Ranked at No. 2 on Billboard’s definitive list of the 25 Best Female Rappers of All Time, Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott stands as one of the most groundbreaking creative forces in hip-hop history. Her contributions transcend traditional rap norms and have left an enduring legacy not just in the genre, but across the entire music industry.

Missy Elliott first burst onto the scene in the late 1990s with her debut album Supa Dupa Fly, created in partnership with her childhood friend and producer Timbaland. From the outset, Elliott displayed an extraordinary ability to distill deep emotion into clever, tight-knit bars, backed by beats that sounded like nothing else at the time. Her music videos—lavishly experimental and futuristic—became essential to her brand, often dominating MTV during an era when visual storytelling shaped musical stardom.

Songs like “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly),” “Sock It 2 Me,” “Get Ur Freak On,” “Work It,” and “Lose Control” weren’t just hits; they were cultural resets. Missy took hip-hop into territory that merged pop, funk, electronic, and R&B sensibilities, making her one of the most genre-defying artists of the modern era. Her visuals, rhymes, and performances challenged the traditional standards of femininity in rap while celebrating individuality, sensuality, and confidence.

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What sets Elliott apart is how her influence cascades across generations. She paved the way for artists who came after her to experiment freely with their sound and image—without conforming to masculine-coded expectations of lyrical aggression or aesthetic appeal. Female rappers like Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, Doja Cat, and even non-rap artists such as Beyoncé and Rihanna have drawn from Missy’s fearless innovation and futuristic sensibilities. Her use of alter egos, vocal manipulation, and avant-garde style in both music and fashion opened doors for a more performative and theatrical approach to female artistry in hip-hop.

Despite not being ranked No. 1, many in the industry recognize that Missy Elliott’s vision shifted the entire ecosystem of hip-hop. She isn’t just a rapper—she’s a producer, songwriter, and director who redefined what a hip-hop artist could be. Her ability to balance massive commercial success with experimental artistry solidified her as a creative architect whose influence continues to reverberate through music today.

The others are here:

1. Nicki Minaj
Crowned No. 1, Nicki redefined modern female rap with her alter egos, theatrical delivery, and unmatched chart dominance. She broke records with over 149 Billboard Hot 100 entries and revolutionized pop-rap crossover appeal, inspiring a generation of female MCs.

3. Lauryn Hill
Famous for The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, Hill fused rap with soul, reggae, and R&B. Her Grammy-winning debut is considered a timeless classic, and her work with The Fugees shaped alternative hip-hop and conscious rap.

4. Lil’ Kim
A style and lyrical trailblazer, Kim fused high fashion with hardcore rap. Her bold sexuality and lyricism on Hard Core influenced both aesthetics and lyrical standards for future women in hip-hop.

5. Queen Latifah
A pioneer in feminist rap, Queen Latifah proved women could be lyrical, political, and commercial. With All Hail the Queen, she balanced social messages and mainstream appeal, later transitioning to a successful acting career.

6. MC Lyte
As the first female rapper to release a solo album (Lyte as a Rock), MC Lyte opened doors for women in the late ’80s. Her introspective lyrics tackled social issues and set the bar for lyrical excellence.

7. Salt-N-Pepa
Among the first female rap groups to reach commercial success, Salt-N-Pepa empowered women through sex-positive, feminist lyrics with major hits like “Push It” and “Let’s Talk About Sex.”

8. Roxanne Shanté
At just 14, she ignited rap’s first recorded battle with “Roxanne’s Revenge.” She proved women could go head-to-head with men, setting a fierce precedent for female competition in hip-hop.

9. Eve
The Ruff Ryders’ First Lady delivered hits like “Let Me Blow Ya Mind,” showing lyrical finesse and commercial appeal. She balanced hardcore rap with chart-topping pop crossover success.

10. Foxy Brown
A teen prodigy signed to Def Jam, Foxy’s gritty flows and dancehall influences made her a cultural icon. She topped charts and pioneered the sexy, fashion-forward rap image.

11. Cardi B
Cardi burst onto the scene with “Bodak Yellow,” quickly becoming a chart-dominating force. Her debut album Invasion of Privacy won a Grammy and went platinum track for track—an unprecedented feat.

12. Da Brat
The first solo female rapper to go platinum with Funkdafied, Da Brat stood out in the gangsta rap era with party-ready hits and a tomboy persona that challenged gender norms.

13. Trina
Miami’s “baddest” MC delivered sex-positive, Southern-flavored hits while maintaining relevance across decades. She built a blueprint for today’s unapologetically bold Southern rap queens.

14. Left Eye (Lisa Lopes)
The heart of TLC, Left Eye brought playful yet socially conscious rap verses to R&B anthems like “Waterfalls.” Her charisma, lyricism, and artistry helped define ‘90s pop culture.

15. Megan Thee Stallion
Known for her sharp freestyles and empowering anthems like “Savage” and “WAP,” Meg broke barriers as an independent woman in the industry and turned personal pain into powerful art.

16. Doja Cat
Initially doubted for her pop sensibilities, Doja silenced critics with lyrical dexterity on rap-heavy projects like Scarlet. Her genre-blending and visual innovation place her among today’s elite.

17. Rapsody
A critical darling known for soulful, introspective bars, Rapsody’s conscious style and Grammy wins have solidified her as a torchbearer for lyrical integrity in hip-hop.

18. Remy Ma
The Bronx rapper became a breakout star with “Lean Back,” survived prison, and staged a comeback with “All the Way Up.” Her gritty New York flow represents raw resilience.

19. Latto
From winning The Rap Game to mainstream success with “Big Energy,” Latto’s Southern swagger and commercial versatility made her a key figure in today’s new wave.

20. Monie Love
A UK-born Native Tongues affiliate, Monie helped globalize hip-hop in the ‘80s and ‘90s. She promoted Afrocentric themes and carved a path for British MCs.

21. GloRilla
Memphis’s breakout star gained fame with “F.N.F.” and solidified her presence with GLORIOUS, becoming a voice for the new Southern crunk revival.

22. Lady of Rage
A key figure in Death Row’s golden era, she brought aggression and lyrical prowess to tracks with Dr. Dre and Snoop. Her 1994 hit “Afro Puffs” remains a cult classic.

23. Gangsta Boo
Three 6 Mafia’s “first lady,” Gangsta Boo brought raw Southern grit and paved the way for women in hardcore and crunk rap, influencing GloRilla and others.

24. Doechii
With her Grammy-winning Alligator Bites Never Heal, Doechii has quickly become a style-shifting rapper blending vulnerability and wild creativity. She’s one of the genre’s boldest new visionaries.

25. Tierra Whack
Known for her 2018 Whack World visual mixtape, Tierra brought a surrealist, artistic approach to rap, pushing the genre into playful and experimental territory.