Written By: @j_essicarogers
Today marks international women’s day, so we’re taking this opportunity to shine a light on eleven MCs who deserve their flowers. Whilst male MCs have traditionally dominated, now more than ever, we’re spoilt for choice from an ever-expanding selection of elite female MCs, and here’s a few we suggest you have a listen to.
Deyah
For fans of Lil Simz, Enny, J Cole
A true poet, Deyah is blessed with a talent for storytelling and there’s not a lot she shies away from speaking on. Against a minimal backdrop, her narrative always takes centre stage. Taking her philosophy and translating it into art, Deyah subsequently makes music that we can learn from.
Cristale
For fans of Ivorian Doll, M1llionz, Skillibeng
At the age of 21, Cristale exhibits a skill set beyond her years. An extremely capable rapper and lyricist, she focuses on sharing the realities of her community. Last year alone saw her drop her debut album, go viral with the infectious ‘Bong Bing’, and link-up with Beenie Man, Clipz, ShaSimone and Nia Archives to deliver jungle banger ‘No Time’. We’re certain she’ll be bringing more where that came from this year.
Kay Young
For fans of Lil Simz, J Dilla, Loyle Carner
A multi-talented musician, Young is a rapper, self-trained drummer and producer. Mentee of hip-hop hero Jay Electronica, it’s no surprise her music speaks to appreciators of old-school hip-hop. While her sound nods to the past, it’s distinctly evolved; soulful hip-hop might be the best way to describe what Young brings to the table. Unafraid to experiment, she shakes things up by intertwining elements of jazz, soul, gospel, funk and electro, but what remains constant is her melodic flow.
Brixx
For fans of Stefflon Don, Trillary Banks, Shaybo
Born and raised in the States, Brixx now resides in the UK where she found her love for grime. Her sound, a mash up of her geographical identities, from her upbringing in America, to her Jamaican heritage and her current home, Birmingham. Her signature Patois expression over bass-heavy beats has already garnered attention and led her to secure collaborations with industry heavyweights Frisco and Toddla T.
Miss LaFamilia
For fans of Ms Banks, Kash Doll, Lakeyah
Miss LaFamilia is a force to be reckoned with, possessing an assertiveness that stems from overcoming a fair share of trials and tribulations. The Brum raised MC’s range is indisputable, as at ease singing melodies as she is delivering hard-hitting bars; bouncing from drill to R&B to dancehall, she’s got music for every mood. Her message, female empowerment and dedication to the grind, with a dollop of braggadocio, naturally.
LayFullstop
For fans of Harleighblu, Greentea Peng
LayFullstop’s beautifully, distinctive voice is not the only quality that sets her apart. The Manchester based artist makes music driven by her spirituality, and that bridges the gap between jazz, electronica and gospel. Bringing a fresh and intentional approach to everything she does, she inevitably establishes a lane of her own.
Doechii
For fans of Bree Runway, Leikeli47, Tyler, The Creator
As the first female rapper to be signed to TDE, we already know Doechii has something special. An animated lyricist with a natural ability to effortlessly switch up her delivery, weaving between different paces and tones, she constantly keeps the listener on their toes. Refusing to be boxed in, her vocals explore futuristic, house and trap backdrops, as well as stripped back instrumentals that let her story shine through.
KenTheMan
For fans of City Girls, Saweetie, Too $hort
The Houston native embodies resilience and drive, crafting her rap skills for over a decade now. Hyphy and humorous, KenTheMan makes bangers for the club with heavy punchlines. Deriving her name from her male alter ego, she dismantles traditional norms of femininity by embracing dominance and sexual empowerment with her unfiltered, unapologetic bars.
BXKS
For fans of Ghetts, Knucks, AJ Tracey
Growing up in the midst of the UK’s grime era, BXKS’s music is a testament to the everlasting impact of the genre. Her affinity for experimental, futuristic beats combined with her commitment to a grime-esque flow, sees her evolve the genre by putting her own unique stamp on it. A perceptive wordsmith, her often soft, effortless delivery leaves no room for distraction, allowing her lyrics to speak for themselves.
Robin Knightz
For fans of PinkPantheress, piri, Lil Uzi Vert
Hailing from Manchester, Knightz is refreshing in her approach, serving up cosmically-charged alt-rap, polished with a manny twang. With its bubble-gum feel, her music is feel-good and easy listening, definitely to be appreciated by any experimental listener.
Scuti
For fans of SL, Jelani Blackman
With the namesake of the supergiant star UY Scuti, and penning bars since the age of 10, it’s no surprise the south London rapper has been on an upward trajectory since stepping onto the scene. Fusing grime, drill and trap to create a new era sound, compounded with a steady flow and razor sharp articulation that navigate her thoughts and every day experiences.