Before the likes of Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Megan Thee Stallion were topping charts all across the globe, many female hip hop artists paved the way for the rappers we know and love today. Without the women who fought hard to make it in a male-dominated genre throughout the 80s, 90s, and 2000s, we wouldn't be bopping to singles like Minaj's "Anaconda", Stallion's "Savage" and Cardi B's "Bodak Yellow" today.
While some of these exquisite artists might have been forgotten by younger generations, others have managed to establish a legend status to a degree where it's impossible for anyone not to know their name. Let's revisit the 2000s and take a look at the most successful and wealthy female rappers of that decade.
10 Remy Ma - $4 Million
Reminisce Mackie, known as Remy Ma, grew up in the Bronx and was discovered by Big Pun, and saw her first Grammy nomination in 2004 after she became a member of Terror Squad, an American hip-hop group making waves at the time.
Ma released her first studio album in 2006, and reportedly, 2020 will be the year where she finally releases the second one, titled Reminisce. Ma's endeavors have resulted in fame and fortune, with the rapper reportedly being worth $4 million.
9 Lil Mama - $6 Million
Lil Mama, born Niatia Jessica Kirkland in Brooklyn, New York, found major success throughout the 2000s, being hailed as "the voice of the young people" and the "queen of hip-hop" due to her unique style of mixing up ap with hip hop and lyrics that spoke to the younger generations.
With two studio albums, several television appearances, and continued relevance to this day, it's no wonder Lil Mama has managed to amass a net worth that's reportedly somewhere around $6 million.
8 Trina - $6 Million
American rapper Trina was born Katrina Laverne Taylor in Miami Florida back in 1974. She released her debut album in 2000 and soon followed up with "Diamond Princess" under the influence of Missy Elliott.
She's released six studio albums throughout her career, the most recent one in 2019. Trina has also enjoyed a series of television appearances as a presenter and reality star. With so many things to go around, it's clear how she amassed a net worth of $6 million.
7 Lauryn Hill - $8 Million
Lauryn Hill is one of the most iconic music artists America has ever produced. Hill jumped through several hoops and is highly regarded as one of the female musicians who made it possible for women to break through the hardest barriers and achieve mainstream fame.
Her success was ongoing from her breakthrough in the 90s and onwards. Although her peak wasn't during the 2000s, her influence was so great that it would be shameful not to include her in a list like this.
6 Eve - $10 Million
Philadelphia-born Eve released four studio albums throughout her impressive career and broke many records when it comes to topping charts and achieving mainstream success as a female hip-hop artist.
In 2019, Eve released her first single in several years, and it's rumored that a fifth album might be in the works. In the meantime, she's been busy touring, presenting TV shows, signing dozens of profitable brand deals, and more. All of this has helped Eve achieve her incredible net worth of $10 million.
5 M.I.A - $14 Million
Now 44 years old, English born rapper M.I.A became one of the most talked-about hip hop artists in the world in the early 2000s, something which the debut of her first studio album in 2005 only further cemented.
Five studio albums later, and with a sixth one said to be on its way this year, it's hard to find a fan of the genre that doesn't know at least one of her songs. Active to this very day, there's no stopping M.I.A from further increasing her $14 million net worth.
4 Sandra Denton - $15 Million
Sandra Denton, known to most as Pepa, was part of the hugely successful rap group Salt-N-Pepa, which gave us iconic hits such as "Push It".
Although the band peaked in the 80s and 90s, they made a comeback in the 2000s that introduced a whole new generation to their incredible hits and further cemented Denton's influence as a female rapper during that time. She now boasts a net worth of $15 million.
3 Lil' Kim - $18 Million
Now entering the realm of hugely influential female artists from the 2000s, we begin with none other than Lil' Kim. this New York City artist remains, to this day, a household name within the world of hip hop, and for good reason.
Although she's been involved in several controversies, that doesn't take away from Kim's incredible talent, latent in her five studio albums, and several features. Also known as Queen B, she's worthy of the title with her $18 million net worth.
2 Missy Elliott - $50 Million
Throughout the late 90s and early 2000s, you couldn't tune into MTV or turn on the radio without listening to Missy Elliott. Born in Virginia in 1971, Elliott has sold over 30 million records in the US alone and went on to rack up four Grammy Awards.
With an impressive discography that includes five studio albums, Missy Elliott has used her influence to become a producer and help other artists achieve success through her mentorship. As of 2020, her net worth is estimated to be a whopping $50 million.
1 Queen Latifah - $65 Million
Younger generations might not be aware of this, but before she was a big Hollywood star, Queen Latifah was hailed as one of the best female MCs and rap artists in the whole world.
With none other than seven studio albums under her belt, several acting roles in mainstream movies that achieved great success, and endless other endeavors, it's no wonder than Queen Latifah has a fortune of $65 million to brag about.