NayahMbilian

The rap industry has been around since the 1970s and has been predominantly dominated by men throughout its history. Rap is defined as storytelling while pairing a rhythmic beat to lyrics.

“I can relate to female rappers because they talk about issues women face everyday,” freshman Chigozie Okafor said. “I love listening to Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B.”

Famous female rappers like Salt-n-Pepa slowly gained attraction in the 80’s and flew to the top of the charts, influencing millions of people. For the duo, it was difficult because women were viewed as add-ons in entertainment and more of a side show rather than being the main performer.

This view of women as add-ons hindered the growth of female rap artists who attempted to change the scene.

Early female rappers including Lauryn Hill, Lil’ Kim, Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott and The Fugees began to shape future generations of music, but couldn’t keep a stable platform for future female rappers to grow their position in the rap game.

For a moment of time, new female rappers were dwindling and the ones who had been in the game either retired, slowed the music production or moved to different careers like acting.

After a long era of men the dominating rap industry, new rappers began to take their craft seriously and overcome the challenge of not being taken seriously.

In 2007, Nicki Minaj came out with an album called “Playtime Is Over” and since has become one of the biggest rappers in the rap industry. Minaj’s energy, style and music shaped a generation of people and will continue to inspire many in the future. In 2016, she was included in the annual Time’s list of the world’s most influential people.

Since Minaj’s success, many other female rappers today have been inspired to try the industry.

Today, there are rappers like Asian Doll, Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B and many more who were inspired by her artistry.

“Female rap allows me to get in my element, in a way that traditional rap can’t,” junior Aryannah Harrison said. “I feel like they understand how I walk through the world.”

“Megan Thee Stallion and I just relate because she’s outgoing and courageous and she’s not afraid to be herself,” senior Davia King said. “She inspires me to continue to go to school and make multiple goals for myself while focusing on other activities in my life.”

Female rappers like Tierra Whack and many more inspire girls to trust in themselves and be confident. They ultimately teach girls to be themselves and to fight for what they want. Just because something hasn’t been done before, doesn’t mean you can’t be the first to start it.