Female Emcees Who Spread The Message

Ladies is emcees too, let them brush their shoulders off.

Rasheeda the GA Peach -  This Atlanta based rapper has been in the hip-hop game for 16 years. In 2012 RaSheeda landed a spot along with her husband/manager Kirk Frost on VH1's Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta.(photo: John Ricard / BET).

1 / 41

Rasheeda the GA Peach -  This Atlanta based rapper has been in the hip-hop game for 16 years. In 2012 RaSheeda landed a spot along with her husband/manager Kirk Frost on VH1's Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta.(photo: John Ricard / BET).

Photo By photo: John Ricard / BET

E-V-E! - Eve, the original first lady of Ruff Ryders, has become a household name. Her first three albums have sold over 13 million copies worldwide. As an actress, Eve is known for her roles as Terri Jones in the Barbershop franchise, and as Shelley Williams on her eponymous TV sitcom.   (Photo: Rachel Murray/Getty Images for NYLON)

2 / 41

E-V-E! - Eve, the original first lady of Ruff Ryders, has become a household name. Her first three albums have sold over 13 million copies worldwide. As an actress, Eve is known for her roles as Terri Jones in the Barbershop franchise, and as Shelley Williams on her eponymous TV sitcom.   (Photo: Rachel Murray/Getty Images for NYLON)

MC Lyte - MC Lyte is regarded as a pioneering emcee, especially when it comes to inspiring women in the game. The New York City native released her debut album, Lyte as a Rock, in September of 1988 and rapidly became noted for her strong self confidence and punchy lyrics. She's one of the most respected and iconic rappers in hip-hop history. (Photo: Jemal Countess/Getty Images for BET)

3 / 41

MC Lyte - MC Lyte is regarded as a pioneering emcee, especially when it comes to inspiring women in the game. The New York City native released her debut album, Lyte as a Rock, in September of 1988 and rapidly became noted for her strong self confidence and punchy lyrics. She's one of the most respected and iconic rappers in hip-hop history. (Photo: Jemal Countess/Getty Images for BET)

Queen Latifah on her new role as Bessie Smith in an upcoming HBO biopic: - “She’s influenced rock and roll, with an effect on everybody from Mick Jagger to Janis Joplin. She was the first Black performer to appear before an integrated audience.”(Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Keep Memory Alive)

4 / 41

All Hail the Queen - The Queen of hip-hop is one of the most notable figures in media. From TV to movies, this cover girl has broken many glass ceilings for African American women.  (Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Keep Memory Alive)

Kollage - Artist: Bahamadia Year: 1996Philly's own Bahamadia brought her solo debut at a time when hip hop was in a transitional phase where the culture was about to have a huge shift with the deaths of Tupac and Biggie in tandem. Enter Bahamadia, a lady boss whose rhymes were both thought-provoking and rhythmic. The wordsmith brought an elevated level of wordplay on Kollage, but had her syllables backed by production from legends like DJ Premier, Da Beatminerz, and even the Roots. If you haven't heard it, you definitely should.(Photo: EMI Records)

5 / 41

Bahamadia - She started her career with the release of her debut album, Kollage, in 1996. Kollage was followed by BB Queen in 2001. (Photo: EMI Records) 

ADVERTISEMENT
Heather B - She was a member of Boogie Down Productions before joining the cast of season one of The Real World: New York. (Photo: MTV)

6 / 41

Heather B - She was a member of Boogie Down Productions before joining the cast of season one of The Real World: New York. (Photo: MTV)

Photo By Photo: MTV

Foxy Brown - This hip hop diva has been on the scene since the mid 90s and has collaborations with heavy weights like Jay Z, Nas and Method Man under her belt.(Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

7 / 41

Foxy Brown - This hip hop diva has been on the scene since the mid 90s and has collaborations with heavy weights like Jay Z, Nas and Method Man under her belt.(Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

Trina - The Diamond Princess rose to fame when she teamed up with Trick Daddy’s Slip-N-Slide Records. She has continuoually put out albums throughout the 2000’s and was named "the most consistent female rapper of all time" by XXL Magazine.(Photo: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for BMI)

