Written by Anusha Chandra-Paisley

Cover images used taken from Instagram

24th November 2024

A New Wave of Talent in Female Hip-Hop

The world of Hip-Hop has always been a space of reinvention, and in recent years, female rap has been experiencing a dynamic evolution. With innovative voices and unapologetic storytelling, artists like Samara Cyn, Doechii, and Jourden are shaping the future of the genre. This new generation is pushing past conventions, blending genres, and amplifying unique perspectives that reflect both personal struggles and social commentary. These artists aren’t just rapping; they’re redefining what it means to be a woman in hip-hop.

Female rap is returning back to the iconic era of Missy Elliot, Lil’ Kim and Eve, when innovation, unapologetic confidence, and genre-defining creativity pushed female rappers to the forefront of the music industry. The late 1990s and early 2000s were a golden era for female hip-hop, as artists like Missy Elliott revolutionised the soundscape with her futuristic beats and boundary-pushing visuals, while Lil’ Kim unapologetically embraced and celebrated female sexuality, redefining empowerment on her own terms. Eve brought raw lyricism and a unique blend of street-smart storytelling to her music, cementing her status as a pioneer in the genre. These women not only dominated the charts but also created a cultural movement, proving that women in hip-hop could be versatile, powerful, and commercially successful.

Before them, pioneers like MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa, and Roxanne Shanté laid the groundwork by introducing strong, assertive voices to a male-dominated industry during the 1980s and early ’90s. Their music tackled everything from love and relationships to social justice and gender dynamics, breaking stereotypes about what female rappers could achieve.

As the 2000s progressed, mainstream hip-hop saw fewer female rappers rise to prominence, with the genre heavily skewed towards male artists. However, the 2010s marked a resurgence, led by Nicki Minaj, who dominated with her theatrical style, rapid-fire flow, and undeniable charisma. Nicki opened doors for a new generation, showing that a female rapper could achieve both longevity and global superstardom.

Today, the resurgence of female rap reflects the ethos of past legends while embracing a broader spectrum of artistry and identity. Artists like Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, and Sexxy Red channel the brash confidence of Lil’ Kim, while Doja Cat and Rico Nasty embody the genre-bending creativity of Missy Elliott. Meanwhile, the emergence of lyricists like Rapsody and Tierra Whack underscores the ongoing influence of MC Lyte and Queen Latifah’s socially conscious, skill-heavy approach.

The current wave of female rappers, including talents like Samara Cyn, Doechii, and Jourden, suggests that this revival is about more than nostalgia—it’s a full-circle moment where today’s artists are reinterpreting and expanding on the legacies of their predecessors. They’re not just honouring the past but actively crafting a future where female rap continues to thrive, innovate, and inspire. I chose to focus on these three artists specifically because, while they are at different stages in their careers, their music shares a common thread. Each is unapologetic in their self-expression and fearless in addressing topics that resonate deeply with their audiences.

Introducing: Samara Cyn, Doechii, and Jourden

Image taken from Instagram (@samaracyn)

Samara Cyn
Known for her razor-sharp lyricism and deeply introspective themes, Samara Cyn’s music takes listeners on a journey of self-discovery and resilience, delivered with a storytelling style that feels both authentic and relatable. Her distinct sound, which fuses classic hip-hop with experimental beats, positions her as a standout force within the new wave of female rap. Cyn’s flow and voice are reminiscent of Doja Cat’s rap style, and like artists such as Doja Cat and JID, she layers her raps over soulful beats, often complemented by her soothing singing voice. Describing her sound as a neo-soul hip-hop fusion, Cyn merges the soulful inflection of stars like Doechii with the creative experimentation of Tyler, The Creator.

Born in Tennessee, Cyn moved frequently across the U.S. during her upbringing, drawing inspiration from her varied experiences. Writing became a constant in her life, allowing her to process her observations and emotions. An early interest in poetry evolved into an appreciation for spoken word, which she found similar to rap. This opened her to slam poetry cadences and themes, including societal issues and personal struggles. In 2019, she wrote her first song and played her debut live show that November. Cyn has said she prefers a "less-is-more" approach to writing, often crafting lyrics quickly in the moment. For example, her song Loop was written in just 15 minutes!

Cyn admires Doja Cat for her unapologetic personality and bold presence in the music industry, noting how she embodies a "not give a f*ck" attitude that inspires her. Ultimately, Cyn’s goal is to create music that resonates with listeners, helping them feel seen and understood. Beyond music, she aims to leave a lasting, meaningful impact that transcends her art.

