Minaj’s best female rapper of all time win stirs controversy

The Billboard Best Female Rappers of All Time list has caused controversy on social media, with some questioning how Nicky Minaj got the top spot.

The list also features old school rappers including Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Salt-N-Pepa, Lil Kim.

It was compiled through a ranking system based on the rappers’ body of work, Billboard stats, Recording Industry Association of America (RIAAA) achievements and certifications, cultural impact, influence, longevity, flow, and lyrics.

Missy Elliott clinched the second spot, with Lauryn Hill coming in third. Lil Kim and Queen Latifah occupy the fourth and fifth positions, respectively.

The 25 Best Female Rappers of All Time (Staff Picks) https://t.co/om34S4s5uM

— billboard hip-hop/r&b (@billboardhiphop) April 8, 2025

Minaj, known for her bold fashion choices, energetic flow, and ability to mix rap with pop has over the years cemented her place in the industry, influencing a new generation of female rappers.

However, despite her influence, success and being nominated 12 times for a Grammy Award, she has never clinched it.

Lauryn Hill won five Grammys for The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill and despite some setbacks, her legacy in both hip-hop and R&B has made a mark in the industry.

Emcee singer, songwriter, producer and actress, Missy Elliot, is also one of the most loved artists and remains respected in the Hip-Hop and R&B genres.

She has won at the Grammys five times, having collaborated with the likes of Timbaland, Aaliyah, Ginuwine, Monica, Janet Jackson, MC Lyte, Lil’ Kim, Busta Rhymes, Whitney Houston, amongst many others.

MC Lyte was the first-ever female MC to release a solo studio album in 1988 and the first female solo rapper to be nominated for a Grammy in 1993.

New kid on the block, Doechii, has already cemented her spot in history rising from being a quirky internet sensation to winning a Grammy.

Her song “Anxiety” has also topped charts and become quite famous on social media platforms like TikTok.

The ladies have taken the world by storm over the years and stamping their place in the rap world that was, for many years, dominated by men.

Despite this, however, some Hip-Hop fans believe that Minaj doesn’t deserve to be number one.

nicki minaj is one of the best female rappers of OUR time, NOT the best female rapper of ALL time

— kai ?? (@kaiyahailz) April 8, 2025

Anyone else disturbed with this Billboard Best Female Rappers of All Time list? Uhm…

— ?The Princess of Chaos? (@dallygalchris) April 8, 2025

this list isn’t real. Nicki first????? when we talkin about best female rappers of ALL TIME??? and no Young MA on here?????? who the hell made this LMAOOOOO https://t.co/dPuWxVLWg7

— ayaz is not here (@thehighlesbian) April 8, 2025

A lot of people are confused on why Nicki Minaj was number 1 on bb best female rappers of all time list it’s actually simple she is the only one on that list that has the the impact stats sales longevity skill and talent u need all 6 to be the greatest and she checks all boxes pic.twitter.com/1lvDj35g4K

— Barbz420???????????????????? (@barbz420) April 8, 2025

Nicki realized she had abilities to make popular music. You think Nicki Minaj thinks she’s one of the greatest female rappers of all time? That’s what the list is for hence why you thinking ice was snubbed is dumb. She isn’t in the top 25 best female rappers.

— D?? (@BlazingBadZula) April 8, 2025

not to undermine her impact. But to be named best female rapper of all time when rappers like Meg, Doja, n Doechii are blowing her out of the water this early into their careers is honestly comedic https://t.co/LxB8q1sDsh

— koiduroy (@itzpennyp) April 8, 2025

Whomever put that Billboard list of best female rappers of all time needs a slap. How did Left Eye drop below some of those ppl just to name a few of them who lack versatility ????. Just because someone can do numbers doesn’t make them better than others. Congrats to Nicki ????

— Jaguar Knights (@KnightsJaguar) April 8, 2025

This is a great list. Nicki’s not only the best female rappers of all time but best rappers in general

— KiloCee (@KCB89560567) April 8, 2025

Billboard ranks the best female rappers of all time ?? Are we surprised? It was never a debate, but to the people that tried to make it one. The debate is OVER! Cardi B being ranked over any of the girls, especially Doja Cat, is CRAZY!! Anyway…?? Congratulations to the QUEEN!?? pic.twitter.com/qRQ4B2eNHd

— BARB CITY (@TheRealBarbCity) April 7, 2025