It’s safe to say that being a woman in the rap game is no easy gig. With rappers like Tierra Whack and Mulatto finally breaking through to the mainstream, we’re here rooting for the other underrated rap queens that need to get some more visibility ASAP. Here are the hottest to know about in 2021.

Flo Milli

Flo Milli has been compared to Nicki Minaj, but with her unique flow and delivery, we think she’s fully developed a sound on her own, at the young age of 20. Flo is definitely primed to put Alabama on the map the way Meg did for Houston, and we hope she never loses her bold and brazen attitude that’s ever-present on tracks like “In the Party” and “Like That B*tch.”

Armani Caesar

Armani is signed to Griselda and has popped up on other Griselda artists songs, like Benny the Butcher and Conway the Machine. From rhyming about coke to crime, her voice fits flawlessly on every Griselda beat, and those beats are not easy to rap over. She ranks high up there with the label’s best male rappers, and even out-raps the boys on tracks like “Gucci Casket.”

CHIKA

We discovered CHIKA after her jaw-dropping performance on NPR’s Tiny Desk series. This Alabamian artist is maybe one of the most inspiring and talented rappers we’ve ever seen come out of this day and age. Along with her lyrical gift, a kind of gritty honesty juxtaposed with vulnerability is what makes this young artist so mesmerizing. From worries about society to her own troubles, CHIKA is always relatable, and headed towards greatness.

Jucee Froot

Jucee Froot first popped up on the soundtrack of Insecure with the track “Eat Itself” which kept us hooked. This tatted queen gives us Gangsta Boo vibes, and can definitely hold her own with male rappers. Her lyrics are always sexually empowered (re: the “Girls Kissing Girls” video) with a Southern sound that makes you want to get a little wild.

BIA

BIA is just now getting the fame she deserves thank to her hit “Best on Earth” with Russ. Still, we can’t wait to see a new piece of work from this queen, who tackles aggressive bars with an effortless, casual vibe. BIA’s tracks are cocky, smooth, and always bringing strength to her fellow women.

KentheMan

This lyrical up and comer from Houston slays freestyles and has released songs that are definitely on our radar, including “He Be Like” which we haven’t been able to get out of our heads since its release in 2019. Her voice has a bassy essence that works perfectly with her bass-heavy production. With that pink hair, we even get a young Lil’ Kim vibe.

Ivorian Doll

Asian Doll might be dominating the US with her beats, but it’s Ivorian Doll who we see as the real underdog right now. There aren’t too many female artists coming out of the UK Drill scene,

And Ivorian is definitely leading that charge. Her diction and force hit us hard every time without being overwhelming. She’s not afraid to throw shots, and every diss gives us goosebumps.

CupcaKke

This curvy rapper is aggressive as hell, and we’re here for it. Tracks like “Discounts” deliver straight bars, but her ability to write and deliver diverse content with confidence is what keeps us coming back for more. The execution hits harder than most mumble rap dudes dominating the game right now, and we hope CupcakKe gets the come-up she deserves.