Doechii
Doechii, born Jaylah Hickmon, is a Rapper from Tampa, Florida who brings a bold, high-energy approach to her music, blending rap with elements of punk, R&B, and pop. Her confidence and charisma shine through in tracks that range from playful to confrontational, making her a versatile powerhouse in the scene. Doechii’s performances and music videos are as innovative as her lyrics, adding a dynamic visual layer that complements her eclectic style. Especially in her most recent project Alligator Bites Never Heal, she shows off her story telling skills through her lyrics.

Her lyrics explore themes of self-discovery, mental health, relationships, and empowerment, blending vulnerability with sharp wit. In interviews, Doechii has often described making music as a therapeutic process, writing directly from the heart. Her passion for music is evident not only in her sound but also in the depth of her knowledge and creative instincts.

Early tracks revealed her knack for vivid storytelling and an unfiltered approach to self-expression. Her breakthrough came with her 2020 release, Oh the Places You’ll Go, an independent project that introduced her as a force to be reckoned with in the underground music scene. In 2022, Doechii signed with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), becoming the first female rapper on the label. Doechii’s music is celebrated for its genre-blending nature and her ability to switch seamlessly between fiery rap verses, melodic vocals, and theatrical flair. In 2022, she was named one of XXL’s Freshman Class artists, cementing her place among the next generation of hip-hop stars.

How These Artists Are Transforming Female Rap

Samara Cyn, Doechii, and Jourden are redefining female rap by pushing the boundaries of tradition and crafting narratives rich in perspective and diversity. Historically, female rappers were often boxed into narrow themes, focusing on empowerment through sexuality or battling stereotypes in male-dominated spaces. These three artists, however, expand the scope of hip-hop, blending personal experiences, cultural commentary, and empowerment to create multidimensional art. Drawing from their own lives, they use their struggles and triumphs as creative fuel, adding authenticity and depth to their music.

Samara Cyn explores introspection and self-discovery, crafting deeply personal lyrics that challenge the notion that rap must always exude bravado. Doechii examines individuality, self-expression, and personal growth, with tracks like Yucky Blucky Fruitcake humorously tackling identity and self-acceptance. Jourden’s soulful storytelling reflects on themes of love, ambition, and resilience, broadening the emotional range of rap.

Musically, these artists defy genre norms. Doechii’s kaleidoscopic sound merges high-energy rap with melodic hooks, blending influences from punk, R&B, and pop in tracks like Crazy and Persuasive. Samara Cyn fuses spoken word, jazz, and electronica to create immersive soundscapes. Jourden bridges the rawness of rap with R&B’s emotional depth through lush hooks and introspective bars. Beyond sound, they challenge stereotypes about how female rappers should look and perform. Doechii’s avant-garde visuals and theatrical performances echo Missy Elliott’s innovation, while Samara Cyn uses stripped-down visuals to highlight her storytelling. Jourden incorporates cinematic elements, emphasising her role as both storyteller and visual artist. By embracing vulnerability and shattering the illusion of perfection, these artists create relatable personas. They honour pioneers like Lauryn Hill and Missy Elliott while forging their own paths, blending old-school influences with modern innovation to create a timeless, forward-looking sound that transforms hip-hop.

By addressing mental health, individuality, and societal issues, they empower listeners—especially women and marginalied groups—who see their stories reflected in the music. Their genre-blending experimentation and bold messages push hip-hop into new territory, sparking conversations about body positivity, systemic inequality, and authenticity. Collectively, their work represents a cultural shift, ensuring hip-hop evolves into a more inclusive, innovative art form that inspires future generations.

The Future of Female Rap

Samara Cyn, Doechii, and Jourden represent just a fraction of the talent redefining female rap today. With their unique voices and fearless artistry, they’re not only impacting the genre now but also paving the way for future generations. Their work signals a new era in hip-hop—one where diversity, authenticity, and genre-breaking creativity come together to push boundaries and inspire change. As they rise, this wave of artists are reshaping the soundscape of hip-hop and proving that the future of rap is fierce, unapologetic, and female. Collectively, these artists are moving female rap into a space where individuality, authenticity, and creativity reign supreme. They’re reshaping the industry, not just through their music but also by challenging the norms of what female rappers can and should represent. By doing so, they’re paving the way for a more inclusive, multifaceted future for hip-hop.

For those interested in exploring the broader history of female rap, the BBC’s insightful three-part documentary series offers an in-depth look at women’s often overlooked role in shaping hip-hop. The series also sheds light on the untold story of British women’s contributions to the genre over the past 50 years, emphasising their pivotal yet underappreciated influence on this culture-defining music.