Celebrating Female Influence in Hip Hop on International Women’s Day
As the music world commemorates International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, attention turns to the groundbreaking influence of female rappers, who have significantly shaped the Hip Hop genre and achieved historic milestones on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. This day serves not only as a tribute to the fight for gender equality and reproductive rights but also highlights the vital contributions women have made in the music industry.
A Historic Perspective: The Rise of Female Rappers
Female rappers have consistently challenged the norms of an industry traditionally dominated by men. Their chart-topping hits and distinctive voices have not only achieved commercial success but have also altered the landscape of Hip Hop permanently. This article reviews some of the iconic tracks by female artists that not only reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart but also marked significant moments in music history.
Chart-Topping Hits by Female Rappers
“Bodak Yellow” – Cardi B (2017)
Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow” achieved a historic milestone in October 2017, becoming the first female rapper in nearly two decades to top the all-genre Billboard chart without the aid of featured artists. The track’s success not only broke barriers for women in Hip Hop but also redefined the genre itself. Cardi’s achievement exemplifies the growing validation of women’s contributions in mainstream music.
“Savage Remix” – Megan Thee Stallion ft. Beyoncé (2020)
In May 2020, “Savage Remix,” featuring Beyoncé, secured the number-one spot for Megan Thee Stallion, signifying a collaboration between two cultural icons. This moment celebrated not only Megan’s rise as a prominent female rapper but also embraced themes of strength and independence, reinforcing female empowerment in Hip Hop.
“WAP” – Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion (2020)
Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion united in August 2020 for “WAP,” which marked the first all-female rap collaboration to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The song, renowned for its bold celebration of female sexuality, spent four weeks at the top and sparked widespread discussion, illustrating a significant shift in how women’s voices are perceived in the genre.
“Say So” – Doja Cat (2020)
Doja Cat broke into the mainstream with her number-one hit “Say So” in May 2020, recognized for its fusion of pop, disco, and rap elements. The song’s success was propelled by its viral trend on TikTok, showcasing the evolving dynamics of music promotion and expanding the reach of female rappers across various genres.
“Fancy” – Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX (2014)
Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy” reached the top in 2014, marking a breakthrough for the Australian rapper. Its catchy chorus and vibrant visuals resonated with audiences globally, further emphasizing Azalea’s potential in the music scene.
“I Like It” – Cardi B ft. Bad Bunny & J Balvin (2018)
“ I Like It” combined Latin rhythms with hip-hop, reaching number one and making Cardi B the first female rapper with two chart-topping hits. This track illustrated the genre’s potential for cross-cultural blending and highlighted Cardi’s versatility as an artist.
“Paint the Town Red” – Doja Cat (2023)
Most recently, Doja Cat’s “Paint the Town Red” ascended to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in September 2023, marking another notable achievement in her expanding career and underscoring the continuing evolution and relevance of female voices in rap.
Honorable Mentions
While these rap anthems have reached the pinnacle of the charts, several influential tracks deserve recognition for their cultural impact:
- “Super Bass” – Nicki Minaj (2011): Though it peaked at number three, this song cemented Nicki Minaj’s status as a prominent figure in the genre and influenced a generation of female artists.
- “Anaconda” – Nicki Minaj (2014): Reaching number two, “Anaconda” was notable for its provocative message and strong visuals, contributing to the conversation around empowerment in music.
- “U.N.I.T.Y.” – Queen Latifah (1993): This classic hit spread a profound message of self-respect and unity, forging a path for future female artists in rap.
Impact and Significance
Recognizing the achievements of female rappers on International Women’s Day is significant. It underscores not just their incredible artistry but also the cultural shifts they represent. The success of these artists highlights the progress made in a genre that was once heavily male-dominated and emphasizes the ongoing journey toward equality in the music industry. As female emcees continue to break records and redefine boundaries, their influence remains an essential part of the Hip Hop narrative, paving the way for future generations.
As we celebrate female artists and their contributions, it is clear that their voices will continue to resonate throughout the music world, inspiring and empowering women everywhere. Their legacies remind us that the fight for equality in music—and beyond—is far from over but is progressing with each lyrical verse and chart-topping hit.
For those interested in exploring these monumental tracks, they are available on streaming platforms such as Spotify and SoundCloud, with links to access some of these songs provided within the context.
