Gone are the days when only male rappers ruled the hip-hop industry in Kenya, because there is breed of Kenyan female rappers who have taken up the challenge of joining this genre.

Nazizi was the only female who came close to the big boys with Wyre and they formed the group Necessary Noize, which was also composed of Bamzigi at the start.

Now, with the growth of the hip-hop culture, more ladies have joined the male-dominated industry to showcase their talent in rap and emceeing.

And what a better way than to appreciate them than by naming the top 8 female rappers in the 254 currently. Check them out below, in no particular order:

1. WANGECHI

Her real name is Wangechi Waweru and she has to be the dopest rapper amongst her female counterparts in the country. She was the only Kenyan who got the rare opportunity to make a mash-up with American singer Ne-Yo, apart from just featuring in the non competition show. Wangechi also came into the limelight after she was involved in a grisly road accident early this year, which claimed her friend's life. She is known best for featuring in Rabbit's Ligi Soo Girl and for other songs like: Wangechi, Cardiac Arrest and I Am 1994 The Intro.

Continue the list on the next page.

2. XTATIC

This lass was once signed to Sony Music, a management deal with Rockstar 4000 and not for anything else but her talent and prowess in rapping. Real name, Gloria Mecheo is not only beautiful but knows how to make good music that will have an impact on her fans. The dope rapper is now signed to Broadview Corporation, and her last video was dubbed ‘Let Me Xplain’ from the independently produced mixtape under the same name.

3. NAZIZI

How can we forget our veteran, skillful, dancehall rapper Naz, who is most definitely the First Lady of Hip-Hop, back in the days when she was a member of Necessary Noize. Even after the group broke up, she still managed to work on her solo career but took a break when she got married and became a mother. She however came back to revive her music career after divorcing her husband, then loosing a massive amount of weight. She then dropped Over You, 254 and Pressure with TID of Tanzania.

4. STL

Although she does not reside in Kenya, her presence is heavily felt because she has keep in touch with fans back home and often comes to perform and visit her other family members. Stella Mwangi is truly talented and her unique rap skills have formed the platform as one of the biggest rappers in Africa and back in Norway. Most of her songs are about Kenya and she even includes Kikuyu language in some. Very patriotic.

5. MUTHONI THE DRUMMER QUEEN

Better known as Muthoni DQ is another Boss Lady and they don't call her that for nothing, her rap game is just on another level and her lyrics are totally on point and with a message. She was the mastermind behind East Africa’s premiere and most consistent live music experience Blankets and Wine and was still being able to hold it down on the mic. She's best known for her song 'Nai Ni Ya Who', 'Mikono Kwenye Hewa', 'Tippie Toe' and more.

6. SOSUUN

This young lass is one 'bad girl' who does not joke when it comes to music and is better known as the 'Ghipuka' Diva. The hot artist has a unique way of executing her rap and is a bit of a hardcore rapper, especially in her recent hit song 'Sura Ya Kazi', which received good feedback. She is also girlfriend to Grandpa's top rapper Kenrazy and are blessed with a daughter.

7. NJERI

Best known for her hit song 'NDUTA' the new kid on the block has taken many by surprise with her dope rapping flow and talent. She also has song with a mix of Kikuyu, Swahili and English, which place her at a unique place in the industry as female rapper. She is so good at her rap that sensational rapper STL did a collabo with her for the song 'Miti Ni Dawa'. She is also good-looking and down to earth too.

8. FEMI-ONE

She is the highest riding female rapper from Kaka Sungura Empire and I must say she is doing well for herself. She has several songs to her name and mostly executes her rap in Swahili and was also featured in the 'Ligi Soo' remix. She can flow with any beats and have the right lyrics for it. Her songs include: Maumbile, Wanjiku Kimani, Wasupa and more.

9. PETRA

And the last one on my list is this sensational lady, who not only has a hot body, but is also very good at her rap, has heavy punchlines and is never afraid to try something new. She was also in King Kaka's remix of 'Ligi Soo' and also featured in the recent hit song playing on the airwaves, 'EISH' featuring Kristoff, Yvonne Darqc, Ulopa Ngoma, Gabu and Abbas.

Do you think there is another Kenyan female rapper who should have been on this list?