A “female banger” is slang that refers to a woman who makes and performs hip hop music. The term is used to describe female rappers, producers, DJs and other roles in the hip hop industry. While the term “banger” often refers to a standout, high-energy hip hop song, in this context it is used to describe the women themselves who create these popular tracks.
Female bangers have made major contributions to hip hop culture since its beginnings. However, like other areas of the music industry, hip hop has been male-dominated both in numbers and recognition. The term “female banger” puts the emphasis on celebrating the talents and musical impact of women in the genre.
Brief history of women in hip hop
Hip hop originated in the 1970s in New York City, pioneered by young people in marginalized communities. While it was largely dominated by male rappers and DJs, there were also influential women involved from the start.
Some of the first female bangers included Sha Rock, member of the foundational hip hop group Funky 4+1, and Lisa Lee, the first female rapper to appear on a commercially released hip hop song (Super Rhymes, 1979). The 1980s saw the rise of pioneering female artists like Roxanne Shanté, MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, and Salt-N-Pepa.
In subsequent decades, successful female rappers and producers have included Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, Lil Kim, Nicki Minaj, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion. Clearly, women have been making major musical contributions since hip hop’s genesis.
Why the term “female banger”?
Referring to talented female hip hop artists as “bangers” puts the focus on their musical abilities rather than gender. In the male-dominated hip hop industry, female artists have not always gotten respect and opportunities equal to men.
The term “female banger” makes it clear that these women deserve recognition and celebration primarily for their artistic talents and musical impact. It emphasizes that they are helping shape the genre through their skills as rappers, producers, DJs and more – not just their gender identity.
Some key reasons why the term is empowering:
Puts the spotlight on women’s contributions
Using “female banger” explicitly honors the creative contributions of women to hip hop. This highlights that female artists are not secondary, but actively helping advance hip hop music and culture.
Challenges gender bias
The music industry has long pigeonholed female artists and held them to stricter standards than men. Referring to accomplished women simply as “bangers” without the gender label challenges double standards.
Celebrates women’s skills
The term focuses on women’s skills as MC’s, producers, DJ’s, etc rather than just their gender identity. It’s about celebrating women’s abilities as musical artists.
Current female bangers pushing hip hop forward
Many talented female artists today demonstrate that women’s influence on hip hop is stronger than ever. Here are some of the current biggest female bangers:
Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion embodies the term “female banger.” Her rapid-fire lyrics, fierce delivery and unapologetic sexuality define her unique style. She’s also been outspoken about double standards for female rappers. Hits like “Savage,” “Body” and “Thot Sh*t” showcase her skills.
Doja Cat
Doja Cat broke through in 2019 with her quirky hit “Mooo!” Her creative lyrics, vocal talents and fusion of hip hop with pop and electronic music earned her the Best New Artist Grammy in 2021. Songs like “Say So,” “Kiss Me More” and “Woman” display her versatility.
Saweetie
Known for her skills, swagger and entrepreneurial hustle, Saweetie emerged with hits like “My Type” and “Tap In.” She demonstrates female bangers’ potential for success not just artistically but in business, releasing tracks on her own Icy label.
Latto
Rising talent Latto, formerly known as Mulatto, made a splash with her rapid-fire delivery in tracks like “Bitch from da Souf.” Her proudly Southern, in-your-face style exemplifies the boldness of today’s female bangers. Her hit “Big Energy” shows her crossover appeal.
Flo Milli
Alabama rapper Flo Milli has generated huge buzz with tracks like “Beef FloMix” and “In the Party.” Her viral hit “Roaring 20s” highlights her confidence and mic skills. She’s one of many young female rappers breaking through as bangers.
Key elements of a female banger’s style
While each has their own unique sound, some key elements unite many current female bangers’ styles:
Razor-sharp lyricism
Leading female rappers showcase their lyrical prowess through clever wordplay, witty bars and quick, aggressive flows. Megan Thee Stallion and Latto demonstrate the emphasis on sharp rhymes.
Unapologetic confidence
From their lyrics to music videos to off-stage persona, they project boldness and self-assurance. Female bangers celebrate women owning their power and sexuality.
Versatility and innovation
They display versatility, seamlessly blending rap with pop, rock, electronics and other genres. From Missy Elliott to Doja Cat, bangers push boundaries and innovation.
Mic skills and delivery
Lyrics are brought to life through the unique vocal talents and animated deliveries of top female rappers. Bangers’ catchy flows, pitch changes and rhythmic patterns create distinctive styles.
Beats and production
While rapping takes the spotlight, many female bangers also produce tracks. Production and beats are critical to a song’s vibe. Bangers keep their finger on the pulse of sounds that captivate audiences.
Why the term female banger empowers women in hip hop
Referring to talented women as “female bangers” positively shifts perceptions in several ways:
Puts skills over gender
It conveys that their abilities as artists are more relevant than their gender. They’re evaluated primarily for their mic skills, production, impact – not womanhood.
Changes narratives
The term flips the script on narratives that women are less legitimate artists. Bangers signals they deserve recognition for talents equal to men.
Affirms their cultural impact
Using “banger” for standout tracks, it communicates female artists are making culture-shaping music that demands attention.
Highlights range of contributions
Not just rappers, it honors the many roles women play as DJs, producers, music executives and more. Banger conveys their creative contributions span hip hop culture.
Puts honus on skills, not appearance
It emphasizes skills and achievements over critiques of physical appearance or sexualization often wrongly used to diminish female artists.
Statistics on the progress of female bangers
Recent data highlights the amazing progress of women in hip hop, even as gender disparities persist. Some key statistics:
Number of female rappers charting hits
– In 2017, only 3 songs by female rappers charted on the Hot 100
– In 2020, that number skyrocketed to 43 charting songs
Grammy wins by female rappers
– 2019: 0 Grammy wins
– 2021: 4 Grammy wins – Megan Thee Stallion and Doja Cat
Streaming numbers for female rappers
– Nicki Minaj became first female rapper to amass 20 billion global streams (2016)
– Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow” earned 1 billion global streams in under 1 year – fastest by a female rapper
Record label executives
– Record labels run by female executives are increasing – examples include Megan Thee Stallion’s 1501 Certified Ent, Minaj’s Young Money, Cardi B’s Washpoppin Inc
Conclusion
The rise of today’s female bangers symbolizes women claiming their space as creative forces shaping the future of hip hop. Though progress has been made, gender bias still exists. But the term female banger powerfully affirms that women deserve recognition and respect as standout musical artists based first and foremost on their undeniable talents and skills. These women aren’t just “female rappers” – they’re bangers.
