Today, we’re going to talk about the best female rappers from New York. This doesn’t just include rappers who were born in New York, but are living (or currently spending the most time in) New York. Also, please keep in mind that this is not a ranking. All of these female rappers are amazingly talented in their own way.
Lil’ Kim
Kimberly Denise Jones was born and raised in New York City. She might be known for her provocative outfits and over-the-top performance, but did you know that she was the only female rapper in Junior M.A.F.I.A. and release her debut album Hard Core in 1996? She has accolades that speak for themselves.
Her next hits were The Notorious K.I.M. and La Bella Mafia. Since then, she has also appeared on reality TV, including as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars back in 2009. With her hard-hitting lyrics, dynamic delivery, and an unapologetic attitude that puts the cockiest celebs in their place, Lil’ Kim has a charisma and style statement that’s simply unparalleled. The hardcore Brooklyn attitude seeps through her rap and the vocals are provocative, yes, but equally empowering for all women. If you’re a fan of gangster rap with a touch of fashion and sexually explicit references, it’s Lil’ Kim you should listen next!
Cardi B
Though Cardi B used to live in Atlanta, she’s currently spending her time in NYC, looking for an apartment. After her divorce, it’s highly likely that she’s going to settle in the city. Why NY? Well, because this is where she was born! Cardi B was born in Washington Heights, NYC, though she was raised in the South Bronx. As a former exotic dancer, she had a start on Love & Hip Hop: New York, a show on VH1. A true New Yorker at heart, Cardi B’s music has captivated millions from across the globe. Well-known for her dirty rap and bringing the much-needed breath of fresh air to older hip hop artists (including Lil’ Kim), she has competed with the likes of Eve, Trina, and Nicki Minaj.
Foxy Brown
Born in Brooklyn, she grew up in the Park Slope neighborhood with a couple of older brothers. She began her career when she was 14 years old, performing freestyle at a local talent competition. The Trackmasters were so impressed that they called for an LL Cool J remix song (I Shot Ya) and since then, she’s been giving her best performance, one-upping herself every single time. Some might even say that Foxy Brown is a little overlooked, even in the 2010s and 2020s—when things were real good for females in music.
Ice Spice
Isis Naija Gaston was born in The Bronx, New York. She became a musician in 2021 while being in college. Currently, she has moved to New Jersey because she became too recognizable in the Bronx! Ice Spice has said that when in NJ, she gets recognized less. Well, wherever she might hide (her words, not ours!), we’re going to call her a New Yorker. Her rap style is an excellent balance between pop drill and sexy drill. With a spacious, up-tempo EP that’s a little skittish, she’s always careful with the tempo in her music. Ice Spice brings a fresh, contemporary vibe to the hip hop landscape, blending elements of pop drill with a sultry, playful edge. Catchy hooks and a rhythmic flow that make her tracks instantly memorable. She goes from laid-back to high-energy in moments and that transition is one of the key highlights of the music she makes.
Salt-N-Pepa
The girl group is made up of Cheryl James (Salt), Sandra Denton (Pepa), and Deidra Roper (Dee Dee). Salt and Dee Dee were born in Brooklyn and Pepa is from Jamaica but a Queens native right now. This is an old group, perhaps a lot of you haven’t heart their hits—but they have been instrumental in shaping hip hop and continue to be relevant even today. They had a small hiatus back in 2002 that went on for three years but since 2005, the group has been active to this date, redefining hip hop. Salt-N-Pepa revolutionized hip hop with their catchy hooks and infectious energy, blending rap with elements of R&B and pop. Their style is characterized by strong, confident vocals and playful lyrics that often tackle themes of female empowerment and sexuality.
Remy Ma
Reminisce Smith has left a lasting impression on the hip hop genre. She began as a member in the group Terror Squad but soon released her own debut solo album There’s Something About Remy. Nominated for no less than four Grammys and having won a couple of BET Awards for the best female hip-hop artist, this Bronx-based female rapper has revolutionized the genre. Her first BET Award for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist was in 2005 and her second in 2017—showing how she has not only remained relevant and at the top of her game, but how her genius style has inspired people decades apart. Remy Ma’s rap style is all about raw power and authenticity. Known for her commanding presence and intricate wordplay, she combines storytelling with a gritty realism that captures the struggles and triumphs of her life.
Roxanne Shante
A true pioneer and a rap prodigy, Roxanne Shante was born in Queens. A lot of you know her from her music and many of you from the 2018 Netflix biopic Roxanne Roxanne—but did you know that she has been producing music since the late 80s? If you thought Foxy Brown starting her career at 14 years of age was impressive, Roxanne Shante was already popular in New York when she was 14 years old. She did retire from the hip hop scene, but her music continues to influence countless people and be streamed on apps even today, shaping and reshaping the genre as a whole. Known for her sharp, confident delivery and clever lyricism, she emerged from the Queens scene in the late 80s. Her rap style is mainly characterized by a no-nonsense attitude and playful bravado.
NY Women in Hip Hop
Lil’ Kim might be one of the OGs who paved the way, but her music resonates with audiences even today. On the other hand, Cardi B is a major update, if we daresay, with beats and vocals that touch you deeply. The best part? Hip hop is a genre of diversity and variety—and even you can experiment with different beats and styles today using sophisticated AI music generators such as SOUNDRAW.