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Female rappers have faced numerous challenges in breaking through in a male-dominated genre. However, the following women have proven that the glass ceiling has been shattered. Whether they are trailblazers who have paved the way or newcomers to the genre, these female rappers have garnered loyal fans worldwide and have achieved significant net worths as a testament to their success.
Azealia Banks
Born: May 31, 1991
From: New York, New York
Net worth: $2 million
Banks first gained attention in 2011 with the release of her debut single "212," which not only went viral but also earned critical acclaim.
Since then, she's released several mixtapes and albums, including "Broke with Expensive Taste" in 2014. Banks is known for her unique sound, which incorporates elements of rap, house and electronic music, but she's even more well-known for her many controversies. That includes several online feuds with celebrities such as Cardi B and Perez Hilton.
Da Brat
Born: April 14, 1974
From: Joliet, Illinois
Net worth: $3 million
Da Brat (Shawntae Harris) began her career in the early 1990s with the hit singles "Funkdafied" and "Give It 2 You," both of which were released in 1994. She was the first female solo rapper to have a platinum-selling album in "Funkdafied."
Today, she's more well known for her film and TV appearances on "Empire," "Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta" and "The Rap Game" and has also co-hosted the radio show "Dish Nation."
She and wife Jesseca “Judy” Harris-Dupart became first-time parents together in 2023 and documented the journey on the WeTV show, "Brat Loves Judy."
Foxy Brown
Born: Sept. 6, 1978
From: Brooklyn, New York
Net worth: $3 million
Foxy Brown (Inga DeCarlo Fung Marchand) became known for her unique reggae and dancehall style of hip hop in the mid-1990s. She's released several albums throughout her career, two of which have gone platinum ("Ill Na Na" and "Chyna Doll.") Brown has also made the jump to film and TV and has appeared on "The Simpsons," "New York Undercover" and "The Jamie Foxx Show."
Recently, Nikki Minaj named Brown as one of her biggest influences. "I probably sound similar to her. I would listen to this woman non-stop. Finding out she was from Trinidad was so freaking amazing to me because I never imagined that a rapper could be from my country. She’s so precise with her delivery and so clear. And I really love clarity in raps."
Saweetie
Born: July 2, 1993
From: Santa Clara, California
Net worth: $4 million
Saweetie (Diamonté Quiava Valentin Harper) came to prominence in 2017 with her single "Icy Grl," a remix of Khia's "My Neck, My Back (Lick It)," that went viral on social media. It was released as a single and quickly went platinum. Saweetie followed it with a number of hit singles and EPs, but her full album debut "Pretty B*tch Music" has been delayed.
Saweetie is also a fashion icon who has collaborated with fashion brands PrettyLittleThing and Savage X Fenty.
Remy Ma
Born: May 30, 1980
From: New York, New York
Net worth: $4 million
Discovered by Big Pun, Remy Ma is best known as a member of Fat Joe's Terror Squad. She saw some success from her debut album "There's Something About Remy: Based on a True Story," which peaked at No. 33 on the charts.
However, Remy Ma is best known for her appearance on "Love & Hip Hop: New York." In addition, she partners with brands like Fashion Nova and Dark and Lovely.
Kash Doll
Born: March 14, 1992
From: Detroit, Michigan
Net worth: $4 million
Arkeisha Knight, known as Kash Doll, became famous via social media when she was invited by Drake, who spotted her on Instagram, to open for him on his Summer Sixteen tour in 2016. A year later, she appeared on Big Sean and Metro Boomin's single "So Good."
In 2018, she released "The Vault" via streaming platforms — one music video from the record, "For Everybody," has over 82 million views on YouTube to date. She's since collaborated with Lil Wayne and Iggy Azalea.
Kash Doll has appeared in the FX series "Empire" and has a recurring role on "BMF." She also collaborates with brands like Fashion Nova, MAC Cosmetics and Foot Locker.
Trina
Born: Dec. 3, 1978
From: Miami, Florida
Net worth: $6 million
Trina began her career in the late 1990s by appearing on the Trick Daddy single "Nann Nigga." Her solo debut LP "Da Baddest B*tch" was released in 2000 and spawned the hit single "Pull Over." She's since released "Glamorest Life," "Diamond Princess" and "Amazin'" to fan and critical acclaim. Her most recent album, "The One," was released in 2019, and she's been touring nonstop ever since.
