An illustrated highlight reel of over 100 women in rap who have contributed to shaping the genre and have broken gender stereotypes in the process.

Motherlode highlights more than 100 women who have shaped the power, scope, and influence of rap music, including pioneers like Roxanne Shanté, challengers like Lauryn Hill and Missy Elliott, and today's queens like Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Lizzo, as well as all those who came before, after, and in between. Some of these women were respected but not widely recognized. Some are impossible not to know. Some have stood alone, while others were forced to conform to standards, compelled to stand beside men in major rap groups. Some have been trapped in a strange critical position between respected MC and object. They are characters, caricatures, lyricists, at times both feminine and expressive. This book profiles each of these women, their musical and professional discoveries, and the ways in which each one has helped change the culture of rap.

Pages: 240, Year of Publication: 0324, Dimensions: 19x19cm