While battle rap has been primarily dominated by men, these women are lyrical assassins in the rap cypher. They step to anybody that wants heat and have broken battle rap barriers that have provided a voice for women in rap beyond the Billboard charts.
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Any hip-hop head of the circa 1980s era knows that battle rapping was and has become about who could rap the best. Battle rapping in the park, the block party, the street — was for respect.
The battles were simple, too — the “illest” bars, won. But like the genre, battle rap was also dominated by the fellas.
However, these ladies have stepped into the rap cypher and proven they also got the heat and anyone can get it. SOHH presents, in no particular order —
Roxanne Shaunte Is The Greatest Of All Time
Gloves up, Roxanne Shaunte was the first rapper to start a rap beef. In a time when female rappers were rare, in 1984, 14-year-old Shaunte released “Roxanne’s Revenge” produced by Marley Marl, a then-unknown producer. The song was a response to UTFO’s “Roxanne, Roxanne.”
It was in her raps that Roxanne fired back at UTFO with her own bars and spawned the Roxanne Wars.
The Roxanne Wars era was deemed as the emergence of battle rap and created iconic hip-hop rivalries, a series of diss tracks and responses among the artists of the mid-1980s — and Shaunte was at the center of it all. Songs from the Roxanne Wars, including “Bite This” and “Queen of Rox.”
By 1988, Shaunte became the first female rapper to release a well-received, full-length album, Bad Sister featuring “Go On Girl” and “Independent Woman.” Big Daddy Kane has also publicly admitted that Shaunte was the one who put The Juice Crew on during a Verzuz battle against KRS-One in October 2021.
The Juice Crew helped introduce rappers like MC Shan, Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, Masta Ace, Tragedy, Craig G, and Kool G Rap.
Shaunte also has received love and recognition from fellow Queensbridge rapper, Nas, who acknowledged Shaunte as the G.O.A.T.
Bonnie Godiva
Bonnie is a freestyle battle rapper from Yonkers, NY. Known for her sharp wit and freestyle abilities, Bonnie “Bonnie Godvia” Lockhart was also a cast member on MTV’s Wild ‘N Out with Nick Cannon.
Bonnie Godiva was part of the show’s “Black Squad” and competed against the “Red Squad” in various comedic challenges and rap battles.
C3
This New York rapper is known for her aggressive style and hard-hitting punchlines. C3 has faced off against top-tier opponents and established herself as a formidable force.
With several high-profile battles and appearances on various platforms, including Queen of the Ring and URL, C3 has shown off her skills and cemented her place among the top female battle rappers in the industry.
E Hart
E Hart is a highly respected battle rapper hailing from Philadelphia. She is known for her wordplay and ability to spit bars of her own against male opponents, making her a force within the battle rap scene.
She has battled some of the biggest names in the industry, including O’fficial and 40 Barrs.
Consistently proven herself to be a formidable opponent, she has lyrical prowess and a commanding stage presence — making her one of the top female battle rappers.
Phara Funeral
Los Angeles-based battle rapper, Phara Funeral, has quickly made a name for herself in the competitive world of rap battles.
With a wordplay-heavy style, she has gained recognition for her impressive performances and clever punchlines. Her standout battle against Daylyt showcased her skills and ability to hold her own against even the toughest opponents.
Gattas
Oakland-born rapper Gattas has cemented her place in the battle rap scene with a unique style and hard-hitting lyrics. With several impressive battles under her belt.
Jaz the Rapper
Jaz has made waves in the male-dominated battle rap world with her unapologetic rhymes and commanding stage presence.
She has faced off against some of the biggest names in the industry and come out on top, solidifying her status as one of the top female battle rappers.
Ms. Hustle
New York’s Ms. Hustle is known for her aggressive delivery and hard-hitting lyrics. She has battled some of the biggest names in the industry, including O’fficial and Lady Luck.
