A Definitive Ranking of the Sexiest, Most Influential Hip-Hop Love Songs by Women
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From N.W.A.'s "Fuck Tha Police" to Public Enemy's "Fight the Power," the genre of hip-hop was built on protest and pushing the culture forward. Yet despite its initial efforts to fight oppression, hip-hop wasn't always inclusive of women. Like American filmmaker Ava DuVernay once famously said in a Tweet, "To be a woman who loves hip-hop at times is to be in love with your abuser. Because the music was and is that. And yet the culture is ours." Because what is hip-hop without its duality?
But women rappers and old-school emcees have always been part of the culture, whether it has previously been acknowledged or not. In 1977, MC Sha-Rock of Funky 4+1 set the scene as the first female emcee. Soon after, women rappers followed her lead and revolutionized how the genre explores love and sex.
One example is MC Lyte, who fought hip-hop's misogyny by talking about none other than sex, baby. The sexual liberation she explored in her lyrics paved the way for hip-hop artists like Lil' Kim, Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Meghan Thee Stallion to perform raunchier rhymes that didn't shy away from explicit lyrics. The objectifying nature of hip-hop was turned on its head when these female rappers carved out space for their own sexual desires.
With this year marking the 50th anniversary of the genre, to celebrate, POPSUGAR rounded up 16 of the most iconic love and sex songs written, sung, or produced by women in hip-hop. In no particular order, check out our list to celebrate the female artists that helped revolutionized the hip-hop genre we know and love today.
"Doo Wop (That Thing)" by Lauryn Hill
With "Doo Wop (That Thing)," Lauryn Hill's lyrics spoke more truth than a sex-ed class. All about the sisterhood, Hill just wanted her friends to watch out for men's tricks on their search for love.
“Ruffneck” by MC Lyte
One of the first rappers to point out sexism in the genre was MC Lyte. Not only did she notably call out the double standards between men and women when it came to sex, she also rapped about it. With lyrics like "He's gotta smack it, lick it, swallow it up style," she didn't shy away from being explicit like her male counterparts.
“Killing Me Softly With His Song” by Fugees
Lauryn Hill just doesn't disappoint. Hailed as one of the greatest hip-hop songs of the 90s by VH1, "Killing Me Softly" is a classic that's been sampled over and over again for a reason.
“Shoop” by Salt-N-Pepa
The hip-hop duo Salt-N-Pepa, made up of Cheryl James (Salt) and Sandra Denton (Pepa), truly pushed it real good by making hip-hop relatable for women. Unafraid of showcasing their femininity with lyrics like "Girls, what's my weakness? (Men!)" the duo influenced a lot of what we know and love about hip-hop today.
“Big Ole Freak” by Megan Thee Stallion
In 2018, this song brought Megan Thee Stallion to mainstream attention. In an interview with "The Madd Hatta Maroning Show," she shared, "It's about me being confident in my sexuality, and other women not being scared of being confident."
“Get Ur Freak On” by Missy Elliott
With four Grammy awards over the course of her 30-year career, Missy Elliott's hit "Get Ur Freak On" hints at a double meaning. You can take the song as an invitation to dance, or, as an invitation to, well, you know.
“Real Love” by Mary J. Blige
Considered the "Queen of Hip Hop," Mary J. Blige's "Real Love" was on her debut album. As her first top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, with lyrics like, "I've been searching for someone to satisfy my every need, won't you be my inspiration? Be the real love that I need," how could it not be one of the most influential hip-hop love songs?
“My Type” by Saweetie
Saweetie's "My Type" brought out the female gaze with lyrics like, "Eight inch big, ooh, that's good pipe. Bad b*tch, I'ma ride the dick all night." As one of the best hip-hop songs about sex, it's no wonder this song lives rent free in your head.
“Are You That Somebody?” by Aaliyah
This love song flipped the object of desire and put the power in Aaliyah's hands. "Boy, I've been watching you like the hawk in the sky / That fly, but you were my prey." Is there any lyric more iconic?
“My Neck, My Back (Lick It)” by Khia
As the instructional song of the decade, Khia provides all the info someone needs to be good at head: "You roll your tongue, from the crack, back to the front, then you suck it all 'til I shake and come." Cunnilingus has never been more top of mind.
“Super Freaky Girl” by Nicki Minaj
Not only is Nicki Minaj skilled in word play, but her sense of humor truly sets her apart. The blunt lyrics of "Super Freaky Girl" is textbook Minaj and gives you that extra boost of confidence for a night out with your girls.
“WAP” by Cardi B. (feat. Megan Thee Stallion)
I mean, you didn't think we'd leave "WAP" off this playlist? The music video practically broke the internet in 2020 and pissed off a lot of men in the process.
“Weak” by Flo Milli
Flo Milli makes it clear she keeps a roster of men on their toes at all times with "Weak." Dennis? Boring. Maleek? Bad listener. Eric? Has a girlfriend he doesn't even like. Nothing's ever been more relatable.
“In Love Wit Chu” by Da Brat (feat. Cherish)
Da Brat is known for her sex-positive songs that often highlighted how sharing what you like in bed is hot. In her iconic hit "In Love Wit Chu," she talks about not caring about "burning up the minutes on the cell" with her love interest, and if that's not peak 90s love, I don't know what is.
“Big Bad Mama” by Foxy Brown (feat. Dru Hill)
Another hot and heavy song, "Big Bad Mama" was on the soundtrack for Def Jam's Rated-R comedy "How to Be a Player." She did the lord's work by offering instructional lyrics like, "For the best effect, you gotta use your tongue" and "Find my g-sport, get me hot, I'm ill."
“How Many Licks” By Lil’ Kim (feat. Sisqo)
Nicknamed the "Queen of Rap," Lil' Kim took notes from MC Lyte on sexual liberation and ran with it. Because she pushed boundaries when she debuted in the 90s, songs like "How Many Licks" set the stage for Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Megan Thee Stallion to fully dive into their sexual expression, too.