Doja Cat’s Planet HER has earned the title of the top female rap album of the 21st century, according to Billboard’s updated “Top 200 Albums of the 21st Century” list. Released in 2021, the critically acclaimed project was ranked at #86, making it the highest-placed female rap album on the list, which spans from 2000 through the end of 2024.

This announcement, unveiled on January 9, has thrilled Doja Cat’s devoted fan base, affectionately known as the #Kittens. However, it has also ignited discussions among hip-hop enthusiasts about the absence of iconic albums from the ranking.

Planet HER enjoyed a #2 peak on the Billboard 200 during its initial release and made history as the female rap album with the longest top-10 run on the chart, lasting 178 weeks. The album also became the first by a female rapper to produce three top-10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing its status as a groundbreaking achievement in music.

Among other notable female rap albums, Cardi B’s Invasion of Privacy (2018) also made the list at #136, but the omission of works by rap legends like Nicki Minaj (Pink Friday), Missy Elliott (Miss E… So Addictive and Under Construction), Eve (Scorpion), Lil’ Kim (The Notorious K.I.M.), and Megan Thee Stallion (Good News) has sparked widespread conversation.

Fans and critics alike have taken to social media to debate Billboard’s criteria, which is based on overall performance on the Billboard 200 albums chart. While some celebrated Doja Cat’s success and Planet HER’s groundbreaking accomplishments, others expressed frustration over the lack of recognition for projects that defined earlier eras of female rap.

Missy Elliott’s Under Construction and Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday, in particular, were cited as glaring omissions. Both albums played pivotal roles in shaping the trajectory of hip-hop, and their absence left many questioning the methodology behind the ranking.

Despite the controversy, there’s no denying the cultural and commercial impact of Planet HER. With hit singles like “Get Into It (Yuh),” “Need to Know,” and “Kiss Me More,” the album not only showcased Doja’s genre-blending artistry but also solidified her as one of the most versatile and successful artists of her generation.

As Planet HER continues to be celebrated, the debate over Billboard’s rankings underscores the evolving landscape of female rap. While Doja Cat’s achievements reflect the genre’s growing dominance in mainstream music, fans and industry veterans alike hope future evaluations will recognize the contributions of earlier trailblazers who paved the way.

For now, Planet HER stands tall as a testament to the power of innovation and consistency in reshaping hip-hop’s narrative. Whether celebrated or debated, its legacy is already cemented in history.