Rap has the power to highlight countless voices through its unique structures and subgenres. However, to unleash its full potential, the rap industry needs expanded visibility for the diverse genders sharing new perspectives and creating new lanes.
Since hip-hop’s inception, women have been striving for this increased industry recognition, boldly sharing their unique voices and musical visions.
Spotlighted below are incredible women on unique journeys in modern rap. They expand representation while inspiring a transformation in music - where rap isn’t limited to certain groups, but is instead inclusive and transcends boundaries.
Bktherula
Bktherula is a 22-year old trailblazer who is heavily inspired by Mitski. At 15, she found her place as a performer, taking the stage regularly at Atlanta’s underground shows. Now, she melds heavy punk, R&B flows, and an electric energy to create a unique psychedelic sound. She also embeds a metaphysical dimension into her lyrics through science and spirituality. She’s spent 3 years taking quantum physics at the University of Tokyo to develop her understanding of the world ,which influences her musical approach. And Bktherula continues to raise the bar for herself…she recently turned heads as a runway model for London Fashion Week!
Samara Cyn
Cyn is a lyrical artist inspired by slam poetry. She has the smoothest, most fluid flow, with the vision of leading social change and spreading positive energy. Cyn is the embodiment of the consistently grinding artist: She began her journey performing at diverse venues, from open mics to speakeasies, across Phoenix. She also worked delivery for DoorDash, writing raps in her car during any lull in her shift (deeply relatable - making music in the car just opens up a different level of creativity). Cyn just released her introspective album ‘The Drive Home’ (for which she recorded 150+ songs in the process!). She is also performing all over North America this year as an opener for the ‘Made in Nirvana’ tour, so save your dates.
Doechii
Doechii uses her art to tell incredibly raw stories, share her authentic visions, and challenge industry norms. This Tampa-born musician has been building her artistry throughout her life, her first song being a talent-show winner in the sixth grade. She has since created her “Song a Day” method to support her artist growth - she spends an hour a day fearlessly freewriting a new song. Doechii’s work recently culminated in her wildly successful mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal, which is inspired by her journal entries. The project was nominated for four 2025 Grammys, including the “Best New Artist” category.
Tg.blk
Tg.blk hails from Mombasa, Kenya; she’s got a passion for underground, textured jazz rap, with inspirations like J Dilla and Earl Sweatshirt. Tg.blk propelled her artist journey by being extremely active online, interacting with fans and welcoming feedback. She still strives to reply to every comment on her social media posts! Tg.blk is also an independent artist; she wrote her hit ‘Love Being Used’ in her dorm room using a beat she discovered on YouTube, then she self-mixed and promoted it. She also recently hit another milestone, reaching Top 10 on Spotify’s ‘Top Streamed’ (Kenyan Charts)!
There are countless other women forging their own paths in every facet of the rap industry. Check out our playlist below for new music and our favorite hot tracks from trailblazing women in rap!
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