Rap songs are everywhere. We go to the movies and can’t help but notice the soundtrack with rap influence. We turn on the radio, open our iTunes or Spotify, and we find ourselves listening to artists spitting words like fire. We also hear youngsters recite controversial lyrics from these songs as if they were nursery rhymes. Rap culture undeniably has a strong influence and a wide audience. The songs form part of a cultural phenomenon in the young age bracket. You’s be wrong if you thought that Rap is a man’s world.

The Rise of the Female Empire

This catchy genre started out as predominantly male. Come 2000’s and 2010’s, the world of rap and hip-hop started to shift as women entered the big scene. This new attention and preference to the artistry of the ladies’ has enormously contributed to their fame, fortune, and image. These musical sensations make so much money that it’s not hard to notice their luxurious lifestyles. Here we give it up for the ladies who bring flavor to the rap scene and turn music into gold.

 Iggy Azalea: $10 million

Iggy is one of the celebs who is very vocal of getting cosmetic procedures done

That’s right! She has all the rights to be Fancy. Australian born Iggy Azalea, real name Amethyst Amelia Kelly, is one of the richest female rappers of the decade, grossing at $10 million. Iggy was born and raised in Sydney, Australia and moved to the US at the age of 16 to pursue a career in hip-hop. Her first album The New Classic hit the charts quickly way back 2014. Iggy is known for her songs such as ‘Work’, ‘Black Widow’, and ‘Beg for Love’. She claims to be heavily influenced by Tupac Shakur, Beyonce, and Missy Elliot’s music and at the same time, get her fashion inspiration from Fergie, Christina Aguilera, and the Spice Girls to name a few.

Lil’ Kim: $18 million

Kimberly Denise Jones, better known as Lil’ Kim, is a rapper, producer, songwriter, model and actress. Lil’ Kim rapped in freestyle growing up with influences from the Lady of Rage and MC Lyte. Notorious B.I.G. then discovered her in the streets and collaborated with her for their rap group. Lil’ Kim made it big in the industry after the release of her albums Hard Core, The Notorious KIM, and La Belle Mafia, each with platinum awards.

Missy Elliott: $50 million

Missy Elliot with Michelle Obama in James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke

Hail to the icon of female rap! This list would be incomplete without rapper Melissa Arnette Elliott, also known as Missy Elliott. With a whopping $50 million net worth, Missy is globally known for her hits ‘Get Ur Freak On’, ‘Gossip Girls‘ and ‘Work It’. The American rapper, dancer, and record producer shook the industry when she won four Grammys and released songs that continued to top the billboards for 18 weeks. Her rise to fame paved the way for tons of endorsements and TV appearances. Even up to this day, her influence continues as her songs still live on and give that really good vibe.

Queen Latifah: $60 million

Dana Elaine Ownes is her real name but she is known to the world as Queen Latifah. This American superstar has played numerous roles in TV and films. But she owes her success to her singing career with her debut album Hail to the Queen. Throughout her career she was able to sell numerous records (2 million and more to be exact), across the globe and is aptly called the ‘Queen of Jazz Rap’. She is undisputedly a queen of her own rights after bagging a Grammy, an Emmy, a Golden Globe, three SAG Awards, two NAACP Image Awards, and an Academy Award nomination.

Nicki Minaj: $70 million

Nicki Minaj teases her fans with a new song to be released this 2018

Born as Onika Tanya Maraj, the female rapper, singer, songwriter, model, and actress pushed forward the popularity of females in the rapping genre. Her first album Pink Friday took the world by storm with its triple-platinum certification. Her appeal to the younger audience propelled her rise to the top. She has starred in several movies such as Ice Age: Continental Drift and The Other Woman. Nicki also became a judge for hit TV show American Idol for its twelfth season. She is surely unforgettable with her hit songs like ‘Bang Bang’, ‘Starships’, ‘Super Bass’. Most of all, who would ever forget her signature eclectic looks. Pink wigs with overly done outfits? Nobody forgets how Nicki Minaj looks. And that is, truly, a mark of an icon in the industry.

It’s a changing world especially for the arts. Gone are the days when men used to rule the big scene. With the rise of female celebrities, especially in the rap culture, it goes to show that the audience have come to accept the growing diversity of the stage. These ladies just proved breaking barriers can be done with their net worth as proof. Girl power has a new sound to it. Who run the world? Girls!