Black Women Washing Your Faves On Their Own Songs
I think it’s finally time that we accept that women are better at everything, including rapping.
Although the field is crowded by a slew of, arguably, mediocre men, female rappers are etching out their own niches and making rap that is finally relatable to Black women. I could just list my favorite raps by women, but that would really just be impossible to narrow down. So, I’ve compiled some of my personal favorite features by female rappers in this list that is neither exhaustive nor ranked. I opted to leave out features with other women just to showcase how Black women can effortlessly rap circles around the boys.
Kari Faux
“Mortal Kombat” by Pivot Gang
I remember hearing “Mortal Kombat” for the first time and just being shook because Kari was rapping rapping. I’d describe the track as a lowkey banger because the excitement is there, but it is pretty contained. The momentum of the opening carries throughout, and Kari keeps it going all the way to the end. Coming in after Pivot Gang’s own Saba and Joseph Chilliams, Kari abandons her usual mellow flow for a style that is more aggressive and in your face. Her words match the venom in her voice and remind us just how powerful Black women are.
Kehlani
“Trippin” by Earthgang
No lie, Kehlani might actually be my favorite rapper. On “Trippin,” she easily matches the Atlanta duo’s penchant for theatrical vocals that blur the line between singing and rapping, while still making her presence distinctly known. Kehlani seamlessly slides between the sultry vocals we’ve grown to love her for and an equally as silky rap flow that adds a slight edge to the song. So Kehlani, just drop the rap tape—we’re ready.
Dreezy
“Got Me” by Dreamville
Earlier this summer, I wrote that Dreezy had one of my favorite verses on ROTDIII, and I still stand by that. Male rappers are overrepresented on the album, and Dreezy definitely holds her own right next to them. Her verse comes in last on “Got Me,” and perfectly rounds out the track. Her voice nicely contrasts with the sweetness of Ari Lennox on the hook, and her cadence adds a nice groove to the song that doesn’t disrupt the peacefulness of the beat. She ends the verse with a sign-off, rightfully claiming the song as her own.
Rico Nasty
“Gucci Down” by Xanman and “Remember Me” by KEY!
I decided to include two songs here because we’re getting two very different Rico features, and I kinda like the juxtaposition of the two. “Gucci Down” and “Remember Me” showcase the range of Rico’s skills, from her self-made Sugar Trap style to the rage raps that put every man to shame. Rico has turned herself into a rap chameleon of sorts and mastered the ability to switch her voice and flow to fit a number of different styles—and still come out with a banger every time.
Megan Thee Stallion
“She Live” by Maxo Kream
I thought Dababy was my favorite Megan collaborator, but Maxo Kream might’ve changed my mind. On “She Live,” Megan’s feature feels more like a duet because of how the two pass the vocal baton back and forth. Through the song Megan and Maxo parrot one another with subtle flow changes and repeated phrases, ending with Megan taking the ropes and reintroducing us to Tina Snow to end the verse with a bang.
