An important chapter in the history of hip hop is currently being revisited via Straight Outta Compton
and conversation about reality rap and police brutality. But the story
behind the diverse genre goes beyond young male up-and-comers on the
streets of LA. The ladies of Hip Hop have made – and continue to make –
an important impression with tight, biting lines and daring delivery
that consistently blow some members of hip hop's boys' club clear out of
the water.
The 1985 debut of Queens-based trio Salt-N-Pepa forever altered the face of hip hop by showing the world that women could "Push It" better than any guy. Soon after, MC Lyte's landmark 1988 record "Lyte as a Rock" made her the first solo female rapper to release an album.
In the 90s, rappers like Lauryn Hill, Foxy Brown, Eve, and Missy Elliott took over the airwaves with game-changing chart-toppers. Today, the ever-controversial, outspoken, and opinionated Iggy Azalea, Nicki Minaj, and Azealia Banks are still carrying their estrogen-fueled torch with tough tracks that explore sex, success, and subverting the patriarchy.
The success of women in hip hop isn't limited to the United States, either. Sri Lanka's M.I.A. never fails to produce innovative, genre-bending bangers, while South African duo Die Antwoord features the inimitable Yolandi Visser, whose scrappy, high-pitched rhymes range from dirty to delicious.
This year, Detroit's Angel Haze has been an artist to watch with ethereal yet raw releases, and the sexy new album "Nom de Guerre" from Oakland's Rocky Rivera isn't far behind.
The 1985 debut of Queens-based trio Salt-N-Pepa forever altered the face of hip hop by showing the world that women could "Push It" better than any guy. Soon after, MC Lyte's landmark 1988 record "Lyte as a Rock" made her the first solo female rapper to release an album.
In the 90s, rappers like Lauryn Hill, Foxy Brown, Eve, and Missy Elliott took over the airwaves with game-changing chart-toppers. Today, the ever-controversial, outspoken, and opinionated Iggy Azalea, Nicki Minaj, and Azealia Banks are still carrying their estrogen-fueled torch with tough tracks that explore sex, success, and subverting the patriarchy.
The success of women in hip hop isn't limited to the United States, either. Sri Lanka's M.I.A. never fails to produce innovative, genre-bending bangers, while South African duo Die Antwoord features the inimitable Yolandi Visser, whose scrappy, high-pitched rhymes range from dirty to delicious.
This year, Detroit's Angel Haze has been an artist to watch with ethereal yet raw releases, and the sexy new album "Nom de Guerre" from Oakland's Rocky Rivera isn't far behind.
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