Queens MCs played an instrumental role in shaping hip hop into what it is today, thanks to their gritty, streetwise lyrics that created a culture of hustle that inspired generations.
Queen Latifah’s All Hail the Queen album marked a new era of hip hop music in 1989. Through her positive messages aimed at both women and men alike, All Hail the Queen introduced new trends within hip hop culture. Her strong feminist messages inspired both.
Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah has long been an integral voice in hip hop, and continues to be. While other rappers spout unthinking misogyny and revel in tales of random violence, Latifah has provided a perspective in which intelligence and affection count more than firearms and bravado. Though she has moved beyond rapping to become an actress and talk show host, Latifah never severed ties with the genre that gave her voice.
All Hail the Queen was an album released by Monie Love in 1989 as an appeal for respect and equality among hip-hop royalty. Her single “Ladies First,” featuring young Monie Love as featured artist, marked a first collaboration between two female rappers who weren’t part of a collective; its release shattered stereotypes of its time while setting a standard in women’s rap that would remain unmatched for decades to come.
Latifah collaborated with some of the greatest names in late 80s hip hop–KRS-One, De La Soul, Heavy D and Kay Gee from Naughty by Nature–and her vocals stood out above all others. The song perfectly blended traditional hip-hop flexes and showboating with strong female proclamations that was deeply impactful at that time.
She addressed issues like street harassment and abusive relationships directly, something rare for this genre. In the second verse, she listed all of the sad reasons women remain in abusive relationships – hoping their abuser will change or depending on him as the sole provider, etc.
On “Cue the Rain,” Latifah showcases her musical prowess on an urban mainstream track with modern radio-ready hip hop beats and Shawn Stockman from Boyz II Men on chorus, creating a solid urban mainstream track. But her performance on her next song “With You” really stands out. Latifah raps about searching for men with qualities she needs and ends her verse declaring herself to be true to herself and true to her word – an example that proves she was ahead of her time when it came to addressing social injustices through hip hop culture.
Salt-N-Pepa
Salt-N-Pepa led the way for female rappers and helped define an era with their iconic image and music. From spandex bodysuits to door knocker earrings, these ladies knew how to do it with style! After taking a brief hiatus in the late ’00s due to DJ Spinderella leaving, Salt-N-Pepa recently reunited to perform once again today (minus DJ Spinderella). Rolling Stone recently caught up with them to get details on some of their biggest hits and get their top hits and the latest information from them directly!
Cheryl James and Sandra Denton first met during their nursing studies in college, but soon developed into something greater. James became known as Salt, while Denton went by Pepa. Together they formed the groundbreaking group in 1985 during an era when female rappers were scarce. Utilizing Hurbert “Hurby Luv Bug” Azor’s audio production class at Queensborough Community College as their starting point, the girls started recording songs soon after that were later featured in “Push It,” an adaptation of Doug E Fresh & Slick Rick s “The Show Stoppa”.
After releasing three albums and the hit single, “Whatta Man,” 1995’s Very Necessary earned them a GRAMMY for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group and made hip hop fashion mainstream by using rope chains and big earrings – they became the first female hip hop act ever to do so!
Even with their success, however, the group still experienced considerable challenges as female artists in an industry dominated by men. Critics would often criticize them as sexual objects or toys; in response they released songs like “None of Your Business,” which boldly challenged double standards and criticism about women’s personal choices.
Today, these ’90s icons continue to make waves with their timeless classics and remain immensely popular with fans worldwide. Currently touring as an ensemble featuring Kid N Play, Coolio, Kool Moe Dee and Tone Loc – their attire may no longer be quite so flashy but their moves and music remain as infectious. Their show will even include a cooking segment so audiences can sample some of their favorite meals alongside meeting the chefs behind them!
MC Lyte
MC Lyte is one of hip hop’s premier female rappers. Her accomplishments include several Top 10 Rap singles and albums, gold records, Grammy nominations, working as producer, actress, television host as well as being involved with activism and philanthropy projects.
At the height of rap’s 80s renaissance, many female performers made waves within the genre, such as Salt-N-Pepa who became one of hip hop history’s most commercially successful duos; Queen Latifah who focused her debut album All Hail the Queen around strong social messages and female empowerment; MC Lyte also stood out during this period with her critically acclaimed hardcore album Ain’t No Other.
MC Lyte began diversifying her career during the 1990s. She made appearances in several films – such as The Mackin’ Game, The Secret of My Success and Bad as I Wanna Be. Additionally, she took part in television programs like MTV Celebrity Rap Superstar and BET The Boot; additionally providing voiceover work for various companies including Starz Network AT&T Tide etc.
Later, she would release an album called King King as an ode to her husband and children. One track featured Queen Latifah harmonizing with her on a chorus that declared, ‘This crown belongs to you/ Even when the world falls down, stand tall and show it.”
This collaboration between two iconic figures in hip hop demonstrated the importance of male role models as well as how men should love and support their families. The album achieved immense success, reaching #1 on Billboard 200 charts while producing two singles including “King King.”
MC Lyte has spent her decades-long career honing her craft. She has traveled the globe, performed at multiple notable venues and collaborated on projects with other artists – even writing a book and speaking at various colleges and universities! Additionally, MC Lyte has voiceovers done for organizations such as Black Enterprise, Nissan and Google!
The Real Roxanne
Roxanne Shante is widely recognized as an innovator of hip hop music and was one of the first female rappers to make an impressionful statement through their lyrics and performances. Starting her career at age 14, Roxanne was approached by American DJ/producer/rapper Marley Marl (an American DJ producer/rapper who requested she rap on an instrumental track he produced). Roxanne agreed, but only for seven minutes so as to complete her laundry before having to go home again!
Marley was left stunned, as Shante’s quick rapping skills proved more than enough to surpass his expectations and the record was an instantaneous hit. This led to one of the fiercest feuds ever witnessed within hip hop history: the “Roxanne Wars.” Over 33 years, several response records featuring Shante were produced as response acts against Marley.
She not only had no fear of competing against male MCs, but she proved that women were just as capable of free-styling and rapping like their male counterparts. Additionally, she made it known through her songs that she wouldn’t tolerate any disrespect from any MC – making clear she wouldn’t take any nonsense from anyone.
Roxanne may have had a short-lived early career in hip hop music, yet her legacy remains significant today. Netflix released an adaptation of Roxanne’s life titled Roxanne, Roxanne that chronicled both her beginnings in hip hop and how her impact affected the genre.
Roxanne retired from music at 25 and still makes cameo appearances on shows like Ms. Rap Supreme to help teach young female rappers her trade. Roxanne also has several projects underway including writing an autobiography as well as appearing in an upcoming documentary called Hip Hop Evolution which will showcase its origins with many iconic figures who helped establish hip hop.