The Top 10 Hip Hop Music Videos Featuring Badass Women
Contents
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 hip hop music videos featuring some of the most badass women in the industry. From Queen Latifah to Nicki Minaj, these ladies know how to hold their own and command the screen. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
Nicki Minaj, “Anaconda”
Is there any other rapper who could make Snake Style seem so sexy? In “Anaconda,” Nicki Minaj gives new meaning to the words “twerking video.” She also manages to work in some jungle-themed GI Jane realness, making for one of the most visually stimulating music videos in recent memory.
Azealia Banks, “212”
“212” is a song by American rapper and singer Azealia Banks. The song was released as a single on May 29, 2012, and is included on her debut studio album, Broke with Expensive Taste (2014). The song was written by Banks, Kenneth Lewis and Richard Rainey. “212” peaked at number 60 on the UK Singles Chart.
The song’s music video was directed by Mikey Ades and released on YouTube on May 30, 2012. The video features Banks dancing provocatively in various locations around New York City.
Missy Elliott, “Work It”
Released in 2002, “Work It” was an instant smash hit, skyrocketing to the top of the charts and becoming one of the most iconic music videos of all time. The video is a perfect example of Missy Elliott’s incomparable style, featuring bold colors, creative costuming, and plenty of attitude. It also prominently features a number of badass women, including Elliott herself, who powerfully strut their stuff and show the world that they’re not to be messed with.
Nicki Minaj, “Stupid Hoe”
In 2012, Nicki Minaj set the music world on fire with her single, “Stupid Hoe.” The accompanying music video features the rapper in a series of outrageous and provocative outfits, lip syncing the lyrics while engaged in a variety of activities including pole dancing, dragging a man around on a leash, and spraying people with a hose. “Stupid Hoe” was widely criticized for its offensive lyrics and graphic images, but there’s no denying that Nicki Minaj is a total badass in the video.
Lil’ Kim, “Crush on You”
This bad girl rapper was ahead of her time with this raunchy music video that featured her and her girls flaunting their stuff. Wearing next to nothing, they dance provocatively and make no apologies. This video would definitely not be allowed on daytime TV today, but it was a landmark video when it came out and helped to pave the way for more sexually charged music videos in the years to come.
Eve, “Who’s That Girl?”
Eve’s 2000 hit “Who’s That Girl?” is a bossy, sassy bop that celebrates independent women everywhere. The track samples Peaches & Herb’s classic “Shake Your Groove Thing,” and the resulting music video is just as fun and funky.
The video features Eve confidently strutting her stuff while she raps about being a woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. She’s also unapologetic about her sexuality, which is refreshing to see in a hip hop music video. The video itself is intercut with shots of Eve’s friends and family, which provides a more personal touch.
Overall, “Who’s That Girl?” is a great example of a hip hop music video that empowering for women. Eve is unafraid to be herself, and she shows that you can be both feminine and strong at the same time.
Lauryn Hill, “Doo Wop (That Thing)”
Released in 1998, “Doo Wop (That Thing)” was the lead single off of Lauryn Hill’s debut album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. The song and video put Hill firmly in the hip hop spotlight and announced her as a powerful woman to be reckoned with.
In the video, Hill is seen rapping and dancing along with a group of community women, sending a message of female empowerment. Throughout the video, there are interludes of Hill giving a monologue about how society often mistreats and misunderstands young women.
The song and video were immensely popular, winning two Grammy Awards and helping to launch Hill’s highly successful solo career.
Nicki Minaj, “Super Bass”
In this fun, colorful video, Nicki Minaj shows off her impressive rapping skills while surrounded by a bevy of beautiful women. Minaj is unapologetic and unafraid to flaunt her sexuality, making for a powerful and empowering visual.
Remy Ma, “Shether”
Remy Ma kicks off our list with her searing Nicki Minaj diss track, “Shether.” The video, directed by Eif Rivera, features Remy in a long black wig and dress, channeling her best Beyonce as she murderers Nicki in front of a green screen. Wearing killer stilettos and flanked by two equally badass women, Remy makes it clear that she’s not to be messed with.
Cardi B, “Bodak Yellow”
Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow” is a certified banger, and the music video is just as fierce. The visual features the rapper looking absolutely flawless as she shows off her wealth and luxury lifestyle. From driving around in a Bentley to flaunting her designer clothes, Cardi B makes it clear that she’s not to be messed with. And of course, the music video also features plenty of twerking – because what would a rap video be without some booty-shaking?