8 / 41

Trina - The Diamond Princess rose to fame when she teamed up with Trick Daddy’s Slip-N-Slide Records. She has continuoually put out albums throughout the 2000’s and was named "the most consistent female rapper of all time" by XXL Magazine.(Photo: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for BMI)

Photo By Photo: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for BMI

Lil' Kim - The Queen Bee showed female emcees that it was ok to tap into their raunchy sides. She was gangsta while wearing high-end designers and flaunted her sexuality, which opened the door for others like Eve, Nicki Minaj and Azealia Banks.(Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Clear Channel)

9 / 41

Lil' Kim - The Queen Bee showed female emcees that it was ok to tap into their raunchy sides. She was gangsta while wearing high-end designers and flaunted her sexuality, which opened the door for others like Eve, Nicki Minaj and Azealia Banks.(Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Clear Channel)

Lady of Rage - Lady of Rage is most known for rocking her “Afro Puffs”. After signing with the L.A. Posse, Rage began doing collaborations with several Death Row Records artists, including Dr. Dre and Snoop Doggy Dogg. She later began acting and had a role on the 90s sitcom The Steve Harvey Show.(Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for BET)

10 / 41

Lady of Rage - Lady of Rage is most known for rocking her “Afro Puffs”. After signing with the L.A. Posse, Rage began doing collaborations with several Death Row Records artists, including Dr. Dre and Snoop Doggy Dogg. She later began acting and had a role on the 90s sitcom The Steve Harvey Show.(Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for BET)

ADVERTISEMENT
Roxanne Shante - The Juice Crew affiliate first gained attention through the infamous Roxanne Wars in the mid-80s. (Photo: Ouzounova/Splash News)

11 / 41

Roxanne Shante - The Juice Crew affiliate first gained attention through the infamous Roxanne Wars in the mid-80s. (Photo: Ouzounova/Splash News)

Photo By Photo: Ouzounova/Splash News

Roxanne Shante - The Juice Crew affiliate first gained attention through the infamous Roxanne Wars in the mid-80s. (Photo: Ouzounova/Splash News)

12 / 41

Roxanne Shante - The Juice Crew affiliate first gained attention through the infamous Roxanne Wars in the mid-80s. (Photo: Ouzounova/Splash News)

Photo By Photo: Ouzounova/Splash News

Antoinette - Some may not remember female rapper Antoinette, but se debuted with an album entitled "Who's The Boss?" back in the late 80s. If nothing else, she inspired some of Lyte's best work, and was a part of one of the first female rap beefs ever.

13 / 41

The Queens rapper released two albums during the late 1980s and early 1990s. She made her first appearance on the producer Hurby Azor's 1987 compilation album, Hurby's Machine, with her song "I Got An Attitude." - (Photo: Next Plateau Entertainment)

Rah Digga - Femcee Rah Digga started off with Jersey group The Outlawz before joing Busta Rhyme’s Flipmode squad.    (Photo: Steve Mack/WireImage)

14 / 41

Rah Digga - The Flipmode Squad representative learned how to rap by studying the rhymes of KRS-One, Rakim, and Kool G Rap. She was named "one of hip-hop's most skilled female MCs" in the book, How to Rap. (Photo: Steve Mack/WireImage)

Photo By Photo: Steve Mack/WireImage

Doggy's Angels - This rap trio was formed by Snoop Dogg on the "Doggy Style" subsidiary of TVT Records. Members are Big Chan (Chan Gaines), Coniyac (Kim Proby) and Kola Loc (Kola Marion). (Photo: Kevin Winter/ImageDirect)

15 / 41

Doggy's Angels - This rap trio was formed by Snoop Dogg on the "Doggy Style" subsidiary of TVT Records. Members are Big Chan (Chan Gaines), Coniyac (Kim Proby) and Kola Loc (Kola Marion). (Photo: Kevin Winter/ImageDirect)

ADVERTISEMENT
"Fancy," Iggy Azalea Featuring Charli XCX - Whatever your mind can imagine, that's the next step for graduates after hitting that "congratulations" stage. And to make sure you have the ends to back your fancies, remember what Iggy Azalea says: "Just can't worry 'bout no haters, gotta stay on my grind." (Photo: Ian Gavan/Getty Images)

