In a move that sent ripples through the hip-hop world, Billboard etched Nicki Minaj’s name deeper into music history by naming her the greatest female rapper of all time.
As part of its 2023 celebration marking 50 years of hip-hop, the publication unveiled its “Top 50 Greatest Rappers of All Time” — and Nicki not only made the cut, she dominated, landing at the No. 10 spot. The placement made her the highest-ranking woman on the list, and the only female artist to break into the top ten.
Known for her razor-sharp bars, genre-bending versatility, and theatrical alter egos, Nicki was hailed by Billboard for her influence on the next generation of female emcees, her chart-topping dominance, and her bold presence in a male-heavy industry. With over 100 entries on the Billboard Hot 100 — a feat once unimaginable for a female rapper — she has redefined what success looks like in hip-hop.
The MTV Video Vanguard Award winner also added another milestone to her legacy in December 2023, when her long-awaited album Pink Friday 2 debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The album boasted the biggest sales week for any female rap album in the 2020s and became her third No. 1 debut, cementing her chart queen status.
But accolades aren’t the only thing backing Minaj’s crown. Industry giants like Lil Wayne have openly declared her the best to ever do it. “The greatest female
