8 Female DJs and Artists You Need to Know in 2023
Hip hop has long been dominated by male artists and DJs, but that’s all changing thanks to these talented women who are shaking up the scene. From powerhouse rappers to innovative DJs, these female artists are making a name for themselves and proving that each woman has a place in hip hop.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the genre or just looking for some new music to add to your playlist, these female Deejays and artists are worth checking out. Their tracks will help you understand what it takes to have the best hip hop music. This knowledge is useful especially if you want to buy exclusive music from ghost producers. You’ll stand a better chance to purchase the perfect hits to get you a great name in the industry.
1. MC Lyte
MC Lyte is a top American rapper, DJ, actress, and entrepreneur. She is one of the pioneers of female rap, who released her first album, Lyte as a Rock, in 1988. She has released eight solo albums and an EP with Almost September. She has collaborated with artists such as Sinéad O’Connor, Janet Jackson, Will Smith, and Beyoncé.
She has also worked as a voiceover talent, writer, radio host, and fashion producer. She is the founder of the Hip Hop Sisters Foundation and an ambassador of the Association For Electronic Music. She has won several awards, including the BET Hip Hop Award for I Am Hip Hop Icon Lifetime Achievement and Harvard University’s W. E. B. Du Bois Medal.
2. DJ Spinderella
DJ Spinderella is an American DJ and rapper, best known as a member of the hip hop group Salt-N-Pepa. She joined the group in 1987, replacing the original DJ Latoya Hanson. She contributed to the group’s success with her skills on the turntables and her vocals on songs such as Expression, Shoop, and Whatta Man. She also produced some of the group’s tracks, such as Gitty Up and The Brick Track Versus Gitty Up. She left the group in 2019 due to contractual disputes.
She has also worked as a radio personality, hosting shows on KKBT and KDAY in Los Angeles. She has appeared in several films and TV shows, such as Stay Tuned, Good Burger, and The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
3. Lamiez Holworthy
Lamiez Holworthy is a South African DJ and television presenter. She started DJing in 2008 and became popular for her skills in playing house music. She has performed at some biggest continental events and festivals across South Africa and other countries such as Botswana, Lesotho, and Namibia.
She has also released several mixes and singles, such as Tattooed Tuesday 58 (The Morning Flava Mix) and Lockdown House Party Mix 2021. She is currently a presenter on SABC 1’s music show Live Amp. She is also married to rapper Khuli Chana and has a daughter named Nia Ivy.
4. Miss Kittin
Miss Kittin is a French DJ, singer, and producer, who is known for her electroclash style and her collaborations with artists such as The Hacker, Felix da Housecat, Golden Boy, and Gesaffelstein. She started DJing in 1991 and released her first EP with The Hacker, Champagne!, in 1998.
She gained international recognition with her hit singles Frank Sinatra and 1982 with The Hacker and Silver Screen Shower Scene with Felix da Housecat. She has released four solo albums and four collaborative albums with The Hacker and other artists. She has also performed at festivals and clubs such as Sonar, Coachella, Love Parade, and Rex Club. She is considered one of the most influential figures in electronic music.
5. Diamond Kuts
Diamond Kuts is an American DJ and radio personality from Philadelphia. She is the daughter of Tony Dunham, a former rapper and producer. She started DJing at the age of 10 and became the first female DJ to have a mix show on Philadelphia radio.
She has worked with artists such as Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Usher, and Chris Brown. She has also released several mixtapes and singles, such as Fly Girl Anthem, Freak, and Party Music. She is known for her energetic and versatile style of mixing hip hop, R&B, pop, and dance music.
6. Erykah Badu
Erykah Badu is an American singer, songwriter, producer, and activist. She is one of the leading figures of neo-soul, a genre that blends soul, jazz, hip hop, and R&B. She debuted in 1997 with her album Baduizm, which won two Grammy Awards and spawned the hit singles On & On and Next Lifetime.
She has released five more studio albums, including Mama’s Gun, Worldwide Underground, New Amerykah Part One (4th World War), New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh), and But You Caint Use My Phone.
She has also collaborated with artists such as The Roots, Common, D’Angelo, and Janelle Monáe. She is also known for her social and political activism, supporting causes such as Black Lives Matter, women’s rights, and environmentalism.
7. Uncle Waffles
Uncle Waffles (real name: Lungelihle Zwane) is a Swazi-born DJ and record producer based in South Africa. She is known for her work in the amapiano genre and her dance abilities. She started DJing in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdowns and gained popularity after a video of her dancing to the song “Adiwele” by Young Stunna went viral. She has released several singles and mixes, such as “Tanzania”, “The Motion” and “Shark House Mix”.
She has also performed at various events and shows, such as Big Brother Naija, Smirnoff House Party, and Heineken’s Formula 1 Party. She won DJ of the Year (Female) at the 2016 City People Entertainment Awards. She is also an ambassador of the Association For Electronic Music.
8. DJ Lambo
DJ Lambo is a Nigerian DJ, radio personality, and artist. She is the founder of Lagos Party Animals, a party and events Company, and the president of Choc Boi Nation, a record label under Chocolate City Music. She started DJing in 2008 and became popular for her skills in playing Afropop, hip hop, techno, and other genres.
She has released several singles and mixes, such as Bella (featuring Iyanya and Lady Donli), The Motion (featuring Seyi Shay, Cynthia Morgan, and Eva Alordiah), and Shark House Mix. She has also performed at various events and shows, such as Big Brother Naija, Smirnoff House Party, and Heineken’s Formula 1 Party. She won DJ of the Year (Female) at the 2016 City People Entertainment Awards.
Final Thoughts
The hip hop scene has seen a surge of talented DJ girls and artists over the past few years. From Miss Kittin to DJ Lambo, these women have made a name for themselves in the industry by pushing boundaries and showing audiences something different. Whether it’s creating new sounds or remixing classic tracks, they are shaking up the hip hop scene. We can’t wait to see what these amazing women will do next!