MyVerse
Hailing from Orlando, MyVerse gained recognition for her unique blend of poetry and hip-hop.
Her impressive performances and wordplay-heavy style have earned her the respect of both fans and fellow battle rappers alike.
QB Black Diamond
This New York-based rapper earned a reputation as a fierce competitor with a quick wit and sharp tongue.
Born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens, QB Black Diamond has represented both boroughs throughout her career
Her standout battles against the likes of 40 B.A.R.R.S and C3 have proven her to be a force to be reckoned with in the battle rap scene.
RX
Compton, Los Angeles native RX has made a name for herself in the battle rap scene with her noteworthy performances and hard-hitting lyrics.
She has a unique style that blends aggression and style, making her an exciting battle rapper to watch.
Shooney Da Rapper
Mount Vernon, NY rapper, Shooney Da Rapper has gained recognition for her aggressive delivery and hard-hitting punchlines. Her standout battles against Jai Smoove and Deisel have solidified her status as one of the top female battle rappers.
Star Smiles
The Bronx-based rapper Star Smiles gained recognition for her impressive wordplay and stage presence.
With a style that blends humor and hard-hitting lyrics, she has become a fan favorite in the battle rap community.
40 B.A.R.R.S
Boston native 40 B.A.R.R.S has made a name for herself in the battle rap scene with her hard-hitting lyrics and commanding stage presence. Her standout battles against the likes of Shooney Da Rapper, QB Black Diamond, and O’fficial have solidified her status as one of the top female battle rappers in the game.
Chayna Ashley
Chayna Ashley, The Bronx, NY rapper, earned a reputation as a fierce competitor with a quick wit and sharp tongue. Her standout battles against O’fficial and Ms. Hustle have proven her to be a force.
Casey Jay
San Antonio, Texas rapper, Casey Jay has gained recognition for her impressive performances and clever wordplay. Her standout battles against Jai Smoove and O’fficial have solidified her battle status.
Coffee Brown
This Brooklyn rapper has earned a reputation for her aggressive delivery and hard-hitting punchlines. Coffee Brown also has standout battles against Ms. Hustle and Phara Funeral.
First Lady Flames
Ms. Flames from Richmond, Va. has gained recognition for her unique blend of humor and hard-hitting lyrics. She also has impressive performances and standout battles against Chayna Ashley and C3.
Lady Caution
Detroit-born rapper Lady Caution gained recognition for her witty punchlines and commanding stage presence.
Jai Smoove
Bronx native Jai Smoove is known for her witty punchlines and unique style. She has several impressive battles, including a standout performance against Lady Caution.
She also has established herself as one with the ability to switch up her flow, adapt to different opponents, and hold her own in the rap cypher.
O’fficial
New Orleans native O’fficial has made waves in the battle rap world with her hard-hitting lyrics and commanding stage presence.
She is known for her standout battles against Jaz the Rapper and C3 and proved she could rap against them all.
Vixen the Assassin
Chicago-based rapper Vixen the Assassin has gained recognition for her aggressive delivery and hard-hitting punchlines. With several impressive battles under her belt, she has proven herself to be one of the top female battle rappers in the game.
Yoshi G
Atlanta rapper Yoshi G has made a name for herself in the battle rap scene with her unique style that blends humor and hard-hitting lyrics. With standout battles against the likes of Bill Collector and Jai 400 Block.
Lady Luck
Brick City native, (Newark, NJ), Lady Luck is a veteran in the battle rap scene, known for her intricate wordplay and commanding stage presence.
Lady Luck has proven herself to be one of the most respected and influential female battle rappers of all time.
Remy is a well-known rapper in hip-hop but is not typically considered a battle rapper. While she has participated in a few rap battles throughout her career, her focus has primarily been creating music rather than battling.
But in 2004, she battled against Lady Luck. Their battle is considered one of the most iconic battles in female battle rap history. In 2022, Remy Ma debuted her own women’s rap battle league.
