Best Female Hip-Hop Artists Of The '90s You Still Love Today
Surely the majority of us are familiar with the well-known phrase, "behind every great man there is a great (or maybe greater?) woman." And this has proven to be true in the world of '90s hip-hop as well.
When thinking about hip-hop music in the '90s, big names such as Snoop Dogg, Jay Z, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony may come to mind - but what about all of the women who were trailblazing their way through the '90s hip-hop world and beyond? Here is a list of just a few of the many women who helped to define the future of hip-hop music and style by showing us how to put our thing down, flip it and reverse it, all while avoiding Scrubs.
1Aaliyah, One in a Million, I Care 4 U- Genres (Music): Hip hop music, Pop music, Neo soul, Rock music, Dance-pop
Undeniably, Aaliyah possessed an angelic voice that effortlessly blended R&B and hip-hop to create a remarkable sound of her own. Launching into the music scene with her captivating debut album Age Ain't Nothing but a Number, she quickly became an influential figure in the 90s urban music landscape. Her smooth vocals, sultry style, and undeniable charisma led to numerous chart-topping hits, solidifying her place as an unforgettable force in hip-hop and R&B history. Tragically, we lost this gifted artist too soon, but her music continues to resonate deeply with fans worldwide.
2Under Construction, Supa Dupa Fly, Miss E ...So Addictive- Genres (Music): Hip hop music, Pop music, Dance-pop, Electronic dance music, Contemporary R&B
The iconic Missy Elliott burst onto the hip-hop scene in the mid-'90s with her innovative and unapologetic style. Known for her masterful production skills on memorable tracks such as "Get Ur Freak On," she became a trailblazer in the industry. With her witty and forward-thinking lyrics, Missy Elliott consistently pushed boundaries, gaining respect and admiration from both fans and fellow artists alike. Her eclectic style and sheer talent have undoubtedly made her an influential figure in the hall of fame of the '90s hip-hop legends.
3Crazy Sexy Cool, Ooooooohhh ... On the TLC Tip, 3D- Genres (Music): Hip hop music, Girl group, Alternative hip hop, Synthpop, Pop music
Bold, sassy, and groundbreaking, TLC redefined what it meant to be a female hip-hop group in the '90s. With their unique blend of pop, R&B, and hip-hop, these talented ladies were never afraid to tackle important social issues in their music. Their catchy tracks and powerful messages resonated with fans around the globe, earning them an impressive number of accolades over the years. TLC's enduring influence is still felt today, proving that they were truly ahead of their time.
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4The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, MTV Unplugged 2.0, Ms. Hill- Genres (Music): Hip hop music, Alternative hip hop, Neo soul, Folk music, Reggae
With a soulful voice and profound lyricism, Lauryn Hill became an indisputable icon in the '90s hip-hop scene. Her insightful music, often discussing themes of love, spirituality, and self-empowerment, showcased her incredible depth as an artist. As a member of the legendary Fugees and later through her critically acclaimed solo album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, she paved the way for countless female artists that followed in her footsteps. Lauryn Hill's undeniable talent and raw emotional authenticity continue to make her a beloved and respected figure in the world of music.
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5Mary, My Life, What's the 411?- Genres (Music): Hip hop music, Contemporary R&B, Rhythm and blues, Soul music, Gospel music
Dubbed the "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul," Mary J. Blige captivated audiences in the '90s with her powerful voice and emotive lyrics. Her ability to infuse hip-hop beats seamlessly with soulful R&B melodies made her a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. From heart-wrenching ballads to empowering anthems, Mary J. Blige's music displayed a wide range of emotions that her fans could easily relate to. Her trailblazing career has left an indelible mark on the hip-hop and R&B landscapes, solidifying her spot among the all-time greats.
![Salt-N-Pepa]()
6Very Necessary, Hot, Cool & Vicious- Genres (Music): Hip hop music, Girl group, Pop rap, Dance music
Trailblazers in every sense of the word, Salt-N-Pepa proved that women could not only hold their own in the male-dominated world of hip-hop but also excel in it. Their fearless approach to tackling taboo subjects and their undeniably catchy beats made them a household name in the '90s. As one of the first all-female rap groups to find major success, their influence cannot be overstated. To this day, Salt-N-Pepa's legacy continues to inspire future generations of strong, outspoken female artists.
