A new wave of talented female artists is making its mark on the hip-hop scene, with Lola Brooke, Lady London, Kenzo B, Connie Diiamond, and Billy B leading the way. These emerging rap stars are gaining recognition for their lyrical prowess, unique styles, and empowering messages. From viral hits to collaborations with industry veterans, these artists are poised to dominate the rap landscape for years to come.
Lola Brooke
Shyniece Thomas was born in Bedford-Stuyvesant, New York City, New York. According to the artist’s official website, she began writing at eight and took inspiration from Meek Mill, Lil Wayne, and Foxy Brown. She dropped her debut single in 2017, titled “2017 Flow” which was her introduction as Lola Brooke. Her debut single has generated a lot of buzz, and she continuously released music. Her single “Don’t Play With It” feat. Billy B started captivating more and more audiences.
The song has garnered over 33 million views on YouTube since its release in 2021. Brooke has since collaborated with other artists like Ciara and Flo Milli and performed at the Apollo with rap legend Lil Kim. She recently celebrated Hip-Hop’s 50th with a brand deal with iconic footwear brand, Timberland.
Lady London
Zaire Miyluan was born to a Trinidadian father and a Jamaican mother. London spent her childhood split between two households. According to Lady London, she was surrounded by hip-hop growing up. It was said that her uncle Chino XL would hold her in his arms while he was recording.
The “Pop Ya Shit” rapper is more than just a phenomenal lyricist but an academic. She received her Bachelor’s of Science from Howard University and her Masters of Science from The University of Southern California.
After deciding to pursue music full-time, she continued her studies by learning to produce her music because “I couldn’t afford to be in the studio, and if I was in the studio, the studio room cost something and then the engineer cost another.”
Her debut single “Woosah” was released in 2019 and now has over 60,000 views on Youtube. Her song “Pop Ya Shit” went viral on social media, catapulting her into the next rap superstar. She teamed up with Lola Brooke for a remix of “Da Girls,” A women empowerment anthem released by Ciara.
Kenzo B
Te’arah Gaines is a native South Bronx rapper who got her start in music by participating in battle rap with her brothers in her living room. In an interview with FADER, the “bffr” rapper would help her brother practice his bars before he would participate in battle rap.
One day, she said her brother told her she should try writing. Over time she developed a love for writing music and discovering her sound. Her debut single, titled “Bump It,” was released in 2021 and now has over 1.8 million views on YouTube. The young artist has since released an EP titled Top 2, Not 2 showcasing her Bronx roots.
Connie Diiamond
This New York native has a sound encompassing the heart and soul of the birthplace of hip-hop. With musical influences and inspiration from the iconic rapper/producer, Missy Elliott, Connie Diiamond has created a sound all her own while having a flow that shows how hungry she is to let everyone know who she is as an artist. She is the self-proclaimed Queen of Drill.
Billy B
Jahdira Atkins, also known as Billy B, is a New York-based rapper who began rapping when she was a sophomore in high school after not taking it seriously for a while. In an interview with BET, “Music is my passion, and I’ve come to learn that over the years.”
Most people know Billy B from the song “Don’t Play With It” with fellow New York rapper, Lola Brooke, where she delivers a verse that is dominating, fun, and a little laid back.
Sexxy Red
Sexxy Red is a St. Louis, MO native who began rapping in 2019 with the sexually charged lyricism of Foxy Brown and Lil Kim while also showing authenticity in her visuals. She gained recognition from fellow artists like Summer Walker and Sukihana and has garnered a loyal fanbase.
She has just teased an upcoming collaboration with Charlotte rapper, DaBaby, titled “Shake Sum.”