Rock The Bells has returned! The long-running hip-hop festival, which originally focused on legacy and underground rap acts, was basically defunct for the past ten years. However, that was until the rapper whose song the festival is named after revived the festival last year. The man born Todd Smith revealed the full lineup for the 2023 festival today with a trailer reproducing scenes from headliner Queen Latifah’s 1996 film debut Set It Off (this is a trend), showing the only thing that changed is the coast (the original Rock The Bells took place in California, and so featured more West Coast artists).
The lineup for this year’s festival (“don’t call it a comeback”) includes Big Daddy Kane, Boot Camp Clik, De La Soul, Fabolous, Ludacris, MC Lyte, MC Sha Rock, Method Man & Redman, Monie Love, Rakim, Roxanne Shanté, Salt-n-Pepa, Slick Rick, Swizz Beatz and friends, The Cold Crush Brothers, and Yo-Yo. In addition, the festival will feature a tribute to the late Sean Price by the members of Boot Camp Clik, including his widow Bernadette Price, as well as a set honoring the pioneering women of hip-hop who are often ignored.
The 2023 Rock The Bells Festival will take place on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, New York. You can get more information here.
The rap industry has seen a surge of talented and successful female rappers who have made significant contributions to the world of music. These artists have not only changed the game but have also amassed impressive fortunes along the way. In this article, we rank the 20 richest female rappers in 2023, according to Wealthy Gorilla.
Richest Female Rappers: 23 To 10
23. Roxanne Shante – $500,000 Net Worth
(Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage/Getty Images)
Roxanne Shante, a trailblazer for female MCs in the 80s, boasts a net worth of $500,000. As a member of the Juice Crew, she pioneered the art of battling and paved the way for future female rappers.
22. Angel Haze – $500,000 Net Worth
(Photo by Santiago Felipe/Getty Images)
With a net worth of $500,000, Angel Haze, known for her confessional and brutally honest lyrics, has made a name for herself in the hip-hop scene since her debut in the early 2010s.
21. Young M.A – $2 Million Net Worth
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Young M.A, an openly gay rapper, has made waves in the industry since her debut in 2016. She boasts a net worth of $2 million, thanks to her hit single “Ooouuu” and subsequent releases.
20. Latto– $2 Million Net Worth
(Photo by Amy Sussman/WireImage/Getty Images)
From her victory on Rap Game to establishing herself as a leading force in the new generation of female rappers, Latto ascended to stardom through her fierce lyricism and infectious singles like “Big Energy.” According toCelebrity Net Worth, the rapper has a net worth of $2 million, making her one of the richest female rappers in 2023.
19. Ice Spice – $2 Million Net Worth
(Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images)
Breaking out in 2022 with the success of “Munch (Feelin’ U),” Ice Spice catapulted to the top of a rap game through her TikTok-friendly anthems and bubbly persona. Per Celebrity Net Worth, she has a net worth of $2 million as a result of her chart success and her growing celebrity profile.
18. Foxy Brown – $3 Million Net Worth
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Foxy Brown, a prominent figure in 90s hip-hop, has a net worth of $3 million. Her collaborations with Jay-Z and Nas solidified her status as a force to be reckoned with in the rap game.
17. Azealia Banks – $3 Million Net Worth
(Photo by Christie Goodwin/Redferns via Getty Images)
Known for her innovative style and controversial persona, Azealia Banks has accumulated a net worth of $3 million throughout her career, with hits like “212” and “Anna Wintour,” placing her at 17th on the list of the richest female rappers.
As the first solo female rapper to release a platinum-selling album, Da Brat holds a net worth of $3 million. Her career took off in the 90s, and she remains a respected figure in the industry.
15. Remy Ma – $4 Million Net Worth
(Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Essence)
With a net worth of $4 million, Remy Ma is a Grammy-nominated rapper who gained recognition as a member of Fat Joe’s Terror Squad before launching her solo career.
Trina, dubbed “The Diamond Princess,” has a net worth of $6 million. The rapper has been a mainstay in the industry since the late 90s and has released six studio albums to date.
13. MC Lyte – $8 Million Net Worth
(Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
As a pioneer for female rappers in the late 80s and early 90s, MC Lyte has a net worth of $8 million. She has consistently released music and served as a role model for future generations of female MCs.
12. Eve – $10 Million Net Worth
(Photo by Rachel Murray/Getty Images for NYLON)
With a net worth of $10 million, rapper and actress Eve rose to prominence as a member of the Ruff Ryders crew in the late 90s, eventually transitioning to a successful acting career.
11. DJ Spinderella – $10 Million Net Worth
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DJ Spinderella, a member of the influential female rap group Salt-N-Pepa, holds a net worth of $10 million. Her skills as a DJ and rapper have made her an integral part of the group’s success.
(Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
Megan Thee Stallion is a chart-topping superstar who cemented “Hot Girl Summer” into the lexicon of pop culture. Meg’s net worth sits at $12 million in 2023, thanks to numerous partnerships and an impressive catalog.
