Billboard has officially declared Nicki Minaj the greatest female rapper of all time, citing her undeniable impact, chart-topping success, and enduring legacy. The prestigious recognition comes after a thorough evaluation based on several key factors, including charted singles, album certifications, cultural influence, career longevity, storytelling prowess, and vocal delivery.
Minaj’s achievements are indeed remarkable. In 2018, she made history as the first female rapper to achieve over 100 entries on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, a number that has since grown to 149. Her recent “Pink Friday 2 World Tour” further solidified her legendary status by becoming the highest-grossing tour ever for a female rapper. �
Her discography boasts a string of iconic and commercially successful albums. Her debut album, “Pink Friday,” released in 2010, not only topped the US Billboard 200 but also set a record for the largest sales week for a female rap album in the 21st century. This success was followed by “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded” (2012), “The Pinkprint” (2014), “Queen” (2018), and her latest offering, “Pink Friday 2” (2023), all contributing to her monumental impact. �
While Minaj rightfully claims the top spot, Billboard’s list also acknowledges the significant contributions of other influential female figures in rap. The top five includes pioneers like Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, Lil’ Kim, and Queen Latifah, highlighting the rich history and diverse talent within the genre. Newer artists such as Megan Thee Stallion and Doja Cat have also earned their place on the list, demonstrating the ongoing evolution of female rap. Notably, Doechii secured the number 24 spot following the success of her album, “Alligator Bites Never Heal.”
Minaj’s influence extends beyond mere statistics. Her cultural impact is undeniable, from her unforgettable guest verse on Kanye West’s “Monster” to the creation of iconic rap personas like Harajuku Barbie, Roman Zolanski, Chun-Li, and her authentic self, Onika. These alter egos and her unique style have profoundly shaped the rap landscape.
As Billboard aptly concludes, “The Queens icon became the first female rapper to eclipse triple-digit Billboard Hot 100 hits in 2018 (with 149 entries to her name as of publishing) and her connection to the Barbz remains stronger than ever, as the Pink Friday 2 World Tour became the highest-grossing tour for a female rapper in history. One thing�s for sure, the road to the crown on a list like this still runs through Gag City,” referencing Minaj’s dedicated fanbase and her continued reign at the top.