Trina also appeared in "Love & Hip Hop: Miami" in 2018 and in the film "A Miami Tail." In 2021, she became the face of the NYAK Cognac brand.
Doja Cat
Born: Oct. 21, 1995
From: Los Angeles, California
Net worth: $8 million
Doja Cat, aka Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, is relatively new to the music world compared to most of the other women on this list, but she's already seen great success.
Her 2018 debut studio album "Amala," was a bit of a sleeper, but the single "Say So" from her album "Hot Pink" went viral on TikTok the following year and reached the top 10 on the U.S. Billboard 200. It was followed by 2021's "Planet Her," which reached No. 2 on the Billboard charts and spawned several top 10 singles.
Doja Cat has collaborated with PrettyLittleThing, Adidas and Pepsi and is not only a rapper but a known fashion icon as well. In 2023, she appeared at the Spring/Summer Schiaparelli covered in 30,000 red Swarovski crystals placed on her body and face.
Megan Thee Stallion
Born: Feb. 15, 1995
From: Houston, Texas
Net worth: $8 million
Megan Thee Stallion (or Megan Jovon Ruth Pete) was already famous by the time she and Cardi B collaborated on "WAP" in 2020, but it was that song and accompanying controversial music video that placed her in the rap stratosphere.
Megan has released multiple successful songs and albums
— her debut mixtape, "Fever," released in 2019, peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard 200. She's also collaborated with Fashion Nova, Savage X Fenty and Coach, which has added significant riches to her wallet.
DJ Spinderella
Born: Aug. 3, 1970
From: Brooklyn, New York
Net worth: $10 million
Many people don't remember that Salt-N-Pepa started as a three-person group. Spinderella (aka Deidra Muriel Roper) was the third member, mostly serving as the band's DJ, but she's also a rapper and music producer in her own right.
She joined the group in 1987, and together, the women saw massive success with hits like "Push It," "Let's Talk About Sex" and "Shoop." Spinderella left Salt-N-Pepa in 2019, citing a disagreement over compensation and her contribution to the group.
Today, Spinderella makes TV appearances and does live DJ sets. She and the group briefly reunited to get their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2022.
Eve
Born: Nov. 10, 1978
From: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Net worth: $12 million
You may remember Eve from her hit 2001 track, "Let Me Blow Ya Mind," with Gwen Stefani, for which she won a Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance.
Over her career, she's released multiple chart-topping albums and songs — her debut LP, "Let There Be Eve ... Ruff Ryders' First Lady," peaked at the top of the charts upon its 1999 release and was certified double platinum a decade later.
Additionally, Eve has ventured into acting, appearing in "Barbershop," "XXX" and "The Cookout." She also had her own series, "Eve," that ran from 2003 to 2006. Plus, she has her own fashion and cosmetics lines and has made money through endorsements and sponsorships with brands like Martini & Rossi.
Salt
Born: March 28, 1966
From: Brooklyn, New York
Net worth: $14 million
Cheryl "Salt" James was another third of Salt-N-Pepa. The group was formed in 1985 and was one of the first all-female rap groups to achieve massive success.
James and her bandmates paved the way for other women in rap, selling 15 million albums worldwide, which earned them the title "The First Ladies of Rap."
In addition to music, Salt owns her own TV and movie production company, Salt Entertainment Group, and has appeared on TV herself.
Pepa
Born: Nov. 9, 1966
From: Kingston, Jamaica
Net worth: $15 million
We weren't kidding about that "First Ladies of Rap" title. Aside from her massive success with Salt-N-Pepa, Pepa (aka Sandra Denton) has dabbled in acting. In 2005, she was cast on season 5 of VH1’s "The Surreal Life" and later on "The Surreal Life: Fame Games."
She also starred in the iconic HBO drama series, "Oz," as Officer Andrea Phelan and promoted the biopic of Salt-N-Pepa on Lifetime with bandmate Cheryl "Salt" James.
Iggy Azalea
Born: June 7, 1990
From: Sydney, Australia
Net worth: $15 million
Iggy Azalea first gained fame on YouTube before signing to a record label in 2014. Her debut album, "The New Classic," featured massive hit singles like "Fancy" and "Black Widow."
