Female rappers have worked hard to break through in a genre long dominated by men. These artists—ranging from trailblazers to rising stars—have built devoted fan bases and impressive careers, reflected in their influence and net worth.
20. Azealia Banks
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Born: May 31, 1991
From: New York, New York
Net worth: $2 million
Bottom Line: Azealia Banks
Robert Altman / Invision / AP Photo
Azealia Banks rose to prominence in 2011 with the viral single “212,” earning critical praise for its bold style. Her 2014 album, Broke with Expensive Taste, showcased her blend of rap, house and electronic influences. Banks is as well known for her music as for frequent public controversies and feuds with other celebrities.
18. Da Brat (Tie)
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Born: April 14, 1974
From: Joliet, Illinois
Net worth: $3 million
Bottom Line: Da Brat
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Shawntae “Da Brat” Harris broke through in the mid-1990s with hits like “Funkdafied” and “Give It 2 You.” Funkdafied made her the first female solo rapper to earn a platinum album. In recent years she’s expanded into television and film roles and co-hosting radio, and she and her partner documented their journey into parenthood on reality TV.
18. Foxy Brown (Tie)
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Born: Sept. 6, 1978
From: Brooklyn, New York
Net worth: $3 million
Bottom Line: Foxy Brown
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Foxy Brown became notable in the mid-1990s with a reggae- and dancehall-infused rap style. Several of her albums went platinum, and she has crossed into acting and television. Many later rappers cite her as an influence for her precise delivery and distinctive voice.
15. Saweetie (Tie)
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Born: July 2, 1993
From: Santa Clara, California
Net worth: $4 million
Bottom Line: Saweetie
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Saweetie shot to fame in 2017 with the viral single “Icy Grl.” The track went platinum and launched a string of hits and EPs. Known for her fashion-forward image, she has collaborated with brands including PrettyLittleThing and Savage X Fenty.
15. Remy Ma (Tie)
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Born: May 30, 1980
From: New York, New York
Net worth: $4 million
Bottom Line: Remy Ma
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Discovered by Big Pun and associated with Fat Joe’s Terror Squad, Remy Ma’s debut album earned chart success. She’s a familiar face on reality TV, notably Love & Hip Hop: New York, and works with fashion and beauty brands.
15. Kash Doll (Tie)
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Born: March 14, 1992
From: Detroit, Michigan
Net worth: $4 million
Bottom Line: Kash Doll
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Kash Doll earned attention after Drake invited her to open on his Summer Sixteen tour. She’s released popular singles and collaborated with artists like Lil Wayne and Iggy Azalea. Her media presence includes roles on Empire and BMF and partnerships with several major brands.
14. Trina
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Born: Dec. 3, 1978
From: Miami, Florida
Net worth: $6 million
Bottom Line: Trina
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Trina emerged in the late 1990s and released her solo debut Da Baddest B*tch in 2000, which established her as a mainstay in Southern rap. She has continued to release albums and tour, and has branched into television and brand partnerships.
12. Doja Cat (Tie)
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Born: Oct. 21, 1995
From: Los Angeles, California
Net worth: $8 million
Bottom Line: Doja Cat
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Doja Cat gained mainstream success after the TikTok-driven popularity of “Say So.” Her subsequent albums reached high positions on the Billboard charts, and she has become known for bold fashion collaborations and high-profile brand partnerships.
12. Megan Thee Stallion (Tie)
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Born: Feb. 15, 1995
From: Houston, Texas
Net worth: $8 million
Bottom Line: Megan Thee Stallion
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Megan rose quickly as a powerful voice in hip-hop, with breakout projects like the mixtape Fever and mainstream hits including the collaboration “WAP.” Her music, touring, and fashion partnerships have made her a central figure in modern rap.
11. DJ Spinderella
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Born: Aug. 3, 1970
From: Brooklyn, New York
Net worth: $10 million
Bottom Line: DJ Spinderella
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As the DJ for Salt-N-Pepa, Spinderella played a key role in one of hip-hop’s most successful female groups. She later pursued solo projects, DJ appearances and television work, and briefly reunited with the group for notable events.
