An illustrated highlight reel of more than 100 women in rap who have helped shape the genre and eschewed gender norms in the process, The Motherlode "shines a bright light on a history of overlooked female talent and breaks down the ingenuity of our current generation of stars" (Issa Rae, creator and star of HBO's Insecure).
Clover Hope's comprehensive history showcases more than 100 women who have shaped the power, scope, and reach of rap music, including pioneers like Roxanne Shanté, game changers like Lauryn Hill and Missy Elliott, and current reigning queens like Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Lizzo--as well as everyone who came before, after, and in between.
Some of these women were respected but not widely celebrated. Some are impossible not to know. Some of these women have stood on their own; others were forced into templates, compelled to stand beside men in big rap crews. Some have been trapped in a strange critical space between respected MC and object. They are characters, caricatures, lyricists, at times both feminine and explicit. The Motherlode profiles each of these women, their musical and career breakthroughs, and the ways in which they each helped change the culture of rap.
Illustrations by Rachelle Baker
"This book is achingly overdue. Women in hip-hop, as musicians, journalists, and executives, have always dealt with a staggering and sobering truth. Hip-hop, which we love and hold dear, does not always love us back. With The Motherlode, Clover Hope loves on us. She peels back the layers--the joy and pain--and makes sure our untold stories are now told and retold." --Aliya S. King, New York Times bestselling coauthor of Keep the Faith
Featured Artists:
MC Sha-Rock
Debbie Harry
Wanda Dee
Mercedes Ladies
Lisa Lee
The Sequence
Sweet Tee
Roxane Shanté
Lady B
Sparky D
Salt-N-Pepa
MC Lyte
Antoinette
Queen Latifah
J.J. Fad
L'Trimm
The Women of Miami Bass
Oaktown's 357
Nikki D
Bytches With Problems
Yo-Yo
Choice
Boss
Heather B.
Lady of Rage
The Conscious Daughters
N-Tyce
A Journey Through Left Eye's Rhymes
Da Brat
Sylk-E. Fyne
Bahamadia
Ladybug Mecca
Lil' Kim
Foxy Brown
Nonchalant
Angie Martinez
Missy Elliott
Medusa
Mia X
Charli Baltimore
Eve
Solé
Lady Luck
Lauryn Hill
Vita
Khia
Trina
La Chat
Amil
Shawnna
Remy Ma
Nicki Minaj
Azealia Banks
Cardi B
