Gone are the days where women dominated hip-hop. These powerful ladies cleverly combated their male counterparts by not only proving that they can rhyme but also can tell a story that resonated with others internationally. All through the 90’s (where many were actually praised for their talents in music), there were so many diverse female rappers like Lil’ Kim, Queen Latifah, Foxy Brown, Eve, Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, Da Brat, Salt n Pepa and Left Eye from TLC to name a few. Nicki Minaj is the only heavyweight female rapper literally being the only representation. She is talented but this is pretty sad.
Let us go back in time when the 90’s were a golden era for hip-hop and this did include the female counterparts. Here are my reasons as to why female rappers of the decade influenced today’s fashion in a huge way.
They Were Real (Eve)
One of the reasons why Eve was so popular in the late 90’s was not only because of how good of a rapper she was, but because she spoke a story that many could relate to. They were real, personal and relatable. Her rebellious buzz cute helped gave Eve the edge needed.
Knew What They Wanted (Salt N Pepa)
Salt n’ Pepa had the swagger and confidence that gave them the bravado to just go out and state what they wanted. This legendary hip-hop group broke barriers in a decade where female group rappers needed a voice, and still do.
Quirky (Lil Kim)
Before there was Nicki Minaj and even Rihanna, Lil’ Kim was the innovator of quirkiness in fashion and music. Rappers are not the only ones inspired by this force to reckoned with. In an interview after Rihanna had performed her song, Bitch Better Have My Money, the singer explained how influential Lil’ Kim was on inspiring Rihanna’s style, music and topics within the lyrics. I’m not surprised one bit… remember the red hair?
A Sense of Confidence/Regality (Queen Latifah)
When I hear a song from Queen Latifah as a rapper, it was all about the confidence from a woman’s standpoint. She rightfully demanded the respect that she needed as a rapper (first), singer and actress. The transition of hip-hop was so exciting because it was such a new genre, and MC’s would be the voice of the young black generation. We need more female artists like her.
Spoke From The Heart (Lauryn Hill)
Then there was Lauryn, aka L boogie or Lauryn Hill, who made history for a genre that many had dismissed in the past. Miss L boogie had the ability to rap and sing making it to the World Guinness records for her talents in music. With The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, there were so many firsts in the hip-hop and as a female rapper including the first number one album by a female rapper, the first number one song and the coveted Grammy award for Album of the Year. She was just expressing herself through a record that was so compelling and true still to this day. Hill’s dreadlocks killed the style game.
Weird But a Genius (Missy Elliott)
Missy Elliott is a genius point blank period. This is not just through her rhymes in a rap verse, or when she wrote a lot of other singers songs (including Aaliyah, Destiny’s Child and Beyonce), she is just weird and it works because this is Missy Elliott.
Rough Around The Edges (Foxy Brown)
Foxy Brown, or Ill Nana was Jay Z’s protege in the 90’s. Some may compare her to Lil’Kim but I will argue this, because as there are many similarities between them, the differences overweigh … particularly the style. Lil’ Kim dawned all of the bright and colourful outfits and wigs that matched, but Brown just kept it natural with the colour. She didn’t portray a soft feminine woman, just a tough bitch who didn’t care who was judging her.
Fun (Left Eye)
Before Nelly was rocking the bandaid on his left eye, Left Eye (Lopes) from TLC rocked it with eye black (North American football players wear this sunscreen) on her left eye. Her style was just as unique as her rapping skills. Unfortunately she passed away to really cement herself as a solo artist. However, with TLC, she shined brightly with her extravagant way of dressing, and outlandish rhymes… her verse from Waterfalls still give me goosebumps. Rest in peace left eye.
All of these ladies challenged how society viewed them not just as a woman in a man’s world but also as a black women on social standards or beauty along with what a feminist looks like. The beauty of fashion along with music is that they have the ability to be diverse and heal others. There’s a sense of accomplishment when being creative can influence someone who is just trying to get through life day by day.
Hammer Style Girl 