List of best-selling female rappers

Last updated

Nicki Minaj is the best-selling female rapper of all time, with over 100 million records sold. Nicki Minaj MTV VMAs 4.jpg
Nicki Minaj is the best-selling female rapper of all time, with over 100 million records sold.

This is a following list of the best-selling female rappers of all time, including albums and singles.

Contents

Figures for the list only includes pure sales figures and available figures after the 1990s: as of 2016 certifications have been combined with streaming or digital audio sales; in this list only digital sales are counted since most of today artists' pure sales are sold digitally.

Best-selling female rappers worldwide

ArtistCountry of originPeriod activeStudio albumsClaimed sales
Nicki Minaj Trinidad & Tobago2004- Present5100 million [1]
Iggy Azalea Australia2011- Present372 million [2]
Lauryn Hill United States1988–present150 million [3]
Lil' Kim United States1994–present545 million [4]
Missy Elliott United States1991–present629 million [5] [6] [7]

Best-selling female rappers singles worldwide

Sales based on claimed figures and certifications.

ArtistRelease yearSongClaimed sales
Cardi B 2017"Bodak Yellow"10 million [8]
Iggy Azalea 2014"Fancy"9.1 million [9]
Nicki Minaj 2012"Starships"7.2 million [9]

Best-selling female rap albums worldwide

Release yearAlbumArtistClaimed sales
1998 The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill Lauryn Hill 20 million [10] [11]
2010 Pink Friday Nicki Minaj 3.8 million [12]
2018 Invasion of Privacy Cardi B 3 million [13]
2012 Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded Nicki Minaj 1.4 million [14]

See also

Related Research Articles

The MTV Video Music Award for Best Hip Hop was first given out at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards. The award, according to MTV, was originally intended for hip hop-inspired songs, not necessarily actual hip hop music videos. This explains the recognition of non-hip hop songs such as "Thong Song" and "I'm Real (Remix)".

<i>Under Construction</i> (album) 2002 studio album by Missy Elliott

Under Construction is the fourth studio album by American rapper Missy Elliott, released by The Goldmind Inc. and Elektra Records on November 12, 2002, in the United States. The album was primarily produced by Timbaland, with additional production by Craig Brockman, Nisan Stewart, Errol "Poppi" McCalla and Elliott herself.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doo Wop (That Thing)</span> 1998 single by Lauryn Hill

"Doo Wop (That Thing)" is a song by American rapper and singer Lauryn Hill from her debut solo studio album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998). It was written and produced by Hill. The song was released as her solo debut and lead single from The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill on August 10, 1998, by Ruffhouse Records and Columbia Records. No commercial release was originally intended for the single in the US, but limited-quantity physical formats were issued two months later, on October 27.

Young Money Entertainment is an American record label founded by rapper Lil Wayne in 2005. It was launched as an imprint of Cash Money Records — a joint venture colloquially branded as Young Money Cash Money Billionaires — and Republic Records until 2018, after which the label operated severally as an imprint of latter. Wayne's longtime affiliate, rapper Mack Maine was appointed the company's president in 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nicki Minaj</span> Trinidadian-born rapper and singer (born 1982)

Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, known professionally as Nicki Minaj, is a Trinidadian-born rapper and singer based in the United States. Often referred to as the "Queen of Rap", she is known for her musical versatility, animated rap flow, and alter egos. She first gained recognition after releasing three mixtapes between 2007 and 2009.

<i>Pink Friday</i> 2010 studio album by Nicki Minaj

Pink Friday is the debut studio album by rapper Nicki Minaj. It was released on November 22, 2010, by Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records and Universal Motown Records. After signing a recording contract with Young Money Entertainment in 2009, Minaj began planning the album that same year and work continued into 2010. Minaj enlisted a variety of producers whose efforts resulted in a primarily hip hop, pop and R&B album, which sees additional influences from electronic music. The album features guest vocals from Eminem, Rihanna, Drake, will.i.am, Kanye West and Natasha Bedingfield.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Super Bass</span> 2011 single by Nicki Minaj

