From Lil’ Kim to Missy Elliott, the ’90s Hip-Hop Stars Whose Style Still Inspires Inline
Photo: Getty Images1/8Who: Salt-N-Pepa
Key facts: Hailing from Queens, Salt-N-Pepa was one of the first female rap groups, jumping on the scene in 1986 with their album Hot, Cool & Vicious; the group was made up of Cheryl James (Salt), Sandra Denton (Pepa), and Latoya Hanson (who was replaced by Deidra Roper, aka DJ Spinderella). “Push It," off their first album and still a dance floor favorite, went platinum, making Salt-N-Pepa making them the first women in hip-hop (solo or group) to do so; their songs like “Let’s Talk About Sex” and later, “Ain't Nuthin’ But a She Thing” integrated a distinctly feminist message into the rap zeitgeist.
The look: On-trend not-quite-mom jeans—acid-washed and otherwise; anti-fashion sneakers; classic gender-neutral white denim jackets; sizable gold necklace and door knockers.
Photo: Getty Images2/8Who: MC Lyte
Important facts: Raised in Brooklyn, Lyte started rapping at twelve; at 23, she was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Rap Single—the first female solo rapper ever nominated; she was also the first female solo hip hop artist to receive the BET "I Am Hip Hop" Icon Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013; her diary, turntable, and records rest at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., as significant artifacts in the history of hip-hop.
The look: Soft plaid shirt with oversize collar; mid-waisted trousers; initial-plated gold earrings; Old Hollywood circa the forties hairstyle.
Photo: Getty Images3/8Who: Neneh Cherry
Key facts: Raised in Sweden and New York, Cherry, who eventually ended up in London, began her rap career in England protesting social issues with “Stop the War,” a song about the Falkland Islands and later, went on to produce music for AIDS fundraising; her 1988 single “Buffalo Stance” reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number one on the U.S. Dance Chart; she was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1990, Cherry lost to Milli Vanilli, who were famously disgraced soon after for lip-syncing their music.
The look: Glossy red lips; a slightly more-refined-than-average denim jacket slung over her shoulders; sheer black tank top with black bra peeking out; oversize gold chandelier earrings.
Photo: Rex4/8Who: Lauryn Hill
Key facts: Hill burst onto the scene in 1994 with the Fugees’ first album, and gained fame with their second and seminal disc The Score, which reached number one on the Billboard chart and won the Grammy for Best Rap Album; she released The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, the beloved and critically lauded solo musical expression of her prodigious talent, which topped the Billboard charts for four weeks and collectsed five Grammys—the first woman to do so—including Best New Artist and Album of the Year.
The look: Flared and cut-off three-quarter-length jeans à la Marques ‘ Almeida; gold gladiator platforms; shrunken denim jacket; a nineties staple, the shrunken T-shirt in yellow; her signature dreadlocked bob.
Photo: Getty Images5/8Who: Queen Latifah
Key facts: Latifah began her career by beat boxing, and her demo got her discovered by Fab 5 Freddy, the host of Yo! MTV Raps; from the get-go, her music addressed women’s issues, including domestic violence; she transitioned into television and film, hosting her own talk show, The Queen Latifah Show, and appearing in movies such as The Bone Collector, Chicago, and Bringing Down the House; her work has earned her a Golden Globe, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, a Grammy (as well as six nominations), an Emmy nomination, and an Oscar nomination.
The look: Oversize Parisian black beret; perfectly fit, loose black tank; Wayfarer-esque sunglasses; tasteful bling: long gold feminine chain and matching earrings with a statement bracelet.
Photo: Getty Images6/8Who: Foxy Brown
Key facts: Foxy Brown was signed by **Jay Z’**s Def Jams Records at age seventeen in 1996; her debut album, Ill Na Na, featured popular collabs with Jay-Z as well as Blackstreet and Method Man; she performed at the 1997 MTV Spring Break—throwback, indeed!—alongside the Spice Girls, Snoop Dogg, Aaliyah, and Aerosmith; her feud with fellow MC and high school friend Lil’ Kim was (and still is) infamous, resulting in much speculation and many songs.
The look: Transparent and shimmery slip dress; oversize slate gray fur coat; lots of leg; slicked-back, smooth high ponytail, mauve lipstick, and dramatic nineties eyebrows.
Photo: Getty Images7/8Who: Lil’ Kim
Key facts: After meeting the Notorious B.I.G., who became her mentor and rumored lover, Lil’ Kim joined Biggie’s group Junior M.A.F.I.A. in 1995; in 1996, she released her first solo album, Hard Core, which debuted at number eleven on the Billboard 200—the highest ranking for a female rapper; Kim modeled for brands like Versace, Baby Phat, and MAC Cosmetics; she struck gold with “Lady Marmalade,” from the Moulin Rouge! soundtrack, on which she was joined by Christina Aguilera, Pink, and Mya.
The look: All labels, all the time—Kim is said to be the most brand-dropping rapper in history—and in this case, it’s Fendi all over her motorcycle jacket, thigh-high boots, and headband; skimpy earth-toned lingerie and well-placed body chain around her pelvis; platinum hair phase (by now, she has worn her mane in practically every hue of the rainbow).
Photo: Getty Images8/8Who: Missy Elliott
Key facts: Missy Elliott began her career by crafting music for Aaliyah, Destiny’s Child, and later, Whitney Houston; her first album, Supa Dupa Fly, achieved wide critical success and spawned the Hype Williams–directed iconic and futuristic music video for “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)”; a comeback queen, Elliott reappeared during the 2015 Super Bowl halftime performance, expertly stealing the spotlight from Katy Perrywith her on-point verses and dance moves.
The look: Luxe sporty leather “Super" jersey; gold large hoops, tennis bracelet, and statement watch; flawless gamine coif.
