The best MCs create complex rhyme schemes set to an impeccable beat, while remaining enormous language dorks. Their music plays with rhyme, slang and extended metaphors like kids with crayons.
Detroit-born Kash Doll and Cardi B are two acclaimed female rappers; City Girls provide an upbeat anthem perfect for gym classes; and Detroit native Kash Doll stands out as a multitasker balancing college classes and Billboard hits, respectively.
Lil Kim
Lil Kim was one of the first female rappers to make an impactful statement in hip-hop, and has become a legend within her genre. She pioneered women rappers such as Foxy Brown and Cardi B, and was instrumental in expanding female rap lyrics while exploring women’s sexuality through Hard Core (1996 release). Following an extended 14 year hiatus from music production and release with 9 (her latest offering released this year), Lil Kim returned with mixed reactions following its release this March.
Lil Kim’s Mafioso album is distinguished by themes of wealth and luxury, as well as skits that have become hallmarks of her music. Her songs on this record take direct jabs at her former group Junior M.A.F.I.A and label Puff Daddy; other rappers may be mentioned directly as well; she pays homage to Lauryn Hill and MC Lyte with the track Lost Ones.
One of the highlights on Kim’s album was the single, Getting to That Bag. This track showcases life in Brooklyn while hinting at her involvement with various gangs; likely inspired by current trends of trap-soul where R&B meets hip hop; however, its content falls short and sounds outdated and repetitive.
Kim also pays a nod to those close to her on her song Losing Ones, featuring MC Lyte and Keyshia Cole. The single reached #2 on the Hot 100 chart, and earned Kim a nomination for a Grammy award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2008.
Missing Pieces, Kim’s final song from her album, pays a touching tribute to late friend MC Mong with its music video being watched millions of times worldwide. Kim wears various styles of clothing in this rendition which has helped establish her unique look which has become instantly recognizable to fans around the globe.
Bia
Rappers and MCs (rapping masters) create personas, becoming iconic figures that may be smooth or gritty depending on the genre they belong to. They boast about their style and talents; these traits helped the genre develop from sideshow to main event. But to truly excel as an MC is to also perform well live audiences; hip hop enthusiasts hold special respect for those able to freestyle (create new verses on-the-fly).
Hip hop music industry is constantly evolving, with new artists emerging daily. Some young talent-makers are even attaining celebrity status and making substantial income from their efforts. Hip hop fashion has even become popular enough that luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton are using hip hop-influenced fashion in their campaigns; thus causing many artists to be featured as ads for these luxury labels.
BIA has quickly emerged as an up-and-comer in the rap world. She first made waves through Sisterhood of Hip Hop reality show and later signed to Pharrell Williams’ label i am OTHER. Since then she has collaborated with Russ and Rihanna among many other prominent artists to further shape her sound while growing her fan base.
BIA looks her sexiest yet in the video for her latest single “Need You Now”, dressed in a black, pink and yellow jumpsuit featuring a slit in the center and sporting blinged-out accessories such as chains. She performs on a dark green tufted couch while rapping while sporting an eye-catching ensemble and chain bling blinged out ensemble and chain necklace blinged-out outfit and chain. With such seductive lyrics and dance moves making this video one of her best yet!
Although many of BIA’s lyrics focus on her wealth, they also demonstrate her skill and confidence. Her new track features humorous verses spewed out while dancing or smoking hookah, with an MC who delivers clever bars accompanied by dancing hookah smokers; all supported by a chorus that includes samples from classic Lil Jon song “Bia Bia.” Produced by Aziz the Shake and Lil Rich.
Dreezy
Hip hop music requires that its MCs master the art of rhyme. This means rapping over a beat with complex rhyme schemes based on rock-solid rhythms and meters while still managing to surprise audiences with off-beat techniques such as syncopation; hip hop enthusiasts revere MCs who can freestyle with flair.
A good MC should take their listeners on an intoxicating musical journey that puts them firmly in control of the experience. They’ll rap about personal and social events that resonate with their listeners while also using lyrics to motivate people to stand up for themselves and their communities; 2019 has seen rappers doing just this!
This year has been an impressive one for rap music and its artists. Industry veterans (Quality Control co-founders Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Wayno Clark of Quality Control), pioneering producers (DJ Paul, Hit-Boy and Zaytoven), lyrical heavyweights such as Pusha T and Styles P; cultural disruptors such as Soulja Boy; as well as new stars Lil Durk, 6LACK and Chinese Kitty have all left an impactful mark this year.
No secret exists regarding rap music’s high level of controversy; while its content may be offensive to some listeners, many great rap songs contain wisdom and power-packed messages that inspire us all. Here are our favorites from 2017 that stood out due to their positive messages and catchy beats.
Hip hop’s beginnings can be traced back to its dance party scene, where DJs played an instrumental role in channeling youth energy away from mischief and toward creative pursuits. Today, this genre continues to inspire artists of other mediums.
This year has witnessed a new era of women rap artists dominating the scene. Proving their lyrics and deliveries have just as much power as male counterparts, they provide audiences with an exciting feminine energy and when combined with other rappers it makes for an unstoppable combination.
Rapsody
Hip hop music was established during the early 1970s. Its origin can be traced to DJ Kool Herc’s use of two turntables to isolate and extend percussion breaks — danceable sections of songs – via scratching. This technique became integral to early hip hop sound.
2019 was a significant year for hip hop music, as artists produced albums with unparalleled clarity. These releases served as soundtracks for joy, sorrow, and redemption; alongside battles won and reckonings yet to come. North Carolina-born Rapsody’s powerful third studio album Eve offered powerful words of inspiration from other women of colour while celebrating her own inspirations.
Each track on this album honors a Black woman who has inspired Rapsody in some way – from poets and athletes, to athletes. Additionally, this project addresses lessons from failed relationships as well as reclaiming female sexuality – with Rapsody displaying her trademark lyricism throughout.
Rapsody has developed into one of the most diverse rappers around. She boasts an effortless flow and an expressive voice capable of conveying a range of emotions, plus is an adept wordsmith and passionate activist – her songs often address political topics while she remains a strong supporter for women’s rights.
Rapsody was an original member of North Carolina hip-hop collective H20 in 2004 and is signed to Roc Nation today. Since then she has amassed an impressive resume, working alongside Mac Miller and Big Daddy Kane; earning two Grammy nominations – Laila’s Wisdom earning one as best rap album; receiving two additional nominations (Laila’s Wisdom was recognized with another nomination); her most recent record, Eve is an ode to Black women power as each track is named for an activist or artist that inspires her both artistically and personally; her latest release Eve pays homage to these remarkable women who inspire her both artistically and personally.