2023 BET Awards: Best Female Hip Hop Artist Nominees Breakdown

We've been highlighting the nominees for the 2023 BET Awards, and it's time to shine a light on the Best Female Hip Hop Artist category. Several noteworthy artists are competing for the gold this year, and fans have taken to social media to praise their favorites. The BET Awards prides itself on being "the culture's biggest night," as it says, so we're expecting another year of monumental performances from the industry's hottest players.

In Hip Hop's recent years, the ladies have dominated the charts. We've seen women in Rap command attention as they've unapologetically put their bars on display. This year, the Best Female Hip Hop Artist nominees are familiar faces who have amassed charting glory—some even collaborating to craft massive hits. It comes as no surprise to see Rap veterans to the newer generation on this list, but they all certainly deserve the recognition. Take a look at the seven femcees up for the 2023 BET Awards category for Best Female Hip Hop Artist.

Cardi B is a force of nature in the rap industry, stemming from the streets of The Bronx. Since signing with Atlantic Records in 2017, Cardi's career trajectory has been stratospheric. Her debut studio album Invasion of Privacy won the Grammy for Best Rap Album, making her the first solo female artist to win in this category. Known for chart-topping hits like "Bodak Yellow" and "Up," Cardi B conquers the Billboard Hot 100, setting and breaking records with each new release.

She's also claimed multiple accolades, including four BET Awards. Now a 2023 BET Award nominee, Cardi continues to captivate audiences with her unapologetic charisma. Her authenticity makes Cardi B an indomitable force in the music industry, continually reshaping the landscape of modern Hip Hop.

Coi Leray is a burgeoning talent in Hip Hop. This engaging artist began her musical journey independently before signing with Republic Records in 2018. Leray's debut mixtape, Everythingcoz, launched her into the spotlight. Coi's breakthrough single, "No More Parties," landed a spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2021, earning a Platinum certification. Her ensuing successes led to the release of her debut studio album in 2022, further showcasing her innovative blend of Hip Hop and melodic rap.

Further, Leray's 2023 BET Awards nomination marked her recognition in the competitive music industry. Having collaborated with industry heavyweights and consistently producing charting singles, Coi Leray stands out for her refreshing sound and positive outlook. As she continues to evolve, Leray's career promises great potential in the constantly shifting landscape of contemporary Hip Hop.

GloRilla stands as a force with her deep, textured drawl. This Memphis-born rapper found her footing in music through her church's choir, later shifting to Rap after losing her voice. She launched her career with the mixtape Most Likely Up Next in 2019, chased by an EP, P Status, released the following year. Her breakout moment came with the viral hit "F.N.F. (Let's Go)" with Hitkidd in 2022, sparking the #FNFChallenge on TikTok. It helped her bag two nominations at the 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards. Furthering her meteoric rise, Glo signed with fellow Memphis rapper Yo Gotti's Collective Music Group label in July 2022.

Additionally, her single "Tomorrow 2", featuring Cardi B, stormed the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. Following the success of her EP Anyways, Life's Great... and collaborations with artists like Latto and Moneybagg Yo, GloRilla solidified her status as one of Hip Hop's most rousing new voices. Despite a tragic stampede at a concert in 2023, she continues to impact the music scene.

Ice Spice is one of the newest Bronx natives to captivate Hip Hop. Growing up in a diverse household, her love for Hip Hop began early, inspired by artists like Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj. Her professional journey started in 2021, following a chance meeting with producer RiotUSA in college. Ice Spice's debut, "Bully Freestyle," landed in March 2021, garnering her immediate attention.

The track "Munch (Feelin' U)" became a viral sensation in 2022, enjoying a boost from the renowned Drake. The success led to a deal with 10K Projects and Capitol Records and the release of her debut EP, Like..? in 2023. This year also saw Ice collaborate with heavyweights like Lil Tjay and Nicki Minaj, scoring multiple Top 5 singles on the Billboard Hot 100. Her fusion of audacious lyricism and Drill beats has defined 2023 as her breakout year.

Latto has spent her life working on her music career, and she's enjoying the fruits of her labor. First gaining recognition on Lifetime's The Rap Game, she soon signed with RCA Records. Her debut album, Queen of Da Souf, featured the Platinum-certified hit "B*tch From Da Souf." This charting success solidified Latto's place in the industry, with her fiery verses gaining traction among listeners. Her 2021 follow-up album 777 further demonstrated her growth as an artist, earning widespread acclaim.

Houston's Megan Thee Stallion is a Texas-born powerhouse. Since signing with 300 Entertainment in 2018, her career has skyrocketed. Her debut studio album, Good News, delivered multiple chart-topping hits, including "Savage Remix" featuring Beyoncé and "Body." Megan’s distinctive mix of high-energy performance and raw lyricism has earned her multiple honors, including three Grammy Awards for Best New Artist, Best Rap Performance, and Best Rap Song. By the time of the 2023 BET Awards, she’s been nominated once again, underscoring her continuous impact on Hip Hop. Megan Thee Stallion's bold persona and infectious confidence have positioned her as a formidable force.

Renowned as the "Queen of Rap," Nicki Minaj first made her name in Queens, New York. Since signing with Young Money Entertainment in 2009, Minaj has consistently pushed boundaries in the music industry. With albums like Pink Friday, Roman Reloaded, and The Pinkprint, she has secured numerous Billboard Hot 100 hits. Tracks like "Super Bass," "Starships," and "Anaconda" have become classics in the culture.

Minaj has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including 10 BET Awards, six American Music Awards, and four Billboard Music Awards. Her 2023 BET Awards nomination reinforces her enduring influence on Rap, regardless of gender. Hailed as one of the greatest to ever pick up a mic, Minaj's dedicated fanbase of Barbz never hesitate to let the world know just how deep her talent runs.