Author : Jennifer Stone
Image Source: naturaldiamonds.com
Celebrating 50 years of the rich history of hip-hop music would not have been possible without the wide influence and timeless contributions of female rappers. While the hip-hop industry is mostly dominated by male rappers, there are many female rappers who stand out with their sheer individuality and musical style. No t, not musical creations, the domination of male rappers can be seen in jewelry inspired by the hip-hop industry. While they are always up for something extravagant and swanky, the female rappers made a difference with their elegance and artistic choices.
When it comes to diamonds, pinky rings, blingy pendants, and other shiny limited edition pieces; most people think about the jewelry worn by the male popular rappers. But it would be a mistake not to consider the styles, ornaments, and personalities that female rappers offered through their musical journey. They actually created a league of their own and it began almost from the inception of the hip-hop in Bronx. If you do not know already, hip-hop music was first initiated by DJ Kool Herc who first introduced people to percussive beats and remixes of old tracks by James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and many others back in 1973.
The next five decades are considered to be the prime age of hip-hop where millions of rappers emerged in offered some of the best hip-hop tracks of all time. Starting from Tupac, Biggie, NAS, Dr. Dre to Lauryn Hill, Queen Latifah, and many others; the industry grew rapidly with a constant creative flow and rap evolution. The evolution was noticeable in their fashion and usage of jewelry as well. What started as big, bold, and gold quickly switched into diamond bling and pendants. Thanks to top-notch designers like Ben Baller, Jacob The Jeweler, and Eliantte who offered more iconic collections.
The extravagant diamond jewelry quickly became an element of hip-hop which is religiously followed by many rappers. Therefore, people started associating hefty diamond jewelry with hip-hop music and part of it. Another driving factor behind this was the success of the hip-hop industry. By the time of 1990s, the music industry witnessed the rappers and they invested it in jewelry, mansions, cars, and other assets. Jewelry became the reflection of the rappers and every one of them has a different limited edition piece. However, when it comes to female rappers, they were more inclined towards African and ancient Egyptian motifs. It was a representation of their bravery, beauty, and craft which is hip-hop. Check out some of the best female rappers of all time along with their diamond accessories.
1. Salt n Peppa
Salt n Peppa is one of the most powerful hip-hop grooves that arrived in New York in 1985. They created a major sensation with their debut music album titled ‘Hot, Cool & Vicious’. It was not the era of streaming and the album sold more than 1 million copies. They were the first-ever female rap group to earn the status of gold and platinum-selling artists by RIAA. They released an album in 1993 named ‘Very Necessary’ which gained much attention with the songs like “Whatta Man”, “Shoop” and many others. Salt n Peppa always showcased their chunky jewelry but when it came to concerts and Grammy, they made sure to reflect elegance with natural diamonds.
2. Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah released her first album named ‘All Hail the Queen’ in 1989 when she was only 19 years old. Before she joined the entertainment industry for acting, the rapper has already dropped 7 albums. Just like her name, the queen is well revered for appearing in some of the most iconic outfits and jewelry in various red carpet appearances. She always enjoyed showcasing her fashion prowess along with a handful of diamond accessories. From acting to rapping, Queen Latifa can handle everything, and her jewelry is just a complimentary element to her versatile personality.
3. MC Lyte
If you are thinking about the pioneers of the female rap scene, MC Lyte stays at the top of the list. Her debut album ’Lyte as a Rock’ has been released back in 1988. She is the first-ever female rapper to drop a solo album and inspired other female rappers to be part of the industry as well. At the beginning of her career, she was more into chunky gold which shifted to diamonds with her success in music. She was noticed wearing hefty diamond jewelry on multiple occasions. One of her most iconic pieces was the diamond cross necklace that looked like a snake at the BET Awards Media House in 2023. She complimented the look with diamond-dotted hoops.
4. Lauryn Hill
The hip-hop group Fugees gained much attention back in the ‘90s and Lauryn Hill was one of the three members from the group. How she aced in her solo endeavor with an amazing album titled ‘ The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ which was released back in 1998. This talented rapper won a total of 5 Grammys and the music project became the Album of the Year. While receiving her award, the artist could be seen slaying in diamond studs and a tennis necklace, also made of diamond.
