Billboard crowns Nicki Minaj the Greatest Female Rapper of All Time

Trinidadian-American rap icon Nicki Minaj has officially been named the greatest female rapper of all time by Billboard.

The prestigious recognition solidifies her legacy as the Queen of Rap, celebrated for her unmatched lyrical skill, chart-topping hits, and enduring influence on hip-hop culture.

The top 5 female rappers of all time, according to Billboard’s ranking, are:
1. Nicki Minaj
2. Missy Elliott
3. Lauryn Hill
4. Lil’ Kim
5. Queen Latifah

Rounding out the top 10 are:
6. MC Lyte
7. Salt-N-Pepa
8. Roxanne Shanté
9. Eve
10. Foxy Brown

Notable rankings and Grammy controversy surround Nicki Minaj’s achievement.

Despite her dominance, Nicki Minaj has never won a Grammy, while her contemporaries Cardi B (No. 11) and Megan Thee Stallion (No. 15) have both secured wins in rap categories.

This discrepancy has fueled ongoing debates about the Grammys’ recognition of female rap artists.

Nicki Minaj’s reign has often been compared to rising stars like Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, but Billboard’s ranking reaffirms her undisputed impact.

Nigerian superstar Davido, who has collaborated with Minaj, previously revealed they’ve never met in person, highlighting her global yet elusive presence.

Nicki Minaj’s legacy includes record-breaking chart success (most Billboard Hot 100 entries for a female rapper), cultural influence (fashion, slang, and mentorship of new artists), and versatility (seamless transitions between rap, pop, and R&B).

Early Life and Career
Born Onika Tanya Maraj on December 8, 1982, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Minaj moved to Queens, New York City, at the age of five. She began rapping professionally in the early 2000s and gained recognition with her mixtapes “Playtime Is Over” (2007), “Sucka Free” (2008), and “Beam Me Up Scotty” (2009).

Music Career
Minaj’s music career is marked by significant milestones:
1 Debut Album: “Pink Friday” (2010) topped the US Billboard 200 chart and was certified triple platinum.
2 Chart-Topping Albums: “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded” (2012), “The Pinkprint” (2014), “Queen” (2018), and “Pink Friday 2” (2023).
3 Collaborations: Notable collaborations include “Say So” and “Trollz” with Doja Cat, and “Super Freaky Girl,” her first solo US number-one song.
4 Record-Breaking Achievements: Most Billboard Hot 100 entries by a female artist, most top 10 singles for a female rapper, and highest-grossing tour by a female rapper.

Awards and Recognition
Minaj has received numerous awards, including:
1 BET Awards: Best Female Hip-Hop Artist (seven consecutive times).
2 MTV Video Music Awards: Eight wins, including the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.
3 Billboard Music Awards: Five wins.
4 American Music Awards: Nine wins.

Other Ventures
Minaj has explored other creative fields:
1 Acting: Roles in films like “Ice Age: Continental Drift” (2012) and “The Angry Birds Movie 2” (2019).
2 Fashion: Known for her bold fashion sense and alter egos.
3 Television: Judge on “American Idol”.

About Billboard

Billboard is a renowned American music magazine that has been a benchmark for the music industry since 1894.

Billboard was founded by William H. Donaldson and James Hennegan in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has since become a leading authority on music trends, charts, and analysis.

Over the years, the magazine has expanded its coverage to include film, television, technology, and pop culture.

Billboard is famous for its charts, including the Billboard Hot 100, which ranks top songs in the US based on sales, airplay, and streaming activity, and the Billboard 200, which ranks top albums globally.

The magazine also publishes the Billboard Global 200, which ranks top songs globally, and the Billboard Global Excl. US, which is the same chart but excluding the US.

Billboard’s charts and rankings significantly impact the music industry, and the magazine hosts various events and awards, such as the Billboard Music Awards. Its investigative coverage of copyright issues, streaming, and industry changes makes it a trusted source for professionals.

Billboard has international editions, including Japan and Vietnam, and is part of the Hollywood Reporter-Billboard Media Group. Its content is available in multiple languages, catering to a global audience.

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