by Doechii is now a household name! The rap newcomer took the spotlight with her show-stopping performance at the 2025 Grammy Awards. However, that wasn’t her biggest accomplishment; she also won the Best Rap Albumaward for her breakout mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal. This monumental honor inducted her into a class that only a handful of female rappers have graced. Doechii became only the third woman ever to win Best Rap Album, following in the legendary footsteps of Lauryn Hill and Cardi B. In her emotional acceptance speech, she dedicated her Grammy to Black girls everywhere, urging them to embrace their authentic selves and believe in their boundless potential.
The road to Grammys has been paved by bold, barrier-breaking women who fought to be seen and recognized in a male-dominated industry. And Doechii’s win is a reminder that hip-hop isn’t just a boys’ club anymore; it’s a place where queens reign supreme.
Looking back at the women who won Grammys before Doechii, we will discover that women changed the culture. Let’s look at the trailblazing female rappers who have taken home music’s most prestigious award and their impact on hip-hop.
Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
When Lauryn Hill dropped The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill in 1998, no one expected that she would redefine hip-hop. Blending rap, R&B, and neo-soul, she created a masterpiece that resonated far beyond hip-hop’s borders. At the 1999 Grammy Awards, Hill made history as the first rapper ever to win Album of the Year. She took home five Grammys that night, breaking records and setting a new standard for what rap could be. Her influence still echoes today, with artists from Doja Cat to J. Cole citing her as inspiration.
Cardi B – Invasion of Privacy
Fast forward 20 years and another queen was making history. Cardi B’s Invasion of Privacy was a cultural reset, blending her Bronx swagger with catchy hooks and hard-hitting bars. In 2019, she became the first solo female rapper to win Best Rap Album, proving that women in hip-hop could dominate commercially and critically. With tracks like “Bodak Yellow” and “I Like It,” Cardi changed the game, proving that raw authenticity could take you straight to the top.
Missy Elliott – “Scream” and “Work It”
Missy Elliott is a legend in every sense of the word. Known for her out-of-this-world visuals, creative production, and ahead-of-its-time sound, she won Best Female Rap Solo Performance in 2003 (“Scream, a.k.a. Itchin’”) and 2004 (“Work It”). Missy created new sounds and inspired artists to think outside the box.
Queen Latifah – U.N.I.T.Y.
Before female rap was celebrated, Queen Latifah was demanding respect. In 1995, she won Best Rap Solo Performance for “U.N.I.T.Y.,” a song centered around street harassment, domestic violence, and misogyny in hip-hop. Queen Latifah laid the foundation for female empowerment in rap and beyond, later becoming a successful actress, producer, and business mogul.
Eve – Let Me Blow Your Mind
Eve came into the game as the pitbull in a skirt. In 2002, she became the first female rapper to win Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” featuring Gwen Stefani. Eve’s Grammy win showed that female rappers could excel in crossover records without losing their lyrical grit.
Honorable Mention:
Lil’ Kim – Lady Marmalade
Lil’ Kim brought raunchy, high-fashion rap to the forefront. In 2002, she took home a Grammy for Best Pop Collaboration with rhymes for “Lady Marmalade” alongside Christina Aguilera, Mýa, and Pink. Though her Grammy win came through a pop collaboration, her impact on rap is undeniable. She paved the way for today’s female rappers like Cardi B and Nicki Minaj to own their sexuality and rap with the same boldness as their male counterparts.
MC Lyte & Da Brat – The Pioneers
MC Lyte and Da Brat didn’t win Grammys, but their contributions paved the way for the women who did. MC Lyte was the first female rapper to drop a solo album, proving that women could hold their own in hip-hop. Meanwhile, Da Brat was the first female rapper to go platinum, breaking commercial barriers that helped future female rappers gain mainstream recognition.
Doechii’s Grammy win is a victory for all women in hip-hop. Women in rap have gone from underrated to undeniable, and the future is brighter than ever. With artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Latto, and Ice Spice dominating the charts, the question isn’t whether more female rappers will win Grammys; it’s who’s next?