"Super Bass" is a song by Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj from the deluxe version of her debut studio album, Pink Friday (2010). It was sent to American rhythmic radio stations as the album's fifth single on April 5, 2011. The song was written by Minaj alongside Ester Dean, Roahn Hylton, and producers Kane Beatz and JMIKE. According to Minaj, the song's lyrics detail the story of a playful romance between her and a potential suitor. The pop rap track contains electronic influences, while Minaj raps over a hip hop beat. An accompanying music video for the single was shot in March 2011 by director Sanaa Hamri and shows Minaj playfully taunting a group of men; while making use of multiple props colored bubblegum pink.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Starships (song)</span> 2012 song by Nicki Minaj

"Starships" is a song by Trinidadian rapper and singer Nicki Minaj. It was released on February 14, 2012, by Young Money, Cash Money, and Universal Republic as the lead single from her second studio album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2012). The song was written by Nicki Minaj, Nadir Khayat, Carl Falk, Rami Yacoub, Bilal Hajji, and Wayne Hector, and it was produced by RedOne, Yacoub, and Falk.

"Livin' It Up" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Ciara for her fifth studio album, Ciara (2013), featuring guest vocals from American female rapper Nicki Minaj. It was written by Ciara, D'Mile, Wynter Gordon and Nicki Minaj, with D'Mile also producing it. "Livin' It Up" contains a portion of the composition "I Don't Know What It Is, But It Sure Is Funky", as performed by Kid 'n Play.

<i>The Pinkprint</i> 2014 studio album by Nicki Minaj

The Pinkprint is the third studio album by rapper Nicki Minaj. It was released on December 12, 2014, by Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records and Republic Records. Minaj co-executive-produced the album alongside Birdman, Lil Wayne and Ronald Williams, with a variety of producers who produced the album's sound. Looking to depart from the dance-pop elements of her second studio album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2012), The Pinkprint is a follow-up record influenced by her traditional hip hop beginnings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bang Bang (Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj song)</span> 2014 single by Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj

"Bang Bang" is a song by English singer-songwriter Jessie J, American singer-songwriter Ariana Grande, and rapper Nicki Minaj. It was released by Lava and Republic Records on 28 July 2014 as the lead single from Jessie J's third studio album, Sweet Talker (2014). The song was written by Max Martin, Savan Kotecha, Rickard Göransson, Grande and Minaj. It was produced by Martin, Göransson, and Ilya, with Kuk Harrell serving as a vocal producer. It is also included on the deluxe version of Grande's second studio album My Everything (2014), serving as the third single from that album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anaconda (song)</span> 2014 single by Nicki Minaj

"Anaconda" is a song by rapper Nicki Minaj. It was released on August 4, 2014, by Young Money, Cash Money, and Republic as the second single from her third studio album, The Pinkprint (2014). The song was produced by Polow da Don, DJ Spydr, and Da Internz, and prominently samples "Baby Got Back" (1992) by Sir Mix-a-Lot. It peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Minaj's highest-charting single at the time. The song also peaked within the top ten in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, top forty in Austria, France and Portugal and top fifty in Czech Republic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All Eyes on You</span> 2015 single by Meek Mill featuring Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj

"All Eyes on You" is a song by American rapper Meek Mill, released as the second single from his second studio album Dreams Worth More Than Money, on June 26, 2015. The song features Nicki Minaj with additional vocals from Chris Brown. It is a hip hop and R&B song, produced by Danny Morris, Alex Delicata, and co-produced by the Monarch, Kevin Cossom and DJ Khaled.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Swalla</span> Song by Jason Derulo featuring Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla Sign

"Swalla" is a song by American singer Jason Derulo featuring Trinidadian-born rapper Nicki Minaj and fellow American singer Ty Dolla Sign, released on February 24, 2017 by Warner Bros. Records. The song was written by the artists alongside LunchMoney Lewis, Robert Diggs, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Russell Jones. and producer Ricky Reed. The song was originally intended to be the first single from Derulo's album, titled 777, however the album was never released. It was later included on his fifth studio album Nu King (2024).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MotorSport</span> 2017 single by Migos featuring Nicki Minaj and Cardi B

