Since the 1990s, when pioneers like Ximbo and Jezzy P first grabbed the mic, female rappers in Mexico have been fighting for recognition in a male-dominated scene. These trailblazers faced sexism, limited opportunities, and stereotypes about women in rap.
Today, other artists are building on their legacy, tackling social issues through their lyrics and gaining international acclaim. While challenges persist, the current generation of female MCs is reshaping the Mexican rap landscape, creating spaces for women’s voices and pushing the genre in bold new directions.
Ximbo
Ximbo, a pioneer female rapper in Mexico, has been rapping for over 20 years. She co-founded “Mujeres Trabajando”, a collective empowering women through rap, graffiti, and other creative platforms to express female perspectives on current realities. Ximbo has performed internationally and released Ohkela, an album featuring collaborations with notable artists.
Mare Advertencia Lírika
Mare Advertencia Lírika, from Mexico’s Zapotec region, fuses poetry with rap to raise awareness about women’s issues. In 2007, she co-founded Oaxaca’s first female rap group, Advertencia Lírika, before going solo. Now, she’s a renowned activist for women’s rights, minorities, and the poor, using her rhymes to fight misogyny and discrimination.
Yoss Bones
Hailing from Salamanca, Guanajuato, Yoss Bones is the first woman signed by Alzada, one of Mexico’s top rap labels. Blending rap with R&B and pop-rock, her versatile style shines in collaborations across more than 20 countries. Hit songs like “Alto calibre” showcase her unique approach and personal lyrics, captivating fans worldwide.
Niña Dioz
Mexico’s first openly lesbian rapper, Niña Dioz has been an activist for 15 years. Since 2007, she’s created spaces for queer artists in Latin America. With four albums, including Reyna (2018) and Amor, Locura y otros vicios (2021), she fights for visibility and freedom, challenging norms in Mexico’s urban music scene.
Masta Quba
Masta Quba, a rapper, feminist activist, and Hip Hop educator uses her music to advocate for social change and gender equality. She’s gained recognition across Mexico, Central America and Spain, where she lives now. Her lyrics address self-defense, abortion, femicide, self-healing, and self-acceptance, promoting women’s emancipation and raising awareness against gender violence.
Leazzy
Leazzy is breaking gender stigmas in hip hop. Her project “Boombarras” unites female rappers across Mexico, fostering community. Leazzy uses rap for personal healing and expression. She advocates for more spaces for women in rap, acknowledging progress while noting ongoing challenges in the industry.
Dilema
Hailing from Zacatecas, Dilema started rapping at 16 and has been active on YouTube since 2013. In 2022, she released her debut album El Dilema. She participates in written battle leagues and appeared on Cypher Effect. Recently, she was invited to “Directo de la X” sessions by Sonido Liquido in Mexico City.
Audry Funk
Audry Funk, a singer and MC from Puebla is part of the Mujeres Trabajando collective. With over 10 years in independent music, she’s performed internationally. She’s participated in major festivals like Vive Latino and uses hip hop to support at-risk youth in Puebla, addressing drug addiction and delinquency prevention.
Astrid Cruz
Born in Guadalajara, Astrid Cruz began singing at 13 but turned professional in 2018. She released her EP Room in 2019, followed by successful singles. Her 2023 debut album Distante features innovative rap over boom bap beats fused with jungle and drum and bass, showcasing her artistic growth and risk-taking approach.
Hispana
Hispana, known as “Mamba Negra,” symbolizes female empowerment in rap. Debuting in 2012, she uses verses to amplify everyday stories with a social and feminist perspective. Her work has been crucial in the rapidly growing rap music scene, establishing her as a key figure in the genre.
