Favorite Female and Nonbinary Rappers That Deserve the Spotlight
Eight rappers I want to take over your playlists
This is the last Tuesday of February, which means we’re wrapping up Black History Month (on the calendar… learning and celebrating Black history is 24/7/365). Today, I want to highlight some of my favorite female and nonbinary rappers. Music has always been a powerful tool in Black history, from spirituals to jazz to hip-hop, giving voice to struggles, triumphs, and the ongoing fight for justice. Rap, in particular, has been a way for Black communities to tell their stories, share their struggles, and challenge the system. In an industry often dominated by men, these female and nonbinary artists are poetic, powerful, and deserve the spotlight for their artistry. Here are eight amazing rappers I love that I want to share with you so we can all celebrate their unique voices. And just a heads-up: Nicki, Cardi, and Megan aren’t on this list. Yes, they’re all fantastic too, but I wanted to highlight some artists you may not have heard of yet.
1. Doechii
One of the most famous names on this list, I’m sure! Hailing from Tampa, Florida, Doechii has gained attention for her bold, unapologetic approach to music, blending rap, R&B, pop, and a touch of experimental flair. Her songs often explore themes of self-confidence, empowerment, and individuality, and she’s been open about her journey to sobriety in her music and interviews, which has resonated with fans who appreciate her authenticity. Just earlier this month, she won the Grammy for Best Rap Album, which in my humble opinion was so well deserved.
I first discovered Doechii a few months ago when I stumbled upon the music video for “DENIAL IS A RIVER,” and it quickly became one of my favorite tracks from her mixtape. Other standouts include “BOILED PEANUTS,” “DEATH ROLL,” “BEVERLY HILLS,” and the title track “ALLIGATOR BITES NEVER HEAL.” And if you haven’t seen her NPR Tiny Desk yet, do yourself a favor and check it out!
2. Noname
Noname is a Chicago-based rapper known for her poetic, introspective lyrics and smooth, jazzy beats. She’s made a name for herself with her thought-provoking commentary on social justice, mental health, and personal growth, all while maintaining a laid-back, conversational flow. I love her for many reasons, but one of the things that initially drew me to her was learning that she started a book club that highlights authors of color, providing a safe space for people of color to read. She also created Library Card Registration Day on January 11th to encourage support for locally owned businesses and libraries instead of large corporations like Amazon. In an NPR interview, she explained, “I have a slight personal vendetta: my mother owned a bookstore for almost 20 years and it closed because of Amazon, because of institutions that created a consumer model and environment that makes it almost impossible for brick-and-mortar establishments to compete.”1
I first discovered Noname from the song “Diddy Bop” featuring Raury and Cam O’bi, but I also really love the songs “beauty supply” and “Ace” featuring Smino and Saba.
3. Little Simz
Simbiatu “Simbi” Abisola Abiola Ajikawo, better known as “Little Simz,” is a English-Nigerian rapper celebrated for her razor-sharp lyricism and genre-blending sound. She first started out as an actor in BBC children’s series before releasing mixtapes. She’s known for her introspective and powerful storytelling, and her work often touches on personal growth, identity, and social issues.
Her song “Venom” gained massive attention after blowing up on TikTok a couple years ago, and I bet many people know her from that song, but my personal favorite tracks of hers are “Miss Understood” and “Woman” featuring Cleo Sol.
4. Sampa the Great
Sampa the Great is a Zambian-born, Australia-based rapper, singer, and songwriter known for her powerful lyricism and eclectic blend of hip-hop, soul, and African music. Her work often delves into themes of identity, heritage, and empowerment, reflecting her African roots and experiences as a woman of color in the music industry. She often celebrates her personal experiences and the power of self-expression in not only her music but also in fashion.
She is probably best known for the song “Energy” (which is a really good song) but my favorite song from Sampa is “Freedom.”
5. Ivy Sole
Taylor C. McLendon, known professionally as Ivy Sole, is an American rapper and record producer hailing from Philadelphia. They gained attention for their thoughtful exploration of themes like identity, mental health, and self-discovery. Ivy’s music is both personal and politically charged, often touching on their experiences as a queer Black person. With a unique ability to balance vulnerability and strength in their songwriting, they’ve built a reputation as one of the most promising voices in modern rap and alternative music.
I first heard of Ivy Sole because of their feature on Shura’s “elevator girl,” but my favorite track of theirs is “You Don’t Know My Name” (it samples the Alicia Keys song of the same name!).
6. DijahSB
DijahSB is a Canadian rapper, singer, and songwriter known for their dynamic, conversational flow, sharp lyricism, and genre-blending sound that mixes hip-hop, R&B, jazz, and lofi loops. As a nonbinary artist, DijahSB uses their platform to explore themes of identity, self-expression, and empowerment, rapping through heartbreaks and hope. With a unique voice in the Toronto music scene, DijahSB has built a reputation for creating music that is both introspective and boldly unapologetic, making waves and redefining the boundaries of rap.
I just discovered them last year, and the tracks that I have on repeat on my playlist are “How R U” and “Chantel’s Garden.”
7. Tarriona “Tank” Ball
Tank is the charismatic frontwoman of the Grammy-nominated band Tank and the Bangas, known for her powerful voice, captivating stage presence, and genre-blending sound. A mix of soul, jazz, funk, and hip-hop, Tank’s music is characterized by its vibrant energy, storytelling, and raw emotion. As a performer, she brings a unique, heartfelt depth to every song, often addressing themes of love, life, and the human experience. And, not only is she a powerhouse vocalist and rapper, but also a talented poet (obsessed!).
There was a clip of her that went viral on TikTok a couple years ago that was from the piece “DM Pretty” that she performed live (“This boy be in my DM say I’m prettyyy. This boy be in my DM. Say I’m pretty.” Remember that trend?) But if I had to pick a piece that Tank did with Tank and the Bangas that showcases her musicality and poetry the best, it would be “Black Folk.”
8. Flo Milli
Last but not least, probably the most famous out of everyone on this list, Flo Milli! A rapper, rising star, and the people’s princess, she is known for her bold, confident style and catchy, unapologetic lyrics. With a sharp delivery and playful, yet fierce, persona, she’s quickly gained attention for her distinctive sound that blends southern hip-hop with modern trap elements. Flo Milli’s music often centers around themes of self-confidence, independence, and female empowerment, with a playful, humorous twist.
She blew up with several songs, one of which is one of my favorites of hers, “Beef Flo Mix.” There’s a reason it blew up; I mean, c’mon, a line like “I’m the big dog, my nickname is Scooby” had me dying. But, I also love her song “Never Lose Me” that was popular last year. It’s explicit in its sexual desires, sure, but it’s got this fun, girly pop vibe to it that always makes me feel cute when I listen to it!
I hope that this encouraged you to look up some new artists or at least some new songs for your playlist. I’m constantly reminded of how important it is to celebrate and honor Black artists, especially during Black History Month, but also beyond. These artists bring incredible talent, creativity, and depth to the music world. I hope you find the same joy in discovering these voices as I have. Do you have any other rappers or musicians that I should look up that aren’t on this list? Let me know!
See you in March :)
- Lillian
From NPR’s “On Jan. 11, Rapper Noname Wants You To Register For A Library Card”: https://www.npr.org/2020/01/10/795160972/library-card-registration-day-is-jan-11-for-nonames-book-club
so many great artists on this list!! Tank, Flo Milli, and Doechii are so good!!!