. The music industry acts like there isn’t enough room for more than one female emcee, we’d like to argue that point with ten who would shine if given the chance.
1) Jean Grae
Possibly the best female emcee out there today. It’s actually a shame that we have to put her in the female rapper space because she raps circles around a majority of the men out there. After first bursting onto the scene as part of Natural Resource in the mid-1990s, the artist formally known as What? What? changed her name to Jean Grae and began destroying mics as a solo act. She’s mean and vicious, but in a female sort of way. Not to mention that she oozes a different type of sexuality that isn’t as overt as the Lil Kims and Nicki Minajs of the world. Her album with 9th Wonder is the stuff hip hop is all about and we simply cannot wait for Cake or Death to drop.
2) Rah Digga
How could anyone forget about the first lady of the Flipmode Squad? Digga has been shredding mics long before Nicki Minaj considered picking up one. She was a beast as a member of the Outsidaz and stood out alongside Busta Rhymes‘ crew. Her recently released solo album with Nottz Classic is certainly one of the best releases this year. Not to mention that she can rap her ass off.
3) Invincible
Detroit’s best kept secret. Invincible is something serious on the mic. Her lethal rhymes and socially conscious persona make for one helluva emcee. The recently released Shapeshifters is proof positive that Invincible should be getting more attention than she currently is. She’s just that damn good.
4) Eternia
The Canadian has been shredding microphones for some time now. Her debut album It’s Called Life was critically acclaimed and her follow up with Moss titled At Last is expected to be yet another dope released from Eternia. Let’s not forget that Eternia challenges gender-based stereotypes in the industry each and every time she touches a microphone or utters a word in public. She’s the role model women need to be like.
5) Tiye Phoenix
Most first heard Tiye Phoenix when she stood out with her spectacular rhymes as a part of the Polyrhythm Addictsalongside DJ Spinna and Mr. Complex. But she’s been wrecking mics for some time now while being signed to Rawkus records in the late 90′s and working with Mos Def, Talib Kweli and The Last Emperor. Her solo debut Half Woman Half Amazin’ should have gotten more shine than it did.
6) Amanda Diva
Ms. Diva is a jack of all trades. Although initially known as an MTV personality, Amanda Diva has always been involved in hip hop culture and released several projects over the course of the past few years. She’s also published a book of poetry, been known to hold a note and appeared as a guest commentator on many of VH1′s shows. Her progressive feminist views are some that should be lauded in an industry that is male dominated. She takes no shorts from anybody.
7) Nikki Lynnette
One of the new kids on the block. The other Nikki is just as talented (if not more) than the Nicki getting all of the spotlight right now. The multitalented Chicago emcee has received praise from Lupe Fiasco and has had her voice featured in McDonalds, Secret Deodorant and Nationwide Insurance commercials. But don’t confuse her for a softy on the mic, Nikki is quite the mic menace and proved it with her latest mixtape Roses N’ Guns.
8 ) RAtheMC
You may have heard a similar story somewhere before: a car crash survivor kicks rhymes with her mouth wired shut and perseveres to become one of the rising stars in Hip Hop. No, it’s not Kanye West. This is RAtheMC‘s tale. The DC rhyme slinger spits with the venom of a seasoned veteran from the golden era of hip hop. The proof is in her recently released Heart of a Champion mixtape. Don’t sleep.
9) Mae Day
It’s not a distress signal, unless you are standing in her way. Another one of Detroit’s shining artists, the former ballplayer turned emcee is another artist that has been busy in the underground over the past few years. Her experimental Cherish the Day: The Mae/Sade Experience fused her lyrics with beats all crafted from Sade’s work. We look forward to more from Mae Day in the near future.
10) Rapsody
As the lone female in the Kooley High collective, Rapsody has demonstrated a vicious delivery and slick wordplay that has many clamoring to hear more from the North Carolina. As part of 9th Wonder‘s It’s A Wonderful World music group, Rapsody is one of the names most have recognized as a potential star. Her show stealing performances on Kooley High’s Eastern Standard Time project and her initial foray as a solo artist on Rapsody Relay proves that she’s definitely one to watch in 2011.
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