Nicki Minaj has been named the best female rapper of all time by Billboard. For many, it was long expected. Her rise, her records, and her reach have left a mark on the music world that cannot be erased.
Billboard’s list considered chart success, album sales, cultural influence, longevity, lyrical depth, and vocal delivery. In 2018, Minaj became the first female rapper to surpass 100 entries on the Billboard Hot 100. As of now, she has 149. Her ‘Pink Friday 2 World Tour’ is also the highest-grossing for a female rapper.
Her journey began with Pink Friday in 2010, which topped the Billboard 200. It set a record for the biggest sales week by a female rap album in the 21st century. She followed it with Roman Reloaded, The Pinkprint, Queen, and Pink Friday 2 in 2023.
Beyond music, her presence matters. Her verse on “Monster” remains unforgettable. She created characters—Harajuku Barbie, Roman Zolanski, Chun-Li, and Onika—that helped redefine what rap can look and sound like.
Billboard explains it clearly: “The Queens icon became the first female rapper to eclipse triple-digit Billboard Hot 100 hits… and her connection to the Barbz remains stronger than ever.”
Others on the list include Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, Lil Kim, and Queen Latifah. Rising voices like Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, and Doechii are also recognised. But “the road to the crown on a list like this still runs through Gag City.”
Billboard naming Nicki Minaj on Instagram.
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