Just days before Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded was released, noted music writer Jon Caramanica wrote an op-ed in The New York Times calling Nicki Minaj “the most influential female rapper of all time.” Sparking discussion, many took to social networks to voice their disagreement. Why? Because in making the all-encompassing statement, he discredited legends such as Salt-n-Pepa, Lil’ Kim, Missy Elliott, MC Lyte and the slew of other female MCs that not only paved the way, but are still influential today.
It’s no secret. Within the world of hip-hop, rappers gain power and influence by dissing or boasting their individual appeal. But let’s be honest… nothing under the sun is new, so while Minaj is extreme in popularity, sound, look and influence there are a number of new stars who could possibly outbox the hip-hop heavyweight. Madame Noire believes that championship belt is still up for grabs, so we’re showcasing the best lyrical pugilists in the game—tale of the tape style:
MTV Style
Azealia Banks
Age: 20
Hometown: New York, NY (Harlem)
Weight: Universal Music Group
Knockouts: Having rapped for Chanel designer, Karl Lagerfeld in his home this January, this lyrically-lewd star definitely has a lot to boast about. Banks attended the same performing arts school as Nicki Minaj and rose to fame from where else… viral videos. Banks (who also sings) believes her pink haired competition hasn’t left a legacy just yet and is not shy about saying she will be the next to dominate the game. “I need to make money,” she said. “That’s why I’m not afraid to be popular. That doesn’t mean I’m prepared to do anything to get attention – wear a wig this high or get plastic surgery. It’s way more about the art than it is about me.”
Atlantic Records
Brianna Perry
Age: 19
Hometown: Miami, FL
Weight: Poe Boy Music Group/Atlantic Records
Knockouts: Called an amalgamation of Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé and Rihanna, the Miami pretty girl has been groomed from a young age. Perry, who calls herself the “Young Rich Bandit,” was hanging in the studio with Miami rap legends from the age of seven because her uncles owned a major music label. At the age of nine she was featured on Trina’s “Diamond Princess,” and was signed to Missy Elliott’s label but amicably parted ways. Loved by many including Beyoncé and Lil Kim, the Southern MC is one of the less cocky female rappers. Currently working on her solo album, Perry has been releasing club-happy singles all year.
HeadPhoneMonsta.com
Iggy Azalea
Age: 21
Hometown: Sydney, Australia
Weight: Grand Hustle/Interscope
Knockouts: The blonde haired, Jessica Rabbit looking rapper was signed to T.I.’s label after a few years pushing demos across the country. Having written for a few artists before getting a deal, Azalea was well-versed on the music industry and has had a mellow, often underestimated, demeanor. Although her lyrical style is said to mimic Minaj at times, she does stand alone as the first woman to be on XXL’s Freshman Class list. Her first album, The New Classic, is due this summer.
Ladytragik’s YouTube channel
Kreayshawn
Age: 22
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Weight: Columbia Records
Knockouts: Raised by a mother who was in several West Coast garage punk-bands and worked in a Good Vibrations factory, it’s no wonder where Kreayshawn got her eclectic style from. The Oakland native, who’s criticized for not having great lyrical skills, gained fame after directing videos for rapper Lil B and then releasing her first single, “Gucci, Gucci” last year. Truthfully, she’s not a threat at all to Nicki, but with 33 million hits on YouTube and a $1 million record deal for a song with two words (kidding!), someone’s clearly listening.
WomenofHipHop.com
Nitty Scott MC
Age: 21
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Weight: Unsigned
Knockouts: A part of the Boom Box Entertainment movement that promotes conscious hip-hop, Nitty Scott MC is unlike any of the young women on this list. She’s been characterized as a mid-90s naturalist tossing the short skirts, flash and gimmickry for pure, raw talent. Not too vulgar in word choice, she’s constantly being challenged to freestyle, which is how she gained attention at the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards during Estelle’s cypher. She dropped her single, “Bulls**t Rap” last week and is working on her upcoming EP, Boombox Diaries.
Taylor Gang Records
Lola Monroe
Age: 25
Weight: Taylor Gang Records
Hometown: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Knockouts: She sounds like Nicki. She dresses like Nicki. She even has Nicki’s mannerisms. But the East African born former model and video vixen is trying her best to have her own shine. She addressed the constant comparisons in an interview with All Hip Hop saying, “How can I be jacking somebody or using somebody’s style if they never been known to have their own style.” Hater? Maybe. But she was also nominated in the Best Female Hip Hop category at the 2011 BET Awards. Hopefully signing to Wiz Khalifa’s label will give her the individual appeal she’s yearning for.
VH1
Somaya Reece
Age: 28
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Weight: Rebel Entertainment Partners (talent agency)
Knockouts: Paving her own lane in the Spanish club music circuit, the down to earth beauty is most recognized from VH1’s Love & Hip Hop. Having acting credits before becoming a rapper, the Salvadorian MC dropped a mixtape series in January called Rebel with a Cause that features songs from her upcoming album. Called a “female version of Pitbull,” Reece, who’s one of the less drama-filled characters on the show, hopes to continue pursuing her goals free of naysayers.
What do you think of this new crop of talent?
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