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The Tens: 10 Dope Female Rappers NOT Named Nicki Minaj
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.
RAtheMC – “Dreams”
Andreas Hale
The former editor of HipHopSite.com, HipHopDX.com and BET.com is both the Founder & Editor-In-Chief of TheWellVersed. He is also a producer for Jay-Z's LifeandTimes.com YouTube channel. You can follow him via his Twitter: @AndreasHale
Thought you don’t know of Signif The Gift, she deserves a mention…so check her out. I’m pretty sure y’all will dig what she brings to the table.
I’ll agree with that. I just stumbled upon her work earlier tonight [or I guess it's morning now]
#KanyeStyle I’mma let you finish, TheWellVersed, but there’s some good ones you got on the list, but also a few I think should be put on the list too. Lol.
http://popwife.com/2008/11/the-best-to-have-done-it-ever/
Dessa.
Dessa should be 1 or 2 on here. Good look Ander.
I concur. Dessa is so cold.
dessa, not even close
why is it that when we talk about female MCs, we assume they need to rap about things like guys.
dessa is not even better than all women she is better than most men. we just leave her on the list on top MCs in general
i think siya is dope and should have been on the list as well
Yo Andreas check out this female MC from New Orleans named Voice. She’s a real MC with with a story to tell and sounds completely original. Her rhymes are original and fresh.
Here’s the link to her reverbnation page.
http://www.reverbnation.com/main/global_search?cof=FORID%3A11&cx=010923940019746136575%3A1pb4s9zvxde&q=voiceyuno#!/voicey
Where is Boog Brown? She actually put out an album this year that was damn near flawless. And she is better than most emcees on this list.
Andreas,
Peace. Met you one time with Autumn Marie. I am doing a photo shoot on Friday December 10th in NYC at the Levi’s Photo Workshop. The subjects are all female emcees and I would appreciate it if you posted the shoot on The Well Versed. Let me know what is good and I will send you all the information. Thanks
Peace, Blessings, Love and Light
Boog Brown is ‘okay’. But unfortunately, she isn’t nicer than “most of this list”. lol Her style is predictable, and her production is dated. Her ability to rhyme is good, perhaps a 8 by 2010 standards, but if she had done her thing in the 1980s she wouldn’t have made more than a single or two. In short – she aint gonna blow. Not this year, or the year after that.
Now Voice from New Orleans is very original. She could be an underground sensation if her PR was up to par. But whoever is managing her career is asleep at the wheel. Not sure if she could go mainstream, and not sure if I’d want her to. After all, she could clear 6 figures doing shows and guests on other artists albums that sold their souls, no need to sell her own.
Tiye is the truth. She is the complete. She has lyrical content, a modern flow, a old school swag and up to date appearance. She looks and sounds like a lady but she can hang with the boys. If I’d bet money on who on this list could really go any direction she wanted – it would be her. But again, we need the PR team to do their f*cking job.
Ra The MC is the sh*t. She is supa-dupa skills. But being the dick that I am, I have to mention the elephant in the room – her looks. Which I * think * would keep her from every blowing, unless someone like Missy Elliot or Ciara or some other bama-ass media darling co-signed her. In fact, if Beyonce (LOL!) gave her some shine, she’d do just fine. ‘Cause Ra The MC + Microphone = Satisfaction.
Ra Digga is done. Let’s move on. She ought to just become a manager or something. Nobody’s buying her records. Its not that she isn’t nice. She is. She still has it. But nowadays people support records based on your ability to succeed, not your talent (everybody thinks they are an industry insider. clowns.) Its sad, but its true. Her indie buzz is weak. She has no mainstream backing. And again, hate to be the d*ck, but she needs to make being a Hip-Hop mommy cool if she wants to ever see 106& Park.
If Grae ever wants to be successful she needs to cut loose from Talib. He simply doesn’t have the magnetism/charasma to get her there. He is actually kinda of a kill-joy. He doesn’t even look happy most days. Fucking with him is like joining the “slightly disgruntled at life crew”. Perhaps Mos Def could get something poppin for her? Shhh, just saying. You know its the truth yo.
Last comment: As long as women compare themselves to each other you will silently reinforce what we men of Hip-Hop think – that you can’t stand up and with us. Latifah was one of the greatest female MCs ever, but yall haven’t so much as cried a little when all these funny ass white boy VH1 lists come out. If you can’t stand up for your own, why should we?
rap “experts” are too funny…..
