Hip-hop's great women pioneers have always had to struggle for recognition alongside male stars, both in Britain and in the US. But starting in the mid 90s, women have climbed to the very top. Icons Eve and Rah Digga reveal their struggles to reach both artistic and commercial success, alongside all-time greats Lauryn Hill and Missy Elliott.After this formidable group of women, it took time for a new generation of female stars to emerge, but in Britain in the 2000s, hip-hop women took off again. Lisa Maffia, Estelle and Speech Debelle all reveal their own stories, before a look at the younger generation of female megastars: Nicki Minaj, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion.50 years after the first pioneers, hip-hop women have well and truly made this music their own.