"MotorSport" is a song by American hip-hop trio Migos, Trinidadian-born rapper Nicki Minaj, and American rapper Cardi B. Written alongside Murda Beatz and Cubeatz, it was released on October 27, 2017, as the lead single from the trio's third studio album Culture II (2018). It reached number six on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Migos' second top 10 in the country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Woman Like Me</span> 2018 single by Little Mix featuring Nicki Minaj

"Woman Like Me" is a song by British girl group Little Mix featuring rapper Nicki Minaj. It was released on 12 October 2018, by Syco Music, as the lead single from the group's fifth studio album LM5. The song was co written by Jess Glynne, Ed Sheeran, Minaj and the song's producer Steve Mac.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Super Freaky Girl</span> 2022 single by Nicki Minaj

"Super Freaky Girl" is a song by rapper Nicki Minaj from her fifth studio album, Pink Friday 2 (2023). It was released on August 12, 2022, by Young Money and Republic Records as the lead single from the album. It is an upbeat, raunchy song that samples Rick James' 1981 single "Super Freak," as Minaj raps about a girl having sexual fantasies and endeavors, while also boasting about her career. It received comparisons to Minaj's 2014 single "Anaconda," as both tracks include classic samples and sexual lyrics.

<i>Queen Radio: Volume 1</i> 2022 greatest hits album by Nicki Minaj

Queen Radio: Volume 1 is the first greatest hits album by rapper Nicki Minaj. It was released on August 26, 2022 by Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records and Republic Records. The album was re-released two days later to add a remix of Skeng's 2022 single, "Likkle Miss".

<i>Pink Friday 2</i> 2023 studio album by Nicki Minaj

Pink Friday 2 is the fifth studio album by rapper Nicki Minaj. It was released on December 8, 2023, her 41st birthday, through Young Money Entertainment and Republic Records. A sequel to Minaj's debut album Pink Friday (2010), it is her first studio album in five years following the release of Queen (2018). The album is a hip-hop and pop-rap record that borrows influences from other genres as well. Collaborations on the album include J. Cole, Drake, Lil Wayne, Future, Lil Uzi Vert, 50 Cent, Monica, Keyshia Cole, and various other collaborators.

References

  1. "Rapper Nicki Minaj's father killed in hit-and-run". The New Zealand Herald . February 15, 2021. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  2. "Iggy Azalea Doesn't Have a ~Problem~ When It Comes to Money: Find Out Her Impressive Net Worth". Yahoo Entertainment. 2022-07-12. Retrieved 2024-07-09.
  3. Brandle, Lars (April 24, 2013). "Lauryn Hill Sets the Record Straight on her Finances, Admits New Music is in the Pipeline". Billboard. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  4. Skelton, Eric (August 1, 2018). "Premiere: Lil' Kim Lives a Life of Luxury in "Nasty One" Video". Complex . Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  5. Sun, Rebecca (2017-08-09). "Missy Elliott Signs With WME: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved 2023-02-07.
  6. Khari (February 2, 2015). "Missy Elliott Crushed The Superbowl & Now Everyone Is Ready for Her Comeback". The Source . The Northstar Group. Archived from the original on February 15, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
  7. Platon, Adelle (2016-06-14). "Missy Elliott Named Honoree at VH1 Hip Hop Honors: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved 2023-02-07.
  8. Daniels, Karu F. (March 10, 2021). "Cardi B has made history again, as breakthrough 'Bodak Yellow' sells more than 10 million copies". New York Daily News. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  9. 1 2 "The Global Bestsellers of 2012" (PDF). International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Archived from the original on April 9, 2013. Retrieved December 23, 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  10. Gee, Andre (October 18, 2023). "Lauryn Hill and the Fugees Gave Their Hometown a Legendary Tour Opener". Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
  11. "First female rapper to reach RIAA Diamond status". Guinness World Records. Retrieved 2023-04-26.
  12. Trentz Fitzgerald (April 4, 2012). "Nicki Minaj Performs 'Roman Reloaded' Concert on BET's 106 & Park". Pop Crush . Archived from the original on July 22, 2017. Retrieved August 14, 2022.
  13. Jessica Napoli (September 16, 2020). "What is Cardi B's net worth?". yahoo.com. Retrieved August 14, 2022.
  14. "The Global Bestsellers of 2012" (PDF). International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 9, 2013.