From “Whole Lotta Money” to “Point Me 2,” Nicki Minaj and Cardi B are helping usher in a female rap renaissance on the Billboard Hot 100.
Nicki Minaj and Cardi B at Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018 in New York City.Kevin Tachman/Getty Images
As hip-hop moves further away from an era when female rappers seemingly have to be affiliated with a crew of men to secure legitimacy and launch their own careers, the genre’s reigning queens are helping a rising class of female rappers reach new levels of commercial success.
While there is merit to the argument that remixes are getting less creatively ambitious, they still have a certain gravity about them — especially when an established artist is joining forces with a burgeoning star. Perhaps the most tangible form of a co-sign, the remix has cemented itself as a savvy way for rappers with regional hits to bring those songs to the forefront of the national, and international, consciousness, while less established artists can prove that their hits have a life outside of TikTok trends and challenges.
Of course, there is also a benefit for the more established stars in this equation. Artists who have already cemented themselves in hip-hop’s current pantheon can reach young and more niche fans through these remixes, while also keeping their name afloat in the streets and on the charts, depending on the nature of the song. Remixes have also become part of the promotional campaign for imminent album releases from prominent artists; in anticipation for their proper lead singles, artists will hop on hot songs to keep their name in the conversation and set the stage for their own takeover. In Nicki’s case, her recent wave of remix aims to lay the foundation for her forthcoming Pink Friday 2 album cycle. For Cardi, while details on her sophomore record remain scarce, her string of remixes has allowed her to remain in the musical conversation despite not releasing a single of her own since last year’s “Hot S—t” (with Kanye West & Lil Durk).
But for those rising artists, being stamped by either proven hitmaker brings with it the attention of massive, devoted fanbases and A-list star power. In fact, Nicki/Cardi remixes are a reflection of the highly collaborative nature of contemporary female rap. From Monaleo and Flo Milli’s “We Not Humping (Remix)” to Gloss Up, K Carbon, Slimeroni, Aleza, & Lola Brooke’s “Shabooya,” female rap is thriving thanks in large part to the abundance of such crossover collaborations.
Below, Billboard breaks down the numbers behind these recent remixes, and examines the effect Nicki Minaj and Cardi B have on songs that they lend their voices and pens to:
News
Angel Reese Is ‘Super Excited’ for Her WNBA Debut and the ‘Impact’ of Her Star-Studded Draft Class
As Angel Reese moves to Chicago and starts practicing for her new team — the Sky — she’s getting excited for her rookie year and what her…
Reese, Cardoso seen as ‘luminaries’ for Sky’s long-term future
Chicago Sky F Angel Reese and C Kamilla Cardoso are the “future of the organization” and they are “already proving that they have the necessary star power…
Angel Reese is excited that three Tigers were selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Who are they?
Expressed her joy on social media Louisiana State University (LSU) alumna Angel Reese took to X to express her joy as three Tigers were selected in the first round…
Why Does Angel Reese Wear One-Legged Tights During Games? There’s A Surprising Reason
Why Does Angel Reese Wear One-Legged Tights During Games? There’s A Surprising Reason She even matches them with her team colors. 😍 Angel Reese fans, listen up! The…
How Angel Reese became a millionaire by buying a luxury white Mercedes worth twice her first year’s salary
The 21-year-old celebrated the next step in her career with a brand new luxury car Angel ReeseInstagram / IG @angelreese10 Angel Reese is no stranger to the high…
Angel Reese shared: When I was a child, I always admired many good players in the WNBA. Now, being able to see my name on the back of the jersey is awesome. She caused ticket and jersey sales to skyrocket
The Angel Reese effect is already being felt in Chicago. Just days after the Sky selected the LSU star with the seventh pick in the draft, her…
End of content
No more pages to load