8. Nicki Minaj
Album in 2014: The Pinkprint ~ Notable Song: “Anaconda”
Nicki started with a huge disadvantage. Hip-Hop fans had been somewhat soured to her over the last couple of years. She started the year by dropping “Lookin’ Ass” and began to build excitement for her album which she stated would be darker and more Hip-Hop. Then came “Anaconda” and Hip-Hop enthusiast lost faith again somewhat. Her album dropped though, and people like me and the nappyafro staff really had to give her props. She dropped an album that contended for album of the year, had the “Flawless (Remix)” with Beyoncé, and ran 2014. She’s still the best female emcee of her generation. Even with the attempted Australian takeover. – DuB