Richest Female Rappers: 9 to 1
9. M.I.A. – $14 Million Net Worth
(Photo by David Wolff – Patrick/Redferns/Getty Images)
British rapper M.I.A., known for her unique blend of electronic, hip-hop, and world music, has a net worth of $14 million. With hits like “Paper Planes” and “Bad Girls,” she has gained international acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
8. Cheryl James – $14 Million Net Worth
(Photo by Tommaso Boddi/FilmMagic/Getty Images)
Cheryl James, better known as Salt of the groundbreaking rap group Salt-N-Pepa, has a net worth of $14 million. She and her bandmates paved the way for future female rappers and have left an indelible mark on the industry.
7. Iggy Azalea – $15 Million Net Worth
(Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images)
Australian rapper Iggy Azalea, known for her catchy hits like “Fancy” and “Black Widow,” boasts a net worth of $6 million, making her currently 13th on the richest female rappers list.
6. Sandra Denton – $15 Million Net Worth
(Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Sandra Denton, also known as Pepa from the legendary group Salt-N-Pepa, boasts a net worth of $15 million. As one of the first all-female rap groups, they broke barriers and continue to inspire new generations of artists.
5. Lil Kim – $18 Million Net Worth
(Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Essence)
With a net worth of $18 million, Lil Kim has been a prominent figure in the rap industry since her debut in the mid-90s. Her provocative lyrics and fashion sense have made her an icon in the world of hip-hop, making her fourth in the richest female rappers list.
4. Missy Elliott – $50 Million Net Worth
(Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Missy Elliott, a pioneer in both music and fashion, has a net worth of $50 million. Her innovative music videos and unique style have left a lasting impact on the industry and garnered her numerous accolades, including four Grammy Awards.
3. Queen Latifah – $60 Million Net Worth
(Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Queen Latifah, with a net worth of $60 million, is not only a legendary rapper but also a successful actress and television producer. Since her debut in the late 80s, she has continuously broken barriers and remains a respected figure in the industry.
(Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty Images)
Cardi B, the outspoken and charismatic rapper, has quickly risen to fame with a net worth of $80 million. She broke onto the scene with her chart-topping hit “Bodak Yellow” and has since released her Grammy-winning album Invasion of Privacy.
1. Nicki Minaj – $150 Million Net Worth
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Topping the list with a net worth of $150 million, Nicki Minaj has dominated the rap scene since her debut in 2009. With multiple chart-topping hits, numerous awards, and a devoted fan base, she has solidified her status as the current queen of female rap and why she tops the list of the richest female rappers.
Conclusion
These 23 talented and successful female rappers have broken barriers, inspired new generations of artists, and left their mark on the music industry. Their net worths serve as a testament to their hard work, dedication, and impact on the world of hip-hop.
KRS-One will share his knowledge on hip-hop in a series of new classes for hip-hop’s 50th anniversary in the Bronx, N.Y. The “I’m Still #1” artist is now another rapper who will play a part in honoring the genre’s 50th birthday. Rap legend KRS-One is one of the latest rappers that will celebrate the 50th anniversary […]
Queen Latifah is a superstar of her time, renowned for her rapping skills, and lauded as one of the top actresses in Hollywood today. She broke into film in the early ’90s and has since stockpiled over a hundred roles on television and cinema screens. In 2002, Latifah snatched an Academy Award nomination for her part in the big-screen version of Chicago. To celebrate this powerhouse of talent, we’ve developed the top favorite Queen Latifah movies, showing off an impressive variety of genres from drama to family films, comedy to musicals. Her presence is unmistakable whenever she appears on screen, so brimming with charisma and assurance that it’s no wonder we love her. Her unique range allows her to shine through each one, proving why she reigns supreme in the business.
7. Gina – Beauty Shop (2005)
Latifah is confident, and Beauty Shop is a delightfully amusing story of a woman taking control of her life. Not content to simply mimic Barbershop, this film has a much more believable narrative that goes beyond stand-up comedy or pratfalls. Queen Latifah leads as Gina, who recently moved from Chicago to Atlanta (where she made a brief appearance in the second installment of Barbershop). Consequently, her talent quickly lands her on top at a grand salon owned by the enigmatic Jorge Christophe, who happens to be the only man in the movie.
The beauty of movies of this nature is they can become a platform for larger-than-life characters. It’s like a variety show where each character has their moment to shine, such as when Miss Josephine, played by Alfre Woodard, gives a passionate rendition of Maya Angelou’s classic poem “Still I Rise.”
6. Ellie – Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006)
Latifah takes the lead role in the Ice Age franchise as Ellie, opposite Ray Romano’s Manny. Ellie and Manny, two woolly mammoths endangered by their ongoing animosity, embark on a daring quest to save their pal Sid the Sloth (John Leguizamo). Along with them come Crash (Sean William Scott) and Eddie (Josh Peck), Ellie’s mischievous brothers, two possums who constantly defy authority. With climate warming quickly, they have no choice but to race to the other side of the valley if they want to save Sid.
