Billboard has published the third annual instalment of its "Hottest Female Rappers" list for 2026, ranking the genre's leading women based on record quality, chart performance, cultural impact, business ventures and touring success. The list matters as a snapshot of hip-hop's shifting landscape, following Cardi B's chart-topping comeback in 2025 and the emergence of several breakout artists who have reshaped the conversation around women in rap.

The staff picks include established stars alongside newcomers: Megan Thee Stallion features via business ventures and guest appearances including Juvenile's "B.B.B", which reached No. 67 on the Hot 100; Molly Santana earned her first Hot 100 entry (peaking at No. 2) with "Ran to Atlanta" and will co-headline a North American tour with North West in August; and YK NIECE, who Billboard says had the best "rookie season" of 2025, secured a spot in the 2026 XXL Freshman class and three BET Award nominations after a run of high-profile guest features. Other artists mentioned as shaping the year include Yung Miami, Samara Cyn, Bunna B, Pluto and Trim, with the full ranking to be finalised in December.