The Most Iconic Hip-Hop Style Moments Through the Decades
From Lauryn Hill in the ’90s to Rihanna in the ’00s.
Hip-hop, a revolutionary musical genre and cultural movement that dates back to the ’70s in the Bronx, New York, has been serving as a platform of self-expression throughout the decades.
With the Harlem Renaissance paving the way for hip-hop, the Black community, in particular, has been using this powerful medium to share their art with the world through rap and even fashion. Icons like Queen Latifah, Lauryn Hill, Rihanna and more have created game-changing looks over the years, influencing how brands and fans across the globe perceive style. Hip-hop fashion is not all about the tiny crop tops and baggy silhouettes, but it also allows individuals to explore their creativity and unite as a whole collective.
In honor of the first Hip-Hop History Month, we are highlighting some of our favorite iconic looks from hip-hop’s most influential female artists in the ’80s, ’90s and ’00s. Keep scrolling to take a trip down memory lane.
1980s
MC Lyte
MC Lyte entered the music scene at the young age of 16 with her debut single “I Cram to Understand U (Sam),” which she wrote when she was 12. With eight solo studio albums and one EP, Lyte is one of the pioneers of female rap — and she also has an eye for fashion. In the ’80s, the artist loved a darker color palette and could often be seen in oversized silhouettes paired with hype sneakers.
Queen Latifah
Prior to her going solo, Queen Latifah beat-boxed for a hip-hop group called Ladies Fresh. The artist eventually signed with Tommy Boy Records in 1989 and released her first-ever album All Hail the Queen. Latifah had a unique and authentic take on style during the ’80s, which was comprised of African crowns and matching sets dressed in vibrant African prints.
Salt ‘N’ Pepa
Michael Ochs Archives
Iconic New York City-based ’80s group Salt ‘N’ Pepa — comprised of Salt (Cheryl James), Pepa (Sandra Denton) and DJ Spinderella (Deidra Roper) — made waves in the hip-hop scene in 1986 with their debut album, Hot, Cool & Vicious. The record sold more than one million copies in the U.S., making them the first female rap act to achieve gold and platinum status. With the ’80s also known as the baggy clothing era, the trio loved to rock loose-fitted varsity leather and denim jackets, as well as maxi-length cardigans.
1990s
Da Brat
Da Brat introduced herself to the industry in 1994 with her first album Funkdafied. The nine-track record earned her the title of the first female solo rap act to receive a platinum status. During red carpet appearances and musical performances, Da Brat was influenced by the ’80s baggy trend, but also experimented with crop tops, chic leather silhouettes and statement hair accessories.
Lauryn Hill
Ms. Lauryn Hill, one of the most influential rappers in the industry, popularized melodic rapping during her era. Apart from being a member of Fugees, the artist peaked when she released her first and only solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Since starting her music journey, Hill won a total of eight Grammys, which is the most any female rapper has been able to achieve. It’s no secret that the rapper is also a style icon. During the ’90s, Hill wore a mix of oversized and form-fitting garments complemented by eccentric jewelry.
Lil’ Kim
Discovered by The Notorious B.I.G., Lil’ Kim started out as a Junior M.A.F.I.A. member. After two years, Kim went solo and debuted her first album Hard Core, which features her hit singles “No Time,” “Not Tonight” and “Crush on You.” With the effort of her stylist Misa Hylton, Kim always slayed her looks on and off stage. Some of the artist’s most memorable fits include her revealing Cleopatra-inspired look at the 1997 MTV VMAs, her pink two-piece set and pink fur coat and her one-breasted mermaid bodysuit designed by Hylton for the 1999 MTV VMAs.
TLC
TLC was formed in 1990 in Atlanta, Georgia by Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes. After the inclusion of Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas in 1991, TLC has composed four albums in total — all of which are multi-platinum. In the ’90s, the group rocked a range of baggy styles and leaned towards the tomboy aesthetic.
2000s
Missy Elliott
Missy Elliott rose to fame when she debuted her solo album, Supa Dupa Fly, in 1997. The record landed third place on the Billboard 200 chart, making Elliott the first female rapper to have reached that achievement. Respected for her feminist lyrics that champion body positivity, the rapper is also known for her eye-catching fits on and off the red carpet. Whether it be her head-to-toe adidas looks or matching sets, no one can rock a tracksuit better than the “Work It” artist.
Remy Ma
Remy Ma is an elusive hip hop legend as the Bronx native became famous as a member of Terror Squad alongside Fat Joe, earning her first Grammy nomination with the Y2K classic, “Lean Back.” Initially discovered by the late Big Pun, Remy Ma began writing poetry as a way to handle a chaotic childhood. Although Martin was incarcerated in 2008, she has had an undeniable impact on the trajectory of female rappers today as she is one of only four artists to have won the BET Award for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist. Remy Ma repped her city for the 2005 “Whuteva” music video, transforming a jersey into an off-the-shoulder dress, complete with a Biggie-style crown.
