Detroit is a famous place in the hip-hop scene as it has a storied rap history from MC Breed and Eminem’s rise in the 90s and beyond. DeJ Loaf’s recent success, driven by her hit song “Try Me,” has added another chapter to Detroit’s rap story. She secured a record deal with Columbia Records and gained national recognition.
However, is DeJ Loaf the only talented female artist from Detroit? Of course, she isn’t the only Detroit female rapper with serious skills, There’s a whole crew of talented ladies repping the gritty Detroit vibe and unique culture. Their raw creativity is a driving force in the hip-hop scene. With this unique style and creativity, Detroit’s rappers continue to influence the hip-hop scene.
Top Female Rappers From Detroit
Below are the top 10 female rappers from Detroit you should listen to in 2023:
10. Neisha Neshae
Known as Detroit’s “Queen of R&B Trap,” Neisha, whose birth name is Daneisha Turnbull, faced a difficult upbringing marked by abuse. Despite her talent in basketball, she turned to music as an escape following her mother’s passing.
Leaving school behind, she took a job at Taco Bell, where she simultaneously launched her music career by releasing a mixtape. In 2016, Neisha began to gain recognition, thanks to her hit single “On a Cloud.” Her talent didn’t go unnoticed, and she crossed paths with another big artist Big Sean, who’s also from Detroit, and invited her to join his “I Decided” tour. Neisha’s journey led her to sign with Virgin EMI, and she released an album titled “Queenin’,” which was produced by Big Sean.
9. Molly Brazy
Kamaiyah, widely recognized as the rapper Molly Brazy, hails from Detroit and was born on February 22, 1999, making her 24 years old at present. She was raised by a single mother and, alongside her brother, developed a keen interest in hip-hop. Kamaiyah has attributed her mother’s influence as a significant factor in shaping her music career. Unfortunately, her academic journey was marked by challenges due to her aggressive behavior towards fellow students, ultimately resulting in her expulsion from school.
While officially launching her music career in 2016, Kamaiyah began writing rap lyrics at the tender age of 10. She also engaged in freestyle sessions with her brother’s rap group. Her estimated net worth stands at approximately $500,000. Notably, Kamaiyah is gaining prominence in the rap industry and has forged collaborations with other prominent artists, including Kash Doll.
8. Angel Haze
Born in Detroit in 1991, Raykeea Angel Wilson, known as Angel Haze, is a prominent female rapper hailing from the city. Angel’s life was marked by early challenges; her father tragically lost his life to a gunshot wound before her birth, and she endured a distressing incident of childhood assault. To seek a fresh start, her family relocated to Brooklyn, New York, when she was 15.
In Brooklyn, Angel turned to poetry and journaling as a therapeutic outlet, and it was during this time that she discovered her knack for rapping. She began sharing her music by uploading videos on YouTube. Inspired by rap legends like Eminem and Tupac, she even released a mixtape titled “Cleaning Out My Closet,” where she paid tribute to Eminem to his song with the same title.
Beyond her music, Angel Haze also harbors a passion for painting and has demonstrated considerable talent in this artistic pursuit. In addition to her musical endeavors, she has collaborated with various artists, including pop icon Sia. Her journey is a testament to resilience and creativity in the face of life’s challenges.
7. Brooklyn Queen
Brooklyn Queen, an 18-year-old female rapper hailing from Detroit, drew inspiration from the iconic Beyoncé. Remarkably, she penned her very first song at the tender age of 5, making her one of the youngest female rappers on record. Reports suggest that her rap talents are a familial legacy, inherited from her father, who himself was a rapper. Recognizing her innate gift for music, her father and family provided unwavering support to nurture her burgeoning talent.
Brooklyn Queen made her debut with the hit track “Queens Corner,” which marked the beginning of her musical journey. Subsequently, she released several other music compositions, solidifying her presence in the music industry. In addition to her rap career, Brooklyn Queen manages a YouTube channel where she shares a variety of content, including prank videos and insights into her skincare routine. Her multifaceted approach to entertainment showcases her diverse talents and creative pursuits.
6. Rocky Badd
Brianna Perry, a 29-year-old Detroit-born female rapper known by her stage name Rocky Badd, is making waves in the hip-hop and rap industry, thanks to her exceptional rap skills and unique style. Despite being exposed to gospel and pop music during her upbringing, she ultimately found her calling in rap and decided to pursue a career in hip-hop music.