5. Da Brat
Da Brat can be considered another pioneer in the female hip-hop scene who made an epic entry in the industry with her debut album ‘Funkdafied’. The music project sold more than 1 million copies in 1994. This is also the first-ever female solo rap act that received a platinum certificate from the RIAA. Brat’s love of diamond jewelry was quite evident as she was never seen without wearing something in a diamond. Her diamond stud nose piercing offered an elegant look. The most famous piece was her iconic “BRAT” natural diamond pendant that she often wore with gold chains.
6. Eve
This dynamic female rapper made her debut in the industry in 1999 with a debut album. The music project was called ‘Let There Be Eve…Ruff Ryders’ First Lady’ instantly become the number one project on the Billboard 100 charts. It was certified as double platinum but the RIAA and the artist was featured in many other projects. Other artists like Missy Elliott, Gwen Stefani, and many others have collaborated with her. Eve also has a highly successful acting career which makes her one of the most versatile artists of all time. There are plenty of diamond moments with Eve, staring from her iconic ‘R’ diamond pendant to the Gismondi 1754 suite which she wore at the 2019 Grammy Awards.
7.Lil Kim
Lil Kim created a bad and boujee era when nobody even knew about it. Confident, unapologetic, and highly powerful; Kim helped women to embrace their femininity and sexuality which was quite contrasting to other artists of the time. Better known as Queen of Rap or “Queen Bee,” Lil Kim became famous with her debut album ‘Hard Core’ which became a double platinum project after it was released in March 2001. The rapper was often found performing wearing her diamond “B” necklace.
8. Missy Elliot
Big Hoops, different layers of diamonds, OG statements rings, etc are part of the regular accessories by Missy Elliot. Her iconic black diamond turntable ring from Jacob and Co. is still one of the trendiest pieces. Her fascination with diamonds was noticeable from the beginning as her diamond style broke into the scene along with her debut album ‘Supa Dupa Fly’ which was released in 1997. Even to this date, the artist has not put much change in the swanky accessories. Her ‘ICONIC’ natural diamond pendant is a limited edition.
9. Nicky Minaj
When it comes to the modern era and the millennial generation, the Queen of Rap is Nicki Minaj who has been reigning in the industry for more than a decade now. Her debut album was released in 2010 and it was called ‘Pink Friday’. The lead single from the album, ‘Super Bass’ is a super hit and it quickly reached the diamond certification by RIAA. Well, this is the kind of diamond Nicki likes to flex. However, she is also well revered for her red carpet appearances which often consist of a heavy dose of diamond. The newest addition to her collection would be the “Barbie” necklace which is designed by Ashna Mehta.
10. Cardi B
Cardi B is one loud and proud female rapper who is best known for her crazy personality and boujee energy. She started from VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: New York, and quickly gained more attention from Instagram and Vine. She received a lot of attention from the release of her debut album ‘Invasion of Privacy’ which quickly became the number one album on Billboard 200. She is also the first female artist to win Grammy Awards for Best Rap Album as a solo artist. Cardi B has been seen with diamonds on multiple occasions. Sometimes it is natural diamond chains, and sometimes just pendants and rings.
11. Megan Thee Stallion
Quarantine for COVID was not very helpful for most people but Megan Thee Stallion was actually making some major progress in that phase. Her debut album ‘Good News’ was released during the Pandemic Phase and it became an instant hit. The song ‘Savage’ was the most-played song of the year and it helped Megan to pave her way to the top of the industry. With her success, she quickly became the second female rapper to win Best New Artist after Lauryn Hill. Megan is very much into wearing chic and elegant jewelry from brands like Chopard and Jacob and Co.
12. Ice Spice
Last but not least, there is the youngest female rapper in the scene, Ice Spice who captivated hip-hop lovers with her sultry hip-hop essence. She has already created a huge and loyal fanbase which is only increasing in size. She was found wearing the “Munchkins” natural diamond necklace by Eliantte which made her look quite different than usual. This talented rapper has also joined forces with Dunkin’ (and Ben Affleck) for a collaboration.
Evidently, female rappers will keep slaying with their strong bars and diamond bling.
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