2010s
Nicki Minaj
From her Amato Couture metal dress at the 2011 MTV VMAs to her stunning red Oscar de la Renta gown at the 2018 Met Gala, Nicki Minaj has served up a number of memorable looks over the years. For those who don’t already know, the rapper was a part of a quartet called The Hoodstars comprised of Lou$tar, Safaree Samuels (Scaff Beezy) and 7even Up. Minaj eventually took the solo route and gained recognition after dropping her mixtapes Playtime Is Over, Sucka Free and Beam Me Up Scotty. Of course, who could forget her debut album, Pink Friday, home to her platinum single “Super Bass”?
Rihanna
While we patiently wait for Rihanna to drop new music, revisit some of the Barbadian singer’s best releases and iconic ensembles. After gaining recognition with her albums Music of the Sun and A Girl Like Me, the star continued to drop more music such as her Good Girl Gone Bad record featuring “Umbrella,” which earned Rih Rih her first Grammy. Also the founder of lingerie label Savage X Fenty, the artist has the ability to make any trend work on the streets with her monochromatic fits, and often steals the spotlight on the red carpet with her over-the-top custom gowns.
Teyana Taylor
In 2007, 17-year-old Teyana Taylor had the opportunity to perform as a dancer in Jay-Z‘s “Blue Magic” music video. The following year, Taylor dropped her own track, “Google Me,” which is found on her debut mixtape From a Planet Called Harlem. Other than having a passion for music, Taylor ventured into the fashion world by walking down the runway at Italian streetwear brand GCDS’ show during New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2018.
2020s
Cardi B
No hip hop and fashion list would be complete without Cardi B. The Bronx rapper first appeared on the scene in 2016 with her audacious track, “On Fleek” and has been bestowing listeners with her natural born boss bitch energy ever since. For a self-proclaimed hood chick to so effortlessly don Mugler speaks volumes to how far the genre has come as the Grammy award-winning artist wore one of the late high fashion designer’s 1995 archival looks to the 2019 awards show. Ghetto and glam clearly go hand in hand.
Doja Cat
While Doja Cat shifts from rapper to singer with ease, the controversial artist is 100 percent sartorial savant. Although Doja Cat’s ascension to fame may seem sudden, the multi-talented artist has been on the scene for a minute, making her mark with the 2014 release of “So High.” Putting her unlimited creativity to use, the artist payed homage to the late Karl Lagerfeld‘s cat Choupette at the 2023 Met Gala, opting for a head-to-toe feline ensemble. The “Attention”-garnering artist wore a white hooded backless Oscar de la Renta gown with a feather train, using face prosthetics to complete the look. Ms.Cat lived up to her name, only responding to interviewers with cat noises.
Ice Spice
2023 has been a good year for Ice Spice as the quickly emerging artist went from calling thirsty boys munches on a basketball court last year to appearing on the Barbie soundtrack with the Harajuku Barbie herself, Nicki Minaj. Known for her drill beat style, the 23-year-old rapper is just the latest to join a robust legacy. Keeping with tradition, the ginger lyricist iced herself out with an $100,000 USD chain of her own face, created by Benny Da Jeweler. Spice wore the blinding necklace to Rolling Loud, pairing it with a prim and proper matching Chanel tweed set.
Saweetie
Saweetie softens her raunchy lyrics with her quintessential girly Y2K style. The Santa Clara native had us in our rich girl era with the release of “Icy Girl” in 2018, reminding us that admission should not be free with her fast-paced lyrics. Staying true to her roots, Saweetie proves femininity and rap can go hand in hand, rocking an opulent Hello Kitty charm bralette, handmade by Laser Kitten. The dazzling top was complemented by a jean jacket and distressed bootcut jeans.
Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion is undoubtedly leading the charge for young female rappers today as Ms. Tina Snow’s unapologetically confident swagger and provocative lyrics mirror her predecessors — Lil Kim and Kelis. The Houston native has never been afraid to get down and dirty and talk her s–t, inviting us all to join her hot girl club. It’s unsurprising that in the wake of her assault in August 2020, she used her Saturday Night Live performance to address the rampant violence against Black women.
Wearing a curve-hugging bodysuit decorated with dizzying black and white geometric lines, The Stallion called out the mistreatment of Breonna Taylor‘s case, performing her viral song, “Savage,” against a backdrop that read, “Protect Black Women.” Featuring Malcolm X’s now hopefully famous words, describing the Black woman as the most disrespected in America, Megan added her own two cents, stating, “We need to protect our Black women. And love our Black women. Because at the end of the day, we need our Black women. We need to protect our Black men and stand up for our Black men because at the end of the day, we’re tired of seeing hashtags of our Black men.”