Rocky Badd’s debut track, “Badd B**ch Anthem,” achieved significant success and garnered her a substantial following. Building on this initial success, she went on to release several other songs, including the notable track “Like Me.” Her talent and dedication to her craft have firmly established her as an emerging talent in the hip-hop scene.
5. Feloni
Feloni, a prominent figure in the hip-hop scene since 2005, hails from Detroit and is highly regarded as a respected female rapper. Her birth name is Trish R. Best, but she is also recognized as Binah. Born on December 9, 1977, she currently stands at 45 years of age, and some argue that she is among the pioneering female artists in the rap industry.
During her childhood, Feloni had a passion for gospel singing. She ventured into songwriting at a young age and subsequently released various mixtapes. Her talent did not go unnoticed, leading to an opportunity to collaborate with Blackface Entertainment. In a noteworthy milestone, Feloni received a nomination for Best Rapper at the Los Angeles Music Awards in 2007. This recognition speaks to her enduring impact and significance in the world of hip-hop.
4. Lizzo
Lizzo, a name that resonates even beyond the realms of hip-hop and R&B music. Her influence extends far and wide, making her a household name. While Lizzo is the stage moniker she’s known by, her true identity is Melissa Viviane Jefferson.
Beyond her musical endeavors, Lizzo’s claim to fame lies in her role as the founding member of several indie hip-hop groups, including The Chalice, Grrrl Prty, The Clerb, Ellypseas, and Absynthe.
However, it’s her advocacy for body positivity that truly sets her apart. Lizzo has become an icon in this realm, using her platform to champion self-love and encourage individuals to embrace their bodies just as they are, irrespective of the negative criticisms that may come their way. Her message of love and positivity has earned her the adoration of millions of fans.
Further evidence of Lizzo’s monumental popularity and icon status can be found in her substantial net worth. With her multi-millionaire status, Lizzo’s estimated net worth currently stands at a remarkable $40 million.
3. Boss
Lichelle Laws, widely recognized by her stage name “Boss,” stands as a prominent rap figure hailing from Detroit. She holds the distinction of being one of the early female pioneers in the rap genre, commencing her music journey in the late 1980s. Regrettably, her presence in the music industry was relatively brief, encompassing the release of two albums: “Born Gangstaz” in 1993 and “The Undisputed Truth” in 1995.
Despite the brevity of her music career, Boss managed to make a lasting impact within the rap industry, serving as a source of inspiration for subsequent generations of female rappers. Her influence and contributions have left an indelible mark on the genre, underscoring her significance in the history of rap music.
2. DeJ Loaf
Deja Monét Trimble, a female rapper born in Detroit and known by her stage name Dej Loaf, was born on April 8, 1991, making her currently 32 years of age. Her early exposure to hip-hop, through listening to songs with her parents, left a profound impact on her musical journey. Influential figures in the rap world, such as Rakim, Miles Davis, and Tupac, played a pivotal role in shaping her musical interests. She began crafting her own songs at the tender age of 9, but it wasn’t until 2011 that she officially entered the music industry.
Today, Dej Loaf stands as a prominent figure in the rap industry, having achieved significant recognition. She boasts collaborations with renowned artists like Lil Wayne, Big Sean, Lil Uzi Vert, and Future. Her music carries a substantial impact, reflected in her nominations for esteemed awards, including those from BET and the MTV Video Music Awards. Dej Loaf’s presence in the industry underscores her significance and influence as a contemporary rap artist.
1. Kash Doll
Arkeisha Antoinette Knight, known by her stage name Kash Doll, is a Detroit-born rapper renowned for her chart-topping hits, including “For Everybody” and “Ice Me Out.” Kash Doll embarked on her rap journey at a young age, honing her skills through freestyling and songwriting.
Facing financial challenges within her family, she took on employment responsibilities at an early stage, eventually leaving college to work as a stripper to support her loved ones. Concurrently, she began performing at various local venues and events while sharing her music on social media platforms. Notably, her talent caught the attention of Drake, who invited her to open one of his Summer Sixteen tour shows in Detroit, catalyzing her rise to prominence in the music industry.
In addition to her career, Kash Doll is married to Atlanta rapper Tracy T, and they share a son named Kashton Prophet Richardson, born in January of the previous year, 2022. Her journey serves as a testament to her resilience and determination to achieve success in the world of music.