When a rising star like Latto openly names her female rap icons, it says a lot about influence, legacy, and respect in the hip hop world. As fans and observers, we want to know who’s shaping the culture behind the scenes, beyond the headlines. Especially now, when the rap landscape is buzzing with feuds and alliances, these picks carry weight.
In this article, we’ll break down what Latto said on Watch What Happens Live, explore why her choices matter, and see how she balanced personal pride with reverence for other women in rap. Whether you agree or not, her list gives insight into her musical DNA.
If you’re into rap, hip hop culture, or just curious about how today’s artists view their forebears, this is a snapshot worth reading. Let’s dive in.
Latto shares her Mount Rushmore of female rap icons
On a recent episode of Watch What Happens Live, Latto, known for hits like “Sugar Honey Iced Tea,” was asked by a fan to name her “Mount Rushmore of female rap.” Without skipping a beat, her first inclusion was herself: “Me, Nicki, Cardi,” she said, pausing briefly to think through her fourth spot.
Latto’s confidence in naming her own name first is bold, but not surprising for an artist staking her place in the rap hierarchy. She didn’t hold back, yet she was careful not to offend anyone in omitting them. The fourth slot? It went to Lil’ Kim.
"“But I love a lot of people. I don’t want it to sound too cliché. But if it’s four, it’s me, Kim, Nicki, Cardi.”"Latto
With those four names, Latto carved out her vision of female rap royalty, a mix of pioneers and legends she feels belong in the hall of fame.
The power & strategy behind Latto’s picks
Latto’s list checks a few important boxes in the rap and hip hop narrative:
- Respecting Legacy
Lil’ Kim is widely seen as one of the original female rappers who pushed boundaries and opened doors. By including her, Latto connects her own journey to that legacy
- Representation & Influence
Nicki Minaj and Cardi B are both dominant forces in contemporary female rap. Latto’s inclusion of both acknowledges their impact and influence on newer acts like herself.
- Self‑Assertion
Including her own name is a statement of confidence. It tells fans and peers she belongs in conversations with giants.
- Diplomacy
Saying she has “love for a lot of people” lets her avoid burning bridges with other artists who didn’t make the four. It softens the exclusivity.
Context: Nicki & Cardi’s ongoing feud & artist reactions
Latto’s picks come during a time when the back‑and‑forth between Nicki Minaj and Cardi B is headline news. Their feud has dominated social media and music press, and many artists have weighed in. In naming both Nicki and Cardi, Latto is stepping into a delicate zone, showing respect without taking a side.
Her comment about “love for a lot of people” works as a buffer. In hip hop, relationships and alliances can shift quickly, so her careful wording helps maintain flexibility.
Whether fans agree or disagree with her Mount Rushmore, Latto’s list tells us who she sees as pillars of female rap. And maybe it nudges listeners to revisit those artists’ catalogs, trailing back through hip hop history.