5. August Boatwright – The Secret Life of Bees (2008)
The Secret Life of Bees vividly depicts 1964 rural South Carolina, providing hope and light in enchanting parable form. Queen Latifah shone as August Boatwright, a mysterious figure trading in honey harvested from content bees. Her performance was remarkable. She lives with her two sisters, June (Alicia Keys) and May (Sophie Okonedo). Critics praised and commended Latifah’s masterful portrayal of Boatwright for giving the picture its backbone.
4. Cleo – Set It Off (1996)
Directed by F. Gary Gray, the film follows four African American women from the inner-city struggling financially. Desperate to improve their situation, they hatch an audacious plan to rob several banks in Los Angeles. Despite initial success, disagreements arise, leading to mistrust among them. Meanwhile, the brother of a slain policeman is on their tail. Queen Latifah stars as Cleo and received an NAACP Image Award nomination for her outstanding acting in this movie.
3. Miracles From Heaven (2016)
Anna Beam was a cheerful 10-year-old girl whose life changed after she developed a rare, incurable illness. Desperate to find a cure, her mother, Christy (Jennifer Garner), embarked on a relentless pursuit. Astonishingly, Anna made an incredible recovery after a near-fatal mishap that even baffled experts. Queen Latifah played Angela, a compassionate waitress who offered solace to the joyful young girl. Inspired by the true story of Christy Beam’s book Miracles From Heaven, this is one of those Queen Latifah movies that proves that anything is possible.
2. Bessie Smith – Bessie (2015)
Queen Latifah took on a daunting task when she agreed to star in the biopic of Bessie Smith. She stepped forward after a decade of hesitance, captivating the audience with her stirring portrayal marked by passion and profound intensity. She proves her skill and range as an actor, encompassing various emotions from longing to indignation. Latifah’s remarkable performance captivated viewers, conveying a vivid impression of real-life truth.
1. Mama Morton – Chicago (2002)
The decision to cast Queen Latifah as Matron Mama Morton in the movie Chicago was a highly contentious choice. Two bold singers, Velma and Roxie, find themselves behind bars, desperately needing aid from an unscrupulous lawyer. Thanks to her performance in Chicago, Latifah received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. The movie ultimately won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Nicki Minaj crowns Ice Spice as the princess of rap as she ventures into the world of animation, boasting some of the industry’s most creative minds. Dej Loaf returns with new music, SZA’s SOS Tour is back for a second leg, Shenseea’s latest single, “Curious,” is already buzzing on the charts, and more! Nicki Minaj […]
Queen Latifah is one of the most important rappers in history. She first hit the rap scene all the way back in 1989 at just 19. It was in that year that the rapper released her debut album, “All Hail The Queen.” The album’s empowering and Afrocentric lyrics were an instant hit. Subsequently, the Queen has gone on to inspire multiple generations of female rappers. Overall, the New Jersey native has made an incredible impact on the industry. Now, she has ensured her voice will live on forever.
On Wednesday, the Library of Congress announced that Queen Latifah had been inducted into the National Recording Registry. The registry is a database that preserves culturally significant recordings. Other inductees on this year’s list include Mariah Carey’s holiday standard “All I Want for Christmas is You,” Madonna’s “Like A Virgin” and Daddy Yankee’s 2004 smash “Gasolina.’ The registry was first created in 2000. Most of the inductees have been older jazz and rock songs. However, there have been a few hip-hip entries in the past. Jay-Z’s albumThe Blueprint and Dr. Dre’sThe Chronic are two notable standouts.
Queen Latifah Inspires Multiple Generations
Host Queen Latifah speaks onstage during the 54th NAACP Image Awards (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
NPR would go on to explain why Queen Latifah was chosen for induction. “Her album showed rap could cross genres including reggae, hip-hop, house and jazz — while also opening opportunities for other female rappers.” On that point, her impact on female rappers is perhaps what she’s best known for. In 1993 she released her classic single “U.N.I.T.Y.” The song became a rallying cry for black women against the sexism they often face in hip-hop and society at-large. It speaks to the song’s longevity that it still gets play 30 years after its release.
However, it’s not just the rap game that Queen Latifah has conquered. After putting music on the back burner, the star became an A-list actress in the 90s and 2000s. Indeed, she is near the top of the short list of rappers who succeeded in Hollywood. Additionally, she has also dipped her toe in the daytime talk show waters. Two different iterations of “The Queen Latifah Show” ran from 1999 to 2001 and from 2009 to 2011. Additionally, the star long since solidified herself as a fashion icon. Overall, regardless of whether she’s rapping or acting, Queen Latifah has had a truly legendary career.
Queen Latifah, the trailblazing rapper, and actress, has achieved a significant milestone in her career. Her debut studio album, “All Hail the Queen,” has been selected to be included in the National Recording Registry for 2023, making her the first female rapper to be included in this prestigious depository. On April 12th, 2023, the Library […]
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