Names like Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Lauryn Hill, and Missy Elliot are prime examples of talented artists who not only broke barriers for women in Hip Hop today, but also proved that women can match and exceed the rapping abilities of their male peers.
In celebration of women's day, I felt that it was appropriate to spotlight some of the brightest up and coming female MCs in Toronto. In no particular order, here are a few female MCs from Toronto that you need to know about ASAP!
Keysha Freshh
Having penned her first song at the age of 5, it's no surprise that Keysha Freshh has already built an impressive musical resume that consists of working with the likes of Mims, P-Reign, Darryl Riley, The Rezza Brothers, Ray Robinson and hip hop pioneer, Doug E. Fresh. I like the fact that she is unapologetically Hip Hop to the bone and she makes that clear by never settling to create dumb watered down records. If I had to describe her music in three words: intelligent, poignant, and authentic.
pHoenix Pagliacci
Although fusing Hip Hop with R&B; is an old trick that's been done for a couple decades now, only few in Toronto can do it as effortlessly as pHoenix Pagliacci. pHoenix Pagliacci is special artist because she actually has the talent and ability to quit rap and become a full time R&B; singer. However, don't let the sweet vocals fool you because she can rhyme with the best of them - as seen on this collaboration she did with another elite female MC, Jean Grey.
Xolisa
Xolisa is an artist that I believe has mastered the art of transforming her voice into an instrument. You can't help but fall in love with her flow, especially when it flawlessly rides the beat like a perfect marriage of ambient sounds. If you're looking for a spacey vibe that you can chill to, then Xolisa should be your go to artist for that.
NeverLand Gang
Hip Hop requires MCs to have a certain amount of attitude to succeed and NeverLand Gang is a rap duo with of plenty of it. NeverLand Gang is an interesting rap duo that offers street influenced rap records from a female's perspectives. Equipped with raw and explicit lyrics that actually goes hard, it's no wonder a good amount of people are clamoring to hear the release of both their solo projects due to come out reakky soon.
Dynesti
Dynesti is one of those artists that you absolutely need to watch perform live. Only listening to her music through headphones is cool and all, but you'd be doing a disservice to yourself by not being able to marvel at her awe inspiring stage presence. Dynesti is able to have an audience eating out of the palm of her hands by using confident flows and passionate performance sensibilities.