Hip-Hop has traditionally been a male-dominated industry, with men occupying most positions in production, songwriting, and performance. However, many female producers have also made their mark and helped shape its sound and style. Here are some of hip-hop’s most influential female producers.
Missy Elliott
This iconic rapper, singer, and songwriter have produced many of her tracks, as well as for other artists. Missy Elliott is known for her innovative beats, catchy hooks, and creative use of samples.
Notable Tracks:
“1, 2 Step” by Ciara, “Lady Marmalade” by Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mya, and Pink, and “Hot Boyz” by Lil Wayne featuring Juvenile, B.G., and Turk.
Sylvia Robinson
The Englewood, NJ native was a pioneering hip-hop producer and the founder of Sugar Hill Records. Sylvia Robinson produced the Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight,” the first hip-hop song to achieve mainstream success.
Notable Tracks:
“The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, “White Lines (Don’t Don’t Do It)” by Grandmaster & Melle Mel.
Lauryn Hill
This multi-talented rapper, singer, and songwriter produced many of the tracks on her classic album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Lauryn is known for her soulful sound and socially conscious lyrics.
Notable Tracks:
“Nothing Even Matters” by D’Angelo, “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)” by Nas featuring Lauryn Hill, and “Everything Is Everything” by D’Angelo.
DJ Jazzy Joyce
Joyce began her career as a DJ in the mid-80s, spinning at local parties and clubs in New York City. She quickly gained recognition for her skills on the turntables and became a regular DJ at many of the city’s hottest clubs.
Throughout her career, Jazzy Joyce has worked with many of the biggest names in hip-hop, including LL Cool J, Run DMC, and Queen Latifah. She has also produced tracks for several artists and released her mixtapes.
Notable Tracks:
“I Wanna Be Down” remix by Brandy, “Let’s Talk About Sex” by Salt-N-Pepa remix, “I Got It Made” remix by Special Ed, “Dope Beat” by LL Cool J
Rapsody
This legendary rapper and producer have been called one of the most important voices in contemporary hip-hop. Rapsody has produced many of her tracks, as well as tracks for other artists, and is known for her socially conscious lyrics and her commitment to feminism.
Notable Tracks:
“Nobody” by Laila’s Wisdom, “What You Want” by Rapsody featuring PJ Morton, and “Black and Ugly” by Rapsody.
These female producers have significantly impacted hip-hop music through their work and contributions to other artists. They have helped to expand the boundaries of the genre and have brought new perspectives and voices to the table.
As hip-hop continues to evolve, it is essential to recognize the contributions of these women and to ensure that their voices are heard and that their work is celebrated.
Top 10 Most Influential Women In Hip-Hop
In honor of Women’s History Month, SOHH has been giving female artists their flowers back-to-back. This time, we celebrate some of the most influential women who paved the way in hip-hop, such as Lil Kim, Queen Latifah, Nicki Minaj, and more.