Female rappers are making their presence felt throughout Hip Hop culture and the world. Artists such as Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Kash Doll, and Saweetie, among others, are front and center. Whether you agree with their images and how they present their music is up for another discussion. Either way, you can’t deny the impact they’re having on the game right now. Speaking of impact, I would like to briefly talk about Shawnna, a female emcee that was impactful in her own right, but may or may not have gotten the attention she deserved.
In 2006, Shawnna took the Hip Hop world by storm when she dropped “Gettin’ Some” from her Block Music album. At the time, she was signed to Ludacris’ DTP label. The song helped the album reached the number 13 spot on the Billboard 200 and number 3 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.
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Though “Gettin’ Some” was one of her biggest songs, she’d been dropping rapid bars well before that. As I look at the Chicago native’s resume, I can’t help but wonder why she wasn’t one of the biggest female rappers in the game — perhaps to the level of Nicki Minaj?
Not to discredit anything Nicki, Cardi, or Megan have done. However, skill for skill, Shawnna is among the elite. In addition, she’s highly attractive, which is what many female artists are using as a marketing tool.
Could it have been that Shawnna needed a bigger machine behind her? Or, was it timing? Or perhaps, did Block Music come just a little too soon?
Do you think Shawnna should have been a bigger artist?
Polls Are Closed!!
Absolutely! – Unanimously
No. – 0%