Female rap has a long history alongside their male counterparts. In fact, they were there from the beginning. With groups like L’Trimm and stars like Roxanne Shante, there is not doubt that women are a part of the foundation of Hip Hop. If not in front of the camera, they we’re changing the landscape of music culture from behind the scenes.

We spoke with Rosie Grant, former manager to a female rap act, and a current host for a Hip-Hop podcast titled She Got The Juice about the future of Hip Hop and how women will lead the charge.

JH: Rosie thank you for joining me to talk about one of my favorite subjects.

RG: Thanks for having me, it’s one of my favorite subjects too.

JH: Let’s get into it, what does the future of Hip Hop look like for you and what role do you see female rappers playing in that?

RG: I think the future of hip hop belongs to female and queer rappers. As society changes, we move away from a traditional idea of what a star is, that is usually male and cis-hetero. Nontraditional rappers are working hard, bringing the spark back to hip hop that we seen in the 90s.

JH: Does it feel like a necessary change?

RG: Absolutely, it is a necessary change. While hip hop has gone global, its gotten boring. Women and femme rappers such as Lil Nas X, bring excitement and controversy to the seen but in a fun and playful way.

JH: Who are your favorite acts?

RG: I really love Meg The Stallion, she is so refreshing and special. Cardi B, and I like the City Girls too, but I will always and forever be a Missy Elliot fan.

JH: Man! I love Missy Elliott; she is the foundation.

RG: She is! In terms of Afrofuturism, which is an artform and genre of its own. Missy set the standard and the aesthetic of that.

JH: What’s one world of advice you want to give to those coming up behind you?

RG: Always be a helper. Always be willing to pitch In, that’s how you learn this business. Don’t let anyone take advantage of you, but you can’t learn the industry without starting on the ground floor with the artist in your local scene.

JH: Thank you so much for joining me today and giving me some good material.

RG: Thank you for having me!