Billboard Names Nicki Minaj the Greatest Female Rapper of All Time, Overlooking Legends Lauryn Hill and Missy Elliott

 

In a major announcement that has sparked widespread discussion across the music world, Billboard, one of the globe’s most authoritative music media outlets, officially crowned Trinidadian-American rapper and singer Nicki Minaj as the Greatest Female Rapper of All Time.

The announcement was made public on April 7, 2025, in a special editorial feature titled "Best Female Rappers of All Time." The highly anticipated list was designed to honor and highlight the women who have left the most enduring marks on the history of hip-hop — a genre once predominantly male but now vibrantly diverse thanks to the contributions of female artists.

Nicki Minaj claimed the top spot, surpassing a host of pioneering figures who laid the foundation for women in hip-hop. Notably, she ranked ahead of iconic artists such as Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, Eve, Queen Latifah, and Cardi B — all celebrated names with immense contributions to rap and hip-hop culture.

The decision to place Nicki Minaj at the summit has been met with a wave of reactions. Her devoted fan base, often referred to as the "Barbz," celebrated the accolade with enthusiasm, taking to social media to affirm that Minaj’s legacy, career achievements, and influence have indeed earned her the title.

However, others voiced disappointment and even outrage, arguing that legends like Missy Elliott and Lauryn Hill deserved the top honor given their groundbreaking influence, innovation, and enduring impact on the genre, even today.

Billboard’s editorial team defended their selection process, stating that their rankings were determined through a comprehensive evaluation that combined several key factors: commercial success, lyrical prowess, cultural significance, creative originality, and the lasting legacy of each artist's body of work.

In their feature, Billboard elaborated on how each woman included on the list played an important role in the evolution of hip-hop across various eras — from the "Golden Age" of the 1980s and 1990s to the modern digital revolution that reshaped the music industry in the 2000s and beyond.

Nicki Minaj, they argued, has demonstrated exceptional versatility over the course of her career. Her animated delivery, sharp lyricism, and ability to blend different musical genres have consistently set her apart. Since her early mixtape days and the release of her debut album Pink Friday in 2010, Minaj has collected a stunning number of accolades: dozens of Billboard Hot 100 hits, millions of albums sold worldwide, record-breaking achievements for female rappers, and a transformative influence on the aesthetics and sound of female rap in the 21st century.

Still, critics of the ranking pointed to the undeniable contributions of Missy Elliott and Lauryn Hill. Missy Elliott, known for her futuristic music videos, innovative production, and genre-bending albums, redefined the sound and style of hip-hop in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Albums like Supa Dupa Fly and Under Construction are often cited as masterpieces that pushed creative boundaries.

Similarly, Lauryn Hill’s influence remains profound. Her 1998 solo debut album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, is considered one of the greatest albums not just in hip-hop but across all genres. The record, blending rap, soul, reggae, and R&B, addressed themes of love, identity, spirituality, and social justice, earning Hill multiple Grammy Awards and critical acclaim. Many view her work as a blueprint for artists seeking to combine lyrical depth with mainstream appeal.

Despite these arguments, Billboard maintained that Nicki Minaj’s impact across multiple dimensions — including her commercial dominance, cultural relevance, and ongoing influence on new generations of artists — ultimately justified her position at the top.

The full list published by Billboard featured a wide array of talent, celebrating pioneers, innovators, and new-generation stars. The rankings are as follows:

1. Nicki Minaj

2. Missy Elliott

3. Lauryn Hill

4. Lil’ Kim

5. Queen Latifah

6. MC Lyte

7. Salt-N-Pepa

8. Roxanne Shante

9. Eve

10. Foxy Brown

11. Cardi B

12. Da Brat

13. Trina

14. Left Eye

15. Megan Thee Stallion

16. Doja Cat

17. Rapsody

18. Remy Ma

19. Latto

20. Monie Love

21. GloRilla

22. Lady of Rage

23. Gangsta Boo

24. Doechii

25. Tierra Whack

Each artist on the list was celebrated for her unique contribution to shaping the landscape of hip-hop. From Roxanne Shante’s early battle rap brilliance to Salt-N-Pepa’s trailblazing as women in a male-dominated genre, from MC Lyte’s lyrical authority to Lil' Kim’s bold redefinition of femininity in rap, the list spans generations of trailblazers.

Newer stars like Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, and Latto were also recognized for their dynamic contributions to today’s global hip-hop scene, reflecting how the genre continues to evolve with time.

Ultimately, while Nicki Minaj’s crowning as the "GOAT" (Greatest of All Time) marks a major milestone for her career, the conversation it has sparked reveals the deep admiration fans and critics alike hold for all the women who have helped build and transform the world of hip-hop.

This ranking also underscores the ongoing dialogue about how greatness is measured in art — balancing popularity, artistry, cultural impact, and innovation. Regardless of personal favorites, one thing remains clear: the legacy of women in hip-hop is rich, powerful, and ever-expanding.

As the genre continues to evolve, it will be shaped by the contributions of those who paved the way, those who dominate today’s charts, and those who are just emerging — ensuring that the future of female rap remains as vibrant and groundbreaking as its past.