Girl power: 20 essential female hip-hop collaborations

Although Brandy is an R&B star, she turned her hit single “I Wanna Be Down” into a hip-hop remix when she was joined by some of the hottest rappers out, with Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, and Yo-Yo. The thing that made the song even sweeter is that Brandy was a young new artist, and it felt like the rappers were welcoming her into the space with their full support. 

In 1997, Lil Kim crafted a signature party anthem with her “Not Tonight (Ladies Night Remix).” Teaming up alongside Angie Martinez, Da Brat, Left-Eye, and Missy Elliott, the music video was perfect, showing them partying on a beach, with several cameos by other artists like Mary J. Blige, SWV, and Queen Latifah. 

GloRilla was early in her career when she teamed up with fellow MC Cardi B on her hit song “Tomorrow 2.” On the track, GloRilla highlights how people shouldn’t always worry about the present, because there’s always tomorrow to make things right. 

Queen Latifah came onto the scene in 1989 with her debut album All Hail the Queen. She teamed up with fellow MC Monie Love on their hit single properly titled, “Ladies First.” On the track, Latifah and Love trade bars about the various facets of women, including their talent and beauty. 

In 2001, Eve released her sophomore album Scorpion, which featured the deep cut “Gangsta Bıt**es.” Teaming up with Da Brat and Trina across a Swizz Beatz production, they use the track to brag about their style, flair, and confidence. 

One thing about Missy Elliott is she’s always been the type of artist who believed in collaboration, especially with fellow women artists. In 1997, Da Brat joined Missy on her single “Sock It 2 Me,” a track in which Missy gives the perspective of a woman yearning for affection from her partner. 

There’s nothing like having a friend who constantly uplifts you, and that’s what Saweetie and Doja Cat do on their hit single “Best Friend.” They use the track to not only highlight the style and charisma of their best friend, but also how they get their own money and enjoy having a good time. 

When it was announced that Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling would star in a live-action Barbie  film, it was only right that a certain artist would be featured on the soundtrack. That’s where Nicki Minaj stepped in and teamed up alongside Ice Spice for their single “Barbie World,” which made sense since Minaj has long used Barbie as a persona for her brand. On the track, Minaj and Spice trade bars that highlight different aspects of the Barbie life.  

In 2023, Baby Tate teamed up with Saweetie on her single “Hey, Mickey!” On the track, the two describe meeting a guy named Mickey who’s known for his player ways, but they might give him the time of day to see what he’s about. As Tate says on her verse, “‘Oh, Mickey, you're so fine, so fine you blow my mind’ / I just might let you come into my life and waste my time / I don't see no other men, boy, you done turned me blind / You make me deaf 'cause I believe you even when you lying.”

In 2020, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion had the whole world talking with their hit song “WAP.” The two rappers don’t shy away from highlighting how they want to be pleased by men and vice versa. While some critics thought the lyrics were too explicit, others saw it as empowering and liberating. 

In 2017, Remy Ma teamed up alongside Lil’ Kim on their smooth track “Wake Me Up.” They use the song to call out their haters and highlight their statuses. As Remy says on the first verse, “If Peter Piper pecked 'em, I bet you Remy duffed 'em / I told you not to touch 'em, it's not up for discussion! / All my clothes is custom, straight from France / My hands like Mayweather, all my friends 8 and better!”

Co-produced by Lil Jon, Brooke Valentine recruited Da Brat, Remy Ma, and Miss B for the remix of her hit single “Girlfight.” Obviously, based on the title, the song showcases how the girls have no problem getting into a fight if someone crosses them. It’s evident on Remy’s verse as she says, “And my squad know the plan before we start thumpin' / Even if I'm winnin' we all gon' jump in / Talkin' reckless, no hired protection / And I'm still walkin' around them metal detectors.”

Bree Runway recruited rap veteran Missy Elliott on her single “ATM.” On the track, the two give the perspective of a woman who only wants to show interest in wealthy men. As Missy says in her verse, “Mеt this dude in West Palm Beach / Hе was so fine, asked, could he call me / Yeah, probably if you spend your money / But if you don’t got a job, get the hell up off me.”

In 2018, Nicki Minaj released her fourth album Queen, which featured the deep cut “Coco Chanel.” Featuring rap veteran Foxy Brown, the two trade bars bragging about their influence and status. 

MC Lyte saw massive success in 1996 when she teamed up with Missy Elliott on her single “Cold Rock a Party (Bad Boy Remix).” With a sample of Diana Ross’ “Upside Down,” the two use the track to describe how much they turn heads when they enter a room. As Lyte says on the first verse, “So what's your status? / I be the baddest B to hit the scene.”

Cardi B has always been the type of artist who collaborates with female MCs who are coming up behind her. It was no different in 2023 when she hopped on the remix to Latto’s track “Put It On Da Floor Again.” It’s the perfect track to play whenever someone needs a hype anthem to boost their confidence. 

Nothing is more satisfying than having money and flaunting it on BIA’s 2021 single “Whole Lotta Money (remix).” Joined by Nicki Minaj, the two rappers have no problem showing off their wealth. As BIA says in her verse, “I can't wear the sh*t you bıt**es wear because it's cheap to me / It's some money at my table, grab a seat with me / Cost a ticket just to cover all my legal fees / I don't hang with jealous bıt**es, that's a weak disease.”

One thing that’s super noticeable about themes for female rappers is how they can boast about their looks, which can turn into a confidence anthem for people everywhere. That’s what Flo Milli did when she teamed up with Lola Brooke and Maiya The Don on the remix to her single “Conceited.” It’s evident on the song’s hook as Milli repeatedly raps, “Feeling myself, I’m conceited.” 

Rapsody and Leikeli47 are all about getting their money on the track “Oprah,” a song fitting to be named after the world’s first black female billionaire. As Leikeli47 says on her verse, “I need them dollars / Run me my half or I'll put a hole in your wallet / Cold case on my waist, you don't want these problems / Bank called, said they runnin' out of commas, that's on my mama.”

In 2019, Doja Cat teamed up with Rico Nasty on the catchy single “Tia Tamera.” Named after the twin-sister actresses Tia and Tamera Mowry, Doja and Rico use the track to describe their looks and financial status. As Doja says on the hook, “Hair grow long like Chia / Money go long like Nia / I am the big idea / My twins big like Tia / My twins big like Tia, Tamera.”