International Women’s Day 2025: Chart-Topping Hot 100 Hits by Female Rappers

In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, let’s celebrate female rappers’ undeniable impact on Hip Hop, particularly their groundbreaking accolades on Billboard’s coveted Hot 100 chart. 

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a time to acknowledge the fight for gender equality, reproductive rights, and an end to violence and abuse against women. 

It also acknowledges the countless contributions women have made across all fields, including music—in this case, rap music. 

Female rappers have consistently defied odds and in many cases, made history. This is true with not only with their chart-topping hits but also with their unapologetic voices in a genre historically dominated by their male counterparts. 

Here are some of the most iconic rap songs by female rap artists that have reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with a few honorable mentions that came very close!

“Bodak Yellow” – Cardi B (2017)

When Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow” hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 2017, it marked a true milestone in hip-hop history. Cardi B, straight out of the Bronx, became the first female rapper in nearly two decades to top the all-genre chart without the assistance of any featured artists. 

The hit song’s success was a testament to paving the way for more female rappers and redefined an entire genre. Cardi’s win with “Bodak Yellow” symbolizes the validation of women’s voices in mainstream music and beyond.

“Savage Remix” – Megan Thee Stallion ft. Beyoncé (2020)

In May 2020, “Savage Remix” by Megan Thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé took the number-one spot on the Billboard Hot 100. The song marked a pivotal moment in rap history: Megan Thee Stallion’s first chart-topping single, and Beyoncé’s seventh number-one hit. 

The collaboration between these two powerhouse women celebrated strength, confidence, and independence and solidified Megan’s place as a rising star in Hip-Hop.

“WAP” – Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion (2020)

“WAP” was a cultural phenomenon when it debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 2020. The song made history as the first all-female rap collaboration to reach the top spot, with Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion joining forces to create a bold anthem of sexual empowerment. That part. 

“WAP” spent four non-consecutive weeks at number one and broke the internet, pushed boundaries, and allowed for a candid discussion about female sexuality in a male-dominated genre.

“Say So” – Doja Cat (2020)

Doja Cat’s “Say So” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 2020, making her the latest female rapper to top the charts. The song, which blends elements of pop, disco, and rap, showcased Doja Cat’s versatility and unique style, which goes without saying, but it’s still rap at the end of the day if you ask us.

What makes it a bit different is its viral success on TikTok, which propelled it to the top. “Say So” further solidified Doja Cat’s place in the mainstream, marking a new era of female rappers crossing genres and setting trends from social media to the airwaves.

“Fancy” – Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX (2014)

Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy” featuring Charli XCX reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2014, marking Azalea’s first chart-topping single. It was a breakthrough moment for the Australian rapper, and the song’s catchy, empowering lyrics and bold visuals hit hard with audiences worldwide. 

“I Like It” – Cardi B ft. Bad Bunny & J Balvin (2018)

“I Like It” by Cardi B, Bad Bunny, and J Balvin debuted at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and quickly ascended to the top spot, marking Cardi B’s second number-one smash hit. 

The song, which blends hip-hop with Latin influences, made Cardi the first female rapper to achieve two chart-topping hits.

“Paint the Town Red” – Doja Cat (2023)

In September 2023, Doja Cat did it again with “Paint the Town Red,” which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The song, a smash, held nothing back with its bold production, marking another big moment in Doja Cat’s career.

Honorable Mentions

“Super Bass” – Nicki Minaj (2011)

Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass” became her most successful single at the time, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s super catchy beat and melodic lyrics made it a pop culture staple. 

While it didn’t reach number one, it was the highest-charting rap song by a solo female artist since Missy Elliott’s “Work It” in 2002, and it still sent shockwaves through rap and pop music simultaneously, solidifying Nicki Minaj’s place as one of the most influential female rappers in history.

“Anaconda” – Nicki Minaj (2014)

Before WAP there was “Anaconda,” which peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, marked a key moment in Nicki Minaj’s career. With its provocative visuals and they were just that and anthem friendly hook, “Anaconda” became an hit record pushing boundaries of empowerment and confidence. The song also topped the Billboard Streaming Songs chart, and while it didn’t clinch the top spot on the Hot 100, it was super impactful.

“U.N.I.T.Y.” – Queen Latifah (1993)

Queen Latifah’s “U.N.I.T.Y.” is a classic that peaked at #23 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a symbol of strength and unity in the face of adversity in a time where social impact was not commonplace within pop culture. 

The track’s message of self-respect, empowerment, and women standing together deeply connected within the hip-hop community and beyond. U.N.I.T.Y. was a powerful moment in the early ’90s for women in rap and continues to inspire the culture to this day.

As we reflect on these accolades by some of our most celebrated rap icons during International Women’s Day 2025, it’s clear that female emcees have not only helped shape the music industry but have also become powerful voices for the culture. Their respective successes are more than a testament to the progress made, but also show the work that is still needed to ensure that women’s voices are never drowned out but heard loud and clear while being celebrated in every corner of global culture.