He makes a valid point. While I haven’t heard of many of the others Jean Behind Talib is killin me. And Digga has always been nice, its hard cause her beats never seem to challenge her. Gotta agree with it tho.
what do you mean rappers are funny they rap the truth
Check another monster MC of the female persuasion… check out Imani Williams from I&I!
http://www.facebook.com/futureoftruth
I was shocked as well to not see BoogBrown on this list. Her flow is effortless and she would rhyme circles around half of this list. With that being said…Invincible is featured on BoogBrown’s Brownstudy LP and as dope as she is, I don’t think anyone put a gun to her head to make it so. Boogbrown was also mentioned on the BET Women in Hip Hop Documentary…along with half this list!
In the author’s own words…”we’re quite annoyed that the music industry acts like she (Nicki Minaj) is 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.”
How is it that an Emcee that is Grinding and has been putting in work and is Independent get labeled as, “Predictable”and has “dated Production” when some of the people that have produced for her have produced for some of the same people on this list?!?!LOL
Its obvious your not actually out here in the streets like some of us Real Hip Hop heads. I have been to several shows that had an all female bill and some that had chics on the bill that were DOPE as hell…I know this is a top 10 list and everyone isn’t top 10 but I don’t see Adrift Da Belle or Stahhr etc…(if I recall Stahhr was down with MF Doom back in the 90′s and was in the same circle with some of these ladies).Not to mention we are still waiting for a Full Length Album from several Emcees you co-signed.
When does the actual GRIND get a look?
IF in your eyes she is an 8 “by 2010 standards”,her grind + her stage presence & showmanship = 10…she’s just not YOUR top 10, and thats cool but to label an artist that someone may not have heard of as predictable and having dated production is the mentality that keeps Women in Hip Hop right where they are…No Where! *sigh*
But… we need people like you to keep heads constantly searching for Real Sh*t! The fact that BoogBrown even got mentioned by a responder to this list proves my Point!
Hip Hop is about the GRIND whether you are male or female!!!! If you are putting in the work in the studio,doing shows,have a heavy internet/video presence,are easy to find and are a damn good Emcee…what else do you need to get a look?!?! The only thing afta that is SEX!…but I guess you knew that already!LOL
Sounds like to me Authority Figure is Auditioning for a gig…*mouth twisted*, Let me guess you are a Blogger also,LOL…
Im Done…OH and I am a Female standing up for my own the ones on this list and not named! *pops collar*
I’m sorry but this is the biggest reach EVER!, I’m not even a big Nicki Minaj Fan but for you guys to put that in the title just so you can prove there’s other female rappers even throwback female rappers from other Era’s, I feel is type disrespectful. Give it up to her she’s the most dominant female rapper NOW. Respect It. I don’t condone this Punk Sh*t. #B*TCHASSNESS
Agreed, NIcki is doing her thing, I bout the album first day (delux) and love it. . .She is killin it right now, and I love it. . .and I want that to open doors for more of us female MCs who also have talent and drive
I agree completely. These women are great. but u don’t have to bash Nicki in the process. she gets enough criticism already. and she works very hard. woman need to stick together. that’s our problem, we don’t support each other as much as we should. Like MEN do. and its a shame. plus, yes all these women r being revolutionary and doing big things for womankind. but what good is it if they don’t get seen?? weneed these men to see that WE ARE HERE and we’re taking over. Nicki shows them VERY well
I don’t care how dominate she is, she still SUCKS. There are dozens of female rappers I’d listen to her over. And I don’t care that some of them don’t spit any more, or haven’t released an album in forever. If dominating is what you care about for an artist, than I guess you like Justin Beiber too? I mean he’s dominating the scene right? My List
Jean Grae – not even close, she’s about 50 levels above Nicki
Apani B Fly Emcee – see above
Lyte – old school? Still a million times better
Medusa – semi old school SO MUCH better
Rah Digga – wow she’s not popular? Okay, but I don’t give 2 shits she’s nice as hell
Mystic – dope dope dope, may not be around any more but she shits on wack ass Nicki.
Jane Doe – only heard a few songs and guest spots from her, but everything I’ve heard it’s her >>>>> Nicki (not even close)
Lady Luck’s better than Nicki
Nicki SUCKS, her 15 minutes are almost up, people will get tired of her horrible voice, annoying flow and stupid fake British accent that she uses out of nowhere for no apparent reason.
ENVY
http://www.iluvenvy.com/
Maybe this should be top 10 ‘Underground ‘ female emcee’s cause you’re overlooking the obvious: Eve, Missy Elliot, ERykah Badu, Lauren hill.
