Your Favorite Rapper’s Favorite Black-Ass Rapper
Happy Black History Month, Black people, and welcome to This Black-Ass Life! Missy Elliott was recently honored at the Grammys Black Music Collective Dinner, as she should be and should always be, and that got us thinking about some of our favorite Black women rap legends and rappers of today. So check these out and email us (thisblackasslife@gmail.com) your favs because our playlists need it!
I. The Facts
We’re trying to limit this list because we are women who have things to do and people to see and snacks to eat, but if we could, this list would feature hundreds. Please do not be mad at us for missing your (and likely our) favs!
The gift of Ice Spice is her unmanufactured, comfortable-in-her-skin (cozy) brand of weirdness, fun, and talent. We can’t get enough! Check out Boy’s a liar.
Missy Misdemeanor Melissa Arnette Elliott is a visionary from the year 3065. We weren’t ready in the aughts, and we’re still not. Also please keep dressing y’all’s babies like missy every Halloween. The joy we get from the photos?! Immeasurable.
What can’t Dana Owens do?! Actress! Owner of the most perfect hair and skin! Jazz Singer! And you and your aunties’ favorite rapper. Queen Latifah is light in the shape of a woman. Also her Foxy Brown diss record?! Sheeesh.
Doechii found viral fame on TikTok, and built a career thanks to her unimpeachable talent. Now she’s on records with SZA and Missy! Check out Persuasive.
We literally dare you to listen to Flo Milli and not come away from that experience COMPLETELY feeling yourself. Check out Conceited.
Cupcakke is funny, charismatic, talented, and the star of your favorite TikTok mixes. Check out Marge Simpson.
Imitated, but never duplicated, Lil’ Kim is the gold standard. The technicolor blueprint. The fact that she isn’t consistently in the top ten lists of best rappers is just misogyny. Kimmy is one of one in the rap game.
She’s on hiatus because the world does not deserve her, but we can’t wait to have Megan Thee Stallion back whenever she is ready. An advocate for Black women and mental health, supporter of abortion rights, and the owner of the thickest of thighs, she can do no wrong. We send her all the love and care.
From Memphis to the global stage, Glorilla is out here releasing music that moves the booty and the soul, and truth telling about the legal system and abortion rights. Check out Tomorrow 2.
Beyoncé is your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper. Perhaps the clearest example was when she went toe to toe with her muse, roommate, and frequent collaborator Jay Z on We Are Love and outrapped on every record. Check out Savage Remix.
Special shout out to Blue “never seen a ceiling in my whole life” Ivy Carter. A rap legend in the making.
First, Inga DeCarlo Fung Marchand is the world’s best name. Second, give Foxy Brown all her things. I mean, come on, the lady gave us the best Blackstreet song.
Why does it matter?
It should go without saying that Black women have been instrumental in rap music, and we’re glad to celebrate a few of our favs.
What can my Black ass do?
STREAM, BUY, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, etc.
II. Other Things
Black-ass happenings
The Root counts down the top ten Grammy Black history moments.
Speaking of, the Roc Nation Brunch took place this weekend - what do they eat?
Lizzo delivered the perfect acceptance speech for record of the year.
George M. Johnson wrote a beautiful, moving tribute to their grandmother.
Love a Black bookstagrammer!
Giselle’s ability to keep her ear to the Internet streets and reimagine her own music - we love it! Here’s a preview of Cuff It (Wetter); buy it here.
We are Harlem stans. You put a group of girlfriends on TV with messy lives, and we WILL tune in! Here is an interview with the show’s costume designer who is doing the Lord’s work.
Our Black-Ass song(s) of the week (Mitu):
It is a joy to watch Chlöe’s artistic development; here is Pray It Away.
Things we look forward to:
I (Mitu) look forward to a Harlem marathon while I pack because I am moving!
I (Jumoke) look forward to supporting Mitu in her move, emotionally and by picking boxes up and stuff!
lll. Affirmations for a Black-Ass Baby
Kaavia gathered her family to read affirmations to her. This baby! Perfection!
Stay Black, have a snack, and take a nap today. We'll hit your inbox next on February 21!