10. Eve
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Born: Nov. 10, 1978
From: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Net worth: $12 million
Bottom Line: Eve
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Eve earned mainstream recognition with her Grammy-winning collaboration “Let Me Blow Ya Mind.” Alongside a successful music career, she has acted in films and starred in her own sitcom, and she has leveraged endorsements and product lines.
9. Salt
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Born: March 28, 1966
From: Brooklyn, New York
Net worth: $14 million
Bottom Line: Salt
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Cheryl “Salt” James helped form Salt-N-Pepa in the mid-1980s. The group’s commercial success and cultural impact earned them the nickname “The First Ladies of Rap.” Salt has since branched into production and television while maintaining a prominent media presence.
7. Pepa (Tie)
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Born: Nov. 9, 1966
From: Kingston, Jamaica
Net worth: $15 million
Bottom Line: Pepa
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Sandra “Pepa” Denton has balanced music with television and acting roles, contributing to Salt-N-Pepa’s lasting cultural footprint and continuing to participate in projects that celebrate the group’s legacy.
7. Iggy Azalea (Tie)
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Born: June 7, 1990
From: Sydney, Australia
Net worth: $15 million
Bottom Line: Iggy Azalea
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Iggy Azalea rose to fame via YouTube and mainstream success with singles from her debut album, which included breakout hits like “Fancy.” She has diversified her income through endorsements and sold parts of her catalog, and she has leveraged digital platforms successfully.
6. Bhad Bhabie
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Born: March 26, 2003
From: Boynton Beach, Florida
Net worth: $20–$52 million
Bottom Line: Bhad Bhabie
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Danielle Bregoli parlayed viral TV notoriety into a music and influencer career. Her debut single topped charts, and she has since released several hits and built substantial earnings from music, brand deals and subscription-based platforms.
5. Lizzo
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Born: April 27, 1988
From: Detroit, Michigan
Net worth: $40 million
Bottom Line: Lizzo
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Lizzo combines rap, singing and flute performance with an empowering, body-positive message. Her chart-topping singles and album success, along with brand partnerships and her Yitty shapewear line, have contributed to her rising net worth.
4. Missy Elliot
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Born: July 1, 1971
From: Portsmouth, Virginia
Net worth: $50 million
Bottom Line: Missy Elliot
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Missy Elliott is a groundbreaking artist, producer and songwriter whose innovative albums and videos influenced an entire generation. Her production work for major artists and high-profile brand relationships have kept her at the forefront of music and culture.
3. Queen Latifah
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Born: March 18, 1970
From: Newark, New Jersey
Net worth: $70 million
Bottom Line: Queen Latifah
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Queen Latifah began as a rapper and expanded into acting and producing, earning critical acclaim and mainstream success. Her film and television career, along with endorsements, have made her one of hip-hop’s most enduring stars.
2. Cardi B
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Born: Oct. 11, 1992
From: Washington Heights, New York
Net worth: $80 million
Bottom Line: Cardi B
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Cardi B went from reality TV star to chart-topping rapper with multiple hit singles and albums. Known for her bold personality and business savvy, she has parlayed her success into film roles and high-profile fashion collaborations.
1. Nicki Minaj
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Born: Dec. 8, 1982
From: Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago
Net worth: $150 million
Bottom Line: Nicki Minaj
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Nicki Minaj stands as one of hip-hop’s most commercially successful and influential artists, with millions of albums sold and a long string of chart hits. Her ventures include major brand endorsements, fashion and beauty collaborations, and a powerful global fan base. Her sustained chart performance and business moves have cemented her place at the top of this list.
This list highlights a mix of pioneers, mainstream stars and cultural icons who have shaped hip-hop and expanded the opportunities available to women in the genre. Their careers combine artistic success, touring, brand deals and media ventures, reflecting how modern rappers build diversified businesses beyond music.