Silent Revolution: How Trans Women Rappers Are Shaking Up the Rap Game

Last month during the politically charged Flammes ceremony, amidst the flurry of speeches, one topic remained conspicuously absent: the LGBTQIA+ community, especially the plight of transgender individuals, seemed to inspire little interest. This is not to critique the ceremony itself—which has highlighted issues in Palestine, Haiti, Congo, condemned far-right politics, and honored Aboubakar Cissé—but this oversight is telling, particularly because the worlds of rap and queer individuals are often seen as inherently incompatible.

In sharp contrast to their invisibility in such forums, transgender women have been at the forefront of innovation in the rap world for some time. Artists like Backxwash, Quay Dash, Jane Remover, Lalla Rami, and Cortisa Star have been disrupting the scene by redefining its norms and infusing it with exhilarating formal experiments.

The Legacy of Sophie?

This shift might be partially credited to Sophie, the British producer and openly transgender artist who passed away on January 30, 2021. She bridged electronic music—which she dominated for years with her PC Music label—and rap, starting in 2015 when she contributed to Le1f’s track Koi. Though her initial attempt was modest, she refined her approach by collaborating with Vince Staples, a rising star on the Californian rap scene, in 2017. This partnership produced SAMO and Yeah Right, highlights of Staples’ critically acclaimed album Big Fish Theory. The latter track, featuring Kendrick Lamar, took a critical look at one of rap’s foundational tropes—the artist’s egotrip—over Sophie’s signature metallic sounds. This thematic and musical deconstruction encapsulated the essence of their collaboration, blending experimental rap with groundbreaking music production. Sophie’s influence extended to other works, paving the way for future transgender women in rap.

Mykki Blanco also deserves mention for her significant impact on queer hip hop in the 2010s. Gradually stepping away from industry norms and not focusing solely on subverting them, Blanco has become one of the most compelling voices of her time. Her latest album, Stay Close To Music, presents a complex blend of spoken word, political and poetic discourse, and sonic diversity that leaves a lasting impression.

A More Political Celebration of Self

Following in these footsteps, the relationship between transgender artists and rap has become more straightforward. Quay Dash, a young New York rapper from the Bronx, emerged with singles and mixtapes and, in 2017, released an EP aptly named Transphobic. Introduced by a track produced by Sophie (Bossed Up), the EP tackles transphobic attitudes while celebrating her identity through raw rap and a slow flow, enriched by both sensual beats and piercing hyperpop. She further explored these themes in Queen of This Shit, another collaboration with Sophie.

Similarly, 19-year-old Cortisa Star from Delaware has been making waves online with her debut EP, E.M.O (EVIL MOTION OVERLOAD). Her song FUN became a viral sensation, particularly for the line, “He loves my body, he knows I’m trans.” In BAD ASF, a proud sexual anthem, she continues to challenge norms and redefine the masculine and virile legacy of rap.

Purely Trans Music?

Cortisa Star’s work, which further blends rap with hyperpop, exemplifies this evolution. Her music, characterized by even more autotune and a frantic pace, proudly represents its era and screams queerness without apology. This blend is a natural evolution, considering the roots of both styles in marginalized communities and their shared ethos of breaking norms and liberating discriminated bodies.

At the forefront of this radical proposition is Jane Remover, whose music seamlessly transitions from EDM to shoegaze, consistently redefining herself and her sound. Her recent project Revengeseekerz fuses pop, hip-hop, and electro into a tumultuous and deafening mix, perfectly capturing the inherent rage of rap.

Constant Reinvention

Backxwash, a Zambian-Canadian rapper, has similarly been pushing the boundaries of rap with a blend of jazz, hardcore, and industrial sounds in her latest album Only Dust Remains. Her ability to navigate multiple genres positions her alongside artists like Jane Remover, in a realm of multiple identities and overt political statements.

Finally, Ms. Boogie, a Dominican-Colombian rapper, has been using her music to assert the uniqueness of her sexuality. Her latest album Breakdown features a blend of hip-hop with organic and melodic elements, providing a vivid snapshot of the life of a black transgender woman in New York.

The Exceptional Lalla Rami

In France, the progress is less noticeable. Among the few queer artists in rap, only Lalla Rami stands out. Despite being relatively new to the rap scene, the 24-year-old Moroccan has made a name for herself with sharp lyrics and a bold image. She imagines herself as the president of a “Trans French Republic,” using her platform to challenge narrow cultural perceptions and assert her identity.

Rami’s audacity has caught attention on social media and in the industry, though she notes a lack of allies. As she prepares her debut album through crowdfunding to remain independent, her visibility and influence are poised to grow, potentially culminating in a landmark performance at the Flammes 2026.