The fashion world is buzzing, and it’s all about who holds the crown for breaking barriers in the pages of Vogue. The conversation is heating up, with fans and publications debating the true “firsts” for female rappers gracing the iconic magazine’s covers. At the heart of the discussion are Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and the legendary Lil’ Kim, each with significant moments that are now being re-examined and celebrated.
The internet is dissecting the nuances of what constitutes a “first” in the realm of magazine covers. Widely shared posts credit Nicki Minaj with making history first as the female rapper to appear on any Vogue title cover with Vogue Arabia in September 2018. She’s also recognized for achieving the first solo U.S. Vogue cover by a female rapper. Adding to the layered history, Cardi B’s January 2020 U.S. Vogue cover, featuring her daughter Kulture, is also a verified and significant milestone.
However, the debate often circles back to Lil’ Kim‘s iconic December 1999 appearance in Vogue. While widely shared and celebrated, these visuals are typically acknowledged as an editorial feature inside the magazine, not a main cover. This distinction between a main cover and an editorial photoshoot is central to the current fervor. The terms “solo vs. shared” and “U.S. vs. international editions” further complicate the timeline, with fans meticulously examining every detail to determine the definitive “first.”
The timeline, as commonly cited, shows Lil’ Kim’s groundbreaking editorial in December 1999. Fast forward to September 2018, Nicki Minaj appeared on the cover of Vogue Arabia, a moment widely heralded as the first for any female rapper on a Vogue cover. Then, in January 2020, Cardi B made her mark with a U.S. Vogue cover alongside Kulture. The recognition for Nicki Minaj’s solo U.S. Vogue cover came later through amplified online recognition.
Ultimately, the definition of “first” dictates the narrative. If “any Vogue edition” counts, Nicki Minaj’s 2018 Vogue Arabia cover takes the lead. For a U.S. Vogue cover, regardless of whether it’s solo or shared, Cardi B’s 2020 appearance is a key moment. And for a solo U.S. Vogue cover, Nicki Minaj holds that specific distinction, as credited by Vogue accounts. Lil’ Kim’s 1999 feature remains a foundational and influential editorial, a powerful precursor that undoubtedly paved the way for these subsequent milestones, underscoring the rich tapestry of Black women’s impact on fashion and culture.
Why the Confusion? Three Definitions Decide Everything
- Main Cover vs. Editorial Feature
A main cover is the literal front cover; an editorial is a photoshoot inside. Much of the Lil’ Kim discourse points to an editorial, not a confirmed main cover. - Solo vs. Shared Cover
A solo cover features the artist alone. Cardi B’s U.S. Vogue cover included Kulture, so debates separate that from Nicki’s “solo” claim. - U.S. vs. International Editions
“First on any Vogue” includes global editions (e.g., Vogue Arabia). “First on U.S. Vogue” is a separate milestone.
The Receipts: Commonly Cited Timeline
- Dec. 1999 — Lil’ Kim in Vogue: celebrated editorial photographed by Annie Leibovitz (not a confirmed main cover).
- Sept. 2018 — Nicki Minaj covers Vogue Arabia: widely credited as the first female rapper on a Vogue cover (any edition).
- Jan. 2020 — Cardi B covers U.S. Vogue with Kulture: a first for a female rapper on U.S. Vogue, not solo.
- Later — Vogue recognition amplified online: Nicki Minaj as the first female rapper with a solo U.S. Vogue cover.
Bottom Line
- If “first” means any Vogue edition → Nicki Minaj (Vogue Arabia, 2018).
- If “first” means U.S. Vogue (any composition) → Cardi B (Jan. 2020) with Kulture.
- If “first” means solo U.S. Vogue → Nicki Minaj (as credited by Vogue accounts and widely shared posts).
- Lil’ Kim (1999) remains foundational and iconic—a landmark editorial that helped pave the lane, even if not a confirmed main cover.
Quick FAQ
Who was the first female rapper on any Vogue cover?
Widely credited to Nicki Minaj for Vogue Arabia (Sept. 2018).
Who was the first female rapper on U.S. Vogue?
Cardi B (Jan. 2020) covered U.S. Vogue with her daughter; Nicki Minaj is credited as the first with a solo U.S. Vogue cover.
Does Lil’ Kim’s 1999 appearance count as a cover?
It’s usually cited as an editorial inside, not a main cover—that distinction drives today’s “first” debate.
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Disclaimer:
For Education and discussion purposes. Please note no copyright infringement is intended, was recorded on BlkCosmo’s own equipment, and we do not own nor claim to own any of the original recordings used in this video and intend to use this as ‘fair use’.