In addition, Azalea has made money through brand endorsements and partnerships with companies such as Levi's, Revolve and Fashion Nova. She's appeared in movies and TV and has served as a judge on the Australian version of "The X Factor."
Azalea sold her master and publishing catalog to Domain Capital for an unknown eight-figure sum in 2022. She can also be found on OnlyFans, where she made a whopping $4.2 million in her first two weeks on the platform.
Bhad Bhabie
Born: March 26, 2003
From: Boynton Beach, Florida
Net worth: $20-$52 million
Do you remember the "cash me outside, how 'bout dah?" girl who appeared on "Dr. Phil" in 2016? Well, she turned that experience into a very lucrative rap career.
Bhad Bhabie, whose real name is Danielle Bregoli, signed a record deal with Atlantic Records and released her debut single, "These Heaux," in 2017. It went to the top of the charts and made her a star. She's since continued to release hits such as"Hi Bich," "Gucci Flip Flops" and "Bestie."
She, like Iggy Azalea, also has a successful OnlyFans — when she first joined the platform, the 19-year-old earned $1 million in just six hours. While reports show her net worth at $20 million, she claims she's worth now more than $50 million due to her success on the content-creation site.
Lizzo
Born: April 27, 1988
From: Detroit, Michigan
Net worth: $40 million
Lizzo seems to be everywhere as of late — she's a rapper, singer and flutist, who has taken the world by storm with hits like "About Damn Time," "Good As Hell," "Juice," and "Truth Hurts," among other instant classics.
Her body-positive message and empowering lyrics continue to resonate with fans, both young and old, as she tours the world.
She's also made money through brand endorsements and partnerships with Uber Eats, Absolut Vodka and Amazon in addition to her successful shapewear line, Yitty.
Missy Elliot
Born: July 1, 1971
From: Portsmouth, Virginia
Net worth: $50 million
Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott has released six successful albums and has collaborated with the likes of Aaliyah, Ciara and Janet Jackson. She's also a producer who has written and produced songs for icons like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé.
Aside from her musical endeavors, Elliott has endorsed brands, including the Gap, Doritos and Mountain Dew. She has also collaborated with Adidas and Marc Jacobs.
In early 2023, Elliott was nominated for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Queen Latifah
Born: March 18, 1970
From: Newark, New Jersey
Net worth: $70 million
Latifah began her rap career in the late 1980s and released several successful albums, including "All Hail the Queen," "Nature of a Sista" and "Black Reign." She hasn't released any music since 2009 and has since set her sights on acting.
She's been seen in movies such as "Hairspray," "Bringing Down the House" and "Chicago," for which she won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 2006. She's also appeared in several TV shows and is currently the lead actor in the series "The Equalizer."
The Queen has endorsed brands like CoverGirl, Pizza Hut and Jenny Craig.
Cardi B
Born: Oct. 11, 1992
From: Washington Heights, New York
Net worth: $80 million
As Cardi B says, she makes "money moves." She first gained popularity on social media as a stripper-turned-reality star in "Love & Hip Hop: New York." Her music (songs like "Bodak Yellow," "Invasion of Privacy," "WAP," "I Like It" and "Up") has sold millions.
Primarily still a rapper, Cardi B has also acted in films, including "Hustlers" and "F9: The Fast Saga." She has collaborated with fashion brands, such as Balenciaga and Fashion Nova.
She and her husband, Offset, collaborated with McDonald's for Valentine's Day 2023 with the launch of the Cardi B and Offset Meal.
Nicki Minaj
Born: Dec. 8, 1982
From: Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago
Net worth: $150 million
Trinidadian-American Nicki Minaj is the most successful woman in hip-hop. She's sold more than 10 million albums worldwide and has collaborated with artists from Drake to Ariana Grande.
Plus, Minaj has her share of brand endorsements, including those for MAC Cosmetics, Pepsi and Beats by Dre. She has collaborated with Fendi and H&M and even launched her own fashion and beauty lines with Kmart and MAC Cosmetics.
In March 2023, her new single, "Red Ruby Da Sleeze," debuted at No. 13 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart — her 44th, top-20 hit since 2009.
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