Underground Names that are missing: Psalm One & Amnada Blank
@NinjaPlease: Stop. The only reason that broad is successful is for her looks and Wayne. Her mixtapes are pretty damn good, but nothing as great. She is a pop artist; anyone considering her an emcee is out of it.
well what abot lady luck? she is a beast i believe if she came out she would smash
Yo, check out Anita Tijoux, especially if you speak spanish/french
if you don’t, its all good cuz she kills it
NITTY SCOTT is one of the best on the mic right now
though i love some jean grizzy and digga
If these people are better than Nicki ,where are they? you just decide to write stupid article with Nickis name just to get attention. bloggers get a life.Nicki is and will be the best because when she was underground she won the best artist. so leave her out of this as she is not preventing anyone from getting signed neither did anyone of them put out a CD and she stopped them .Dont ever mention her name in any of your stupid and senseless article. TEAM MINAJ.
SON PLEASE NIKKI MINAJ IS SERIOUSLY WACK. DON’T NOBODY HAVE TO TRY AND MAKE HEADLINES BY MENTIONING NIKKI THAT’S LAUGHABLE. AND THE ARTICLE IS FAR FROM SENSELESS….AGAIN NIKKI IS WACK SUN FOR REAL…NIKKI IS WACK SUN FOR REAL….NIKKI IS WACK SUN FOR REAL..MOW I SAID IT …….WHAT???????
where is dessa? by far better than any of emcees on this list
bullsh*t
Nice to see all the love for some female rappers on a off the list, sometimes we think guys arn’t evern checkin for us anymore, that’s what’s up:)
No Dessa? Are you kidding me?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2_aY9gYTF0
Watch and learn
You left out Feloni! Some of these women do ooze sexual energy…it’s just more aimed at the ladies;-)
yo.. you gotta check Sonja Blade.. BROOKLYN..
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sonja-Blade/186178778081200
you forgot psalm one and dessa. how is it that even when people are talking about the underground the always seem to go out of their way to leave out rhymesayers and doom tree? they can f*ck most other rappers in half and are constantly pushing the boundaries and some how no one ever gives them recognition. RSE for life.
where the hell is Gangsta Boo in this list?
You forgot Dessa, the most amazing female mind in the rap game
Bahamadia should be on here somewhere too
wondering where i can get any of these female artists from the midwest mixtapes……or can i get an email to them or some form of contact.
i own http://www.midwestmixtapes.com and i would like to add them
jessejames314@aol.com
314 327 9860
Jean Grae on the old BlackStar joints and even on Talib’s newest release Gutter Rainbows on the track ‘Uh Oh’ is incredible. I think she’s miles ahead of anyone else on this list, and deserves a legit shout out as one of the best in the game. PERIOD.
Kid Sister is good too… I think she deserves a mention.
no love for raven sorvino from the language artz crew?????
she is crazy dope and she isn’t bad on the eyes lol.
Wheres Marz Lovejoy??
Diamond crime mob
Everyone who likes this list should check out Dominique Young Unique…. she’s amazing.
yea im diggn all of them i knw a girl that needs to be featured on the list as well though…..check her out CoMpetitioN out of Memphis Tn http://soundcloud.com/competition901/01-all-hail-the-queen
Raven Sorvino isn’t on the list??!? -_________-
No marz lovejoy? wow..
Lady of Rage…
No 1 should have been Lauryn Hill. She hasn’t made anything good for a while, granted, but she is leagues better than anyone else on that list. Giving too much credence to those who can’t sell records and have comparatively little recognition has distorted the list.
If you dig Lauryn, peep BK: http://www.bksway.com. Seriously.
Pretty sure there are a coupla million thousand rappers better than minaj.
oh right all of them are.
these are the two hottest baddest bitch rappers in the state of Florida!!!!!
becca tastic
http://www.reverbnation.com/beccatastic
miss kisa
http://www.reverbnation.com/misskisa
check em out on facebook twitter or reverbnation!!
Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Who_is_florida%27s_female_rapper#ixzz1lIZ5C6bP
Lauryn should have been first just like DeMarques said in the post above. It should be mandatory for all female MC’s to listen to “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” album first before they even think about a rap career. Female Emcees should find their own voice and flow and don’t fall for the gimmicks on how the media tries to portray female Emcees. Ladies get paid but don’t get played.
Best female hands down unsigned is BK from Los Angeles. If you aren’t up on this, you are SLEEPING. From the songwriting, to the spits and soulful vocals, this girl does EVERYTHING and proves it live on her 1 Minute Spit Youtube segment. Peep her dope website. Do your ears a favor will ya? http://www.bksway.com
Mad love to the site. just what i was lookin for
BOSSALENA IS THE HOTTEST OUT HANDS DOWN http://WWW.SOUNDCLOUD.COM/BOSSALENA
I just kind of wondering why Im not on this list? http://www.reverbnation.com/lilmissdine/song/16439776-boss-shit
I think it needs to be revised. Baby baby!