The 5 Baddest Chicks in the Game Right Now

Recently I’ve been on a bit of a “girl power” kick.  Actually – who am I kidding? I’ve been preaching since the days of Spice.  And while I love my Britney, Miley, and Lana, and trust me I do, I wanted to find some new ear candy to indulge in.  Now – before we go any further, there are two things you should know.  First of all, all of these women are cooler than me.  Now don’t get too crazy, they’re cooler than you too, but I probably don’t know you, so let’s just use me as a reference. These women are WAY cooler than me.  Secondly – all of these women you will read about below are of the “female rapper” persuasion. That’s right – we’re going there.  Keeping that in mind, please be mindful that some of the content linked here is not suitable for those who cannot sign themselves into a doctor’s office (18+ please!).

1. M.I.A.

Let’s start with the vet of the group.  Mathangi “Maya” Arupragasam, better known by her stage name “M.I.A.” became wildly popular when her hit (written by M.I.A. and Diplo) reached the mainstream by being aligned with the extremely successful movie Pineapple Express in 2008.  Since then, she has released numerous albums, been featured on several other soundtracks (ie; the Bling Ring with #3 Rye Rye), and had some highly publicized performances. In addition, aside from being one of the only female Indian rappers in the game, she also sets herself apart for being an outspoken activist.  M.I.A. is constantly speaking out on behalf of human rights groups, and donating to worthy causes.  In fact – after her infamous 2008 MTV Movie Awards performance (where she performed 9 months pregnant), she donated her $100,000 performance fee to build schools in Liberia. Like, let’s get real here.  How can you not love a bad-a$$ chick with a heart of gold?  Check out M.I.A.’s most recent hit “Bad Girls” , or if you’re looking for an “oldie” but a goodie, check out my favorite M.I.A. song “Bucky Done Gun” .

2. Kat Dahlia

While I don’t know much about this new girl on the block, I do know that I’ve listened to her first track “Gangsta” on repeat for the last few days.  What I do know is that Kat – born Katriana – was born and raised in Miami.  At the age of eight, Kat was rapping and writing lyrics, and by the age of 15 she was utilizing YouTube as a band in lieu of live instrumentals.  As of now she has only released three songs – “” (available in both English and Spanish), “Mirror”, and “Money Party”, but all three are equally intense, enthralling, and soulful.  You heard it here first… keep an eye out for this one.

3. Rye Rye

I’m going to go ahead and assume you’ve heard of this up and comer.  As I mentioned earlier, Rye Rye recently collaborated with M.I.A. on the hit single “Sunshine” (which makes sense as she was the first artist to be signed to M.I.A.’s label N.E.E.T.), but it doesn’t stop there. She has also worked with the likes of Robyn, Diplo, and Crookers.  I will tell you, however, this is not why I find Rye Rye so utterly entertaining and loveable. First of all – if you’ve seen the recent 21 Jumpstreet (which I’m sure you have because, Channing), then you’ve peeped Rye Rye.  She plays one of the more successful undercover agents that loves to rip on the delinquent leads.  But more interesting (at least if you ask me) Rye Rye is known as the muse of fashion designer Prebal Gurung.  She hooked her man up by performing her single “New Thing” as a promo for Gurung. .

 

4. Iggy Azalea 

Oh lawdy, I could talk about this chick for hours – and I actually probably have.  Born Amethyst Kelly of Sydney, Australia,  Iggy left home to move to the states in 2006 – though she told her parents it was just for a vacation.  She originally landed in Miami and has since “settled” in L.A. (she is technically still here on a work visa).   She has been linked to A$AP Rocky (confirmed rumor) and most recently Kanye West (regular rumor), and has worked with names like T.I., Steve Aoki, and Angel Haze.  However, the most interesting thing about Iggy isn’t the fact that she’s a tall leggy blonde signed to Def Jam Records, or the fact that she has Rocky’s breakout album title Live.Love.A$AP. tatted on her fingers.  If you ask me, it’s the fact that in 2012, one year after the release of her first full-length project, Azalea signed a contract with Wilhelmina Models International.  In 2012, she was also chosen as the new face for the Levi Jeans campaign “Go Forth”.  But like, can you blame them?  Check out my favorite Iggy song “” here.

5) Azealia Banks

Last but certainly not least on this list is Azealia Banks.  Born and raised in Harlem, New York, Ms. Banks has always had a passion for music and performing.  She attended the LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts -which is famous for breeding stars (it is after all, the school that the show Fame was based on), – until dropping out in 2008 to focus on her career.  While I don’t condone passing on a proper education (stay in school kids!), it clearly paid off.  Bank’s has hit the big time with her hit “”, which has been featured in Pitch Perfect, The Heat, and The Bling Ring. “212” has also received extremely positive reviews from The Guardian, NPR,  and Pitchfork Media, which as far as I’m concerned speaks for itself.  Also notable – Azealia has spoken openly about the abuse, both physical and verbal, she endured from her mother, which lead her to move in with her sister at the age of 16.  She has also come out as an openly bi-sexual woman, but she doesn’t want you to make a big deal about it, so be cool – okay?

 

By Molly Kadish