16 / 41

Iggy Azalea - The fancy Australian rapper is one of the hottest female emcees to gain mass popularity since Nicki Minaj came out in 2008.  (Photo: Ian Gavan/Getty Images)

Once Again, It's On! - Remy Ma is almost back home. Though her release was delayed, the Bronx Bombshell is expected to soon end the eight-year sentence she was handed on weapons and assault charges in 2007, at the height of building a fan base as one of the best female rappers. She received the crown at the 2005 BET Awards and released her debut album, There's Something About Remy, a year later. The fire-spitter slayed memorable verses on club anthems like "Whateva" and "Conceited" and she's held her own on tracks with everyone from Fat Joe, Three 6 Mafia, Jadakiss and Busta Rhymes. Now, with her "new outlook," who will she get into the booth with next? Keep reading to see BET.com's Top 10 collabos we want to hear from Remy Ma. — Dominique Zonyeé (@DominiqueZonyee)(Photo: Paul Hawthorne/Getty Images)

17 / 41

Remy Ma - Remy Ma, the first lady of Terror Squad, first started ringing bells when she was featured on the hit song, "Lean Back." Remy cites Big Pun and Roxanne Shante as her biggest influences.(Photo: Paul Hawthorne/Getty Images)

Mia X - Mia X stood tall as the queen of the No Limit regime as the South took its spot at the head of the hip hop table. But family tragedies, including the death of her parents, forced her to step away. With a few tracks here are there, the New Orleans MC stays on social media, however, these days she's focused on promoting her recipes and her restaurant down in the N.O.(Photo: Theo Wargo/WireImage)

18 / 41

Mia X - The New Orleans native got her start in the hip hop game in the mid-90s, when she was the first female emcee to get a contract with Master P's No Limit Records. (Photo: Theo Wargo/WireImage)

Lauryn Hill kicks fan out of concert: - "When I get up on this stage, don't be disrespectful...You not gon' mess up my vibe for the rest of these people." (Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images for CBGB)

19 / 41

Lauryn Hill - Ms. Hill started her music career in the hip hop trio, The Fugees. She went on to release the critically acclaimed Miseducation of Lauryn Hill and Lauryn Hill Unplugged. (Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images for CBGB)

Get Ready Barbz and Kenz! - One of the artists that would be a perfect match for Ciara onstage is none other than Nicki Minaj. We're sure Nicki will hit us with a solo set, but considering the fact that these two are premiering the video for "I'm Out" on the red carpet it would only be right for them to tear the stage up! (Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

20 / 41

Nicki Minaj - The Queens bred rapper has is one of the number one selling female emcees of all time. Nicki has become her own brand, within six years, from movies to fragrances, to clothing lines to cosmetics.    (Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

ADVERTISEMENT
Jean Grae - Jean Grae rose to prominence on the NYC underground hip hop scene in the 90s but has since built an international fan base.(Photo: Donald Bowers/Getty Images for Belvedere)

21 / 41

Jean Grae - Jean Grae rose to prominence on the NYC underground hip hop scene in the 90s but has since built an international fan base.(Photo: Donald Bowers/Getty Images for Belvedere)

Photo By Photo: Donald Bowers/Getty Images for Belvedere

Da Brat: April 14 - The hip hop pioneer turns 40 years old. (Photo: Prince Williams/FilmMagic)

22 / 41

Da Brat - Da Brat's debut album, Funkdafied, sold one million copies.  This made her the first female solo rap act, and the second overall female rap act to have a platinum-selling album. (Photo: Prince Williams/FilmMagic)

Shawnna - Shawnna was the first female artist signed to Def Jam South through Ludacris' Disturbing tha Peace Records. In 2003, she had a #1 song on the US Billboard Hot 100 with “Stand Up” with Ludacris.(Photo: William B. Plowman/Getty Images)

23 / 41

Shawnna - Shawnna was the first female artist signed to Def Jam South through Ludacris' Disturbing tha Peace Records. In 2003, she had a #1 song on the US Billboard Hot 100 with “Stand Up” with Ludacris.(Photo: William B. Plowman/Getty Images)

Missy Elliott, July 1996-September 1998 - Missy paid her dues to get to the top as a songwriter, and when she came into the forefront she rocked out writing hit guest spots on tracks with Lil Kim, MC Lyte and Timbaland. These proved that she could shoot the clutch threes and bring home some big wins:1. "The Things That You Do" - Gina Thompson feat. Missy Elliott2. "Steelo" - 702 feat. Missy Elliott3. "Cold Rock a Party" - MC Lyte feat. Missy Elliott4. "Not Tonight/Ladies Night (Remix)" -  Lil' Kim feat. Da Brat, Missy Elliott, Lisa "Left-Eye" Lopes and Angie Martinez5. "Up Jumps Da Boogie" - Timbaland & Magoo feat. Missy Elliott(Photo: Cindy Ord/BET/Getty Images for BET)

24 / 41

Missy Elliott - Missy Elliot is a multi-talnted rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. She has won five Grammy Awards and sold over 30 million records in the United States. She is also the only female rapper to have six albums certified platinum. (Photo: Cindy Ord/BET/Getty Images for BET)

Gangsta Boo - Gangsta Boo was the first and only female member of the Memphis-based rap group Three 6 Mafia. (Photo: Roger Kisby/Getty Images)

25 / 41

Gangsta Boo - Gangsta Boo was the first and only female member of the Memphis-based rap group Three 6 Mafia. (Photo: Roger Kisby/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Roger Kisby/Getty Images

ADVERTISEMENT
Charli Baltimore - Charli Baltimore is a Grammy-nominated rapper and songwriter. In 2003, she earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Rap Solo Performance for her single, "Diary.”(photo: John Ricard / BET) 

26 / 41

Charli Baltimore - Charli Baltimore is a Grammy-nominated rapper and songwriter. In 2003, she earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Rap Solo Performance for her single, "Diary.”(photo: John Ricard / BET) 

Salt N Pepa, @TheSaltNPepa - "Rest in Paradise #BobbiKristina May God bless her, @KingBobbyBrown and their family. #RIPBobbiKristina"(Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images)

27 / 41

Salt-n-Pepa - "Push It," the iconic group’s first major hit, was nominated for a Grammy Award and went platinum in the United States.(Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images)

Photo By Erika Goldring/Getty Images

Oaktown 357 - Oaktown's 3.5.7 was formed by MC Hammer back in 1989.(Photo: Capitol Records)

28 / 41

Oaktown 357 - Oaktown's 3.5.7 was formed by MC Hammer back in 1989.(Photo: Capitol Records)

Photo By Photo: Capitol Records

Sweet Tee - Sweet Tee was signed to MCA Records in the 1980s. She scored chart success with her debut album, It's Tee Time, which peaked at #31 on the US Billboard R&B chart. (Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)

29 / 41

Sweet Tee - Sweet Tee was signed to MCA Records in the 1980s. She scored chart success with her debut album, It's Tee Time, which peaked at #31 on the US Billboard R&B chart. (Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)

Finesse & Synquis - Salt-n-Pepa weren't the only female rap duo back in the 80s. Finesse & Synquis were two "Soul Sisters" who became famous for their MCM suits and wedge hair styles.

30 / 41

Finesse and Synquis - Finesse & Synquis were signed to MCA Records in the mid-80s. They released their debut album, Soul Sisters, which managed to peak at #61 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.  (Photo: MCA Records)

ADVERTISEMENT
Boss - The  Detroit rapper debuted in 1993, with Born Gangstaz. (Photo: Def Jam Recordings)

31 / 41

Boss - The  Detroit rapper debuted in 1993, with Born Gangstaz. (Photo: Def Jam Recordings)

Ms. Jade - In 2002 she released her only album, Girl Interrupted, which featured the singles "Big Head," "Feel The Girl" and "Ching Ching." (Photo: Lisa Lake/Getty Images for Reebok)

32 / 41

Ms. Jade - In 2002 she released her only album, Girl Interrupted, which featured the singles "Big Head," "Feel The Girl" and "Ching Ching." (Photo: Lisa Lake/Getty Images for Reebok)

Solé - Solé gained attention in the summer of 1999 with her appearance on JT Money’s hit single "Who Dat,” which reached #1 on the US Rap chart.(Photo: Moses Robinson/Getty Images)

33 / 41

Solé - Solé gained attention in the summer of 1999 with her appearance on JT Money’s hit single "Who Dat,” which reached #1 on the US Rap chart.(Photo: Moses Robinson/Getty Images)

Nitty Scott MC - She broke through in 2010, when the video for her freestyle over "Monster” went viral. She has performed at the BET Hip Hop Awards and the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival, among others. (Photo: Brad Barket/PictureGroup) .

34 / 41

Nitty Scott MC - She broke through in 2010, when the video for her freestyle over "Monster” went viral. She has performed at the BET Hip Hop Awards and the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival, among others. (Photo: Brad Barket/PictureGroup) .

Rapsody - Rapsody in the Backroom at 106 & Park, September 28, 2012. (photo: John Ricard / BET).

35 / 41

Rapsody - Rapsody in the Backroom at 106 & Park, September 28, 2012. (photo: John Ricard / BET).

ADVERTISEMENT
56005513RT004_khia

36 / 41

Khia - Khia released her debut album, Thug Misses in 2002 on Dirty Down/Artemis Records. The lead single "My Neck, My Back (Lick It)" became a breakthrough hit, charting at #42 on the Hot 100 chart and #12 on the Hot Rap Tracks chart.   (Photo: Ray Tamarra/Getty Images) 

Diamond - Diamond started her career with Crime Mob. The group first garnered national attention in 2004 with their single, "Knuck If You Buck,” which was eventually certified Platinum. (Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images For BET)

37 / 41

Diamond - Diamond started her career with Crime Mob. The group first garnered national attention in 2004 with their single, "Knuck If You Buck,” which was eventually certified Platinum. (Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images For BET)

Isis - Isis was a member of the hip-hop collective known as the Blackwatch Movement. She released her debut album, Rebel Soul, in 1990. Isis preaches a message of black pride and self-awareness on such uplifting selections as "State of Mind," "In the Mind of One," and "The Power of Myself Is Moving."(Photo: David Corio/Redferns)

38 / 41

Isis - Isis was a member of the hip-hop collective known as the Blackwatch Movement. She released her debut album, Rebel Soul, in 1990. Isis preaches a message of black pride and self-awareness on such uplifting selections as "State of Mind," "In the Mind of One," and "The Power of Myself Is Moving."(Photo: David Corio/Redferns)

Ladybug Mecca - Lady Bug Mecca debuted with New York City-based trio Digable Planets, in 1993. Their first single, "Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)” peaked at #15 on Billboard magazine's singles chart, earned gold certification, and won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.  (Photo: Matt Carmichael/Getty Images) 

39 / 41

Ladybug Mecca - Lady Bug Mecca debuted with New York City-based trio Digable Planets, in 1993. Their first single, "Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)” peaked at #15 on Billboard magazine's singles chart, earned gold certification, and won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.  (Photo: Matt Carmichael/Getty Images) 

Hurricane G - Hurricane G was Hit Squad’s first female member. Her 1997 single release, "Somebody Else," charted at #10 on Billboard magazine's Hot Rap Singles. (Photo: HOLA Recordings)

40 / 41

Hurricane G - Hurricane G was Hit Squad’s first female member. Her 1997 single release, "Somebody Else," charted at #10 on Billboard magazine's Hot Rap Singles. (Photo: HOLA Recordings)

Angel Haze - In 2012, she took part in the BET Hip Hop Awards' Cypher. In 2013 she released the first single from her debut album, Echelon (It's My Way).(Photo: Samir Hussein/Redferns via Getty Images)

41 / 41

Angel Haze - In 2012, she took part in the BET Hip Hop Awards' Cypher. In 2013 she released the first single from her debut album, Echelon (It's My Way).(Photo: Samir Hussein/Redferns via Getty Images)