From underground battles in Puerto Rico to topping global charts, female artists in Latin music have fought for space, and now they’re commanding stages. In genres historically dominated by men, women like Ivy Queen, Karol G, Becky G, and Natti Natasha have become trailblazers, shifting narratives about power, identity, and presence in Latin urban music.
In this post, we explore how they rose, the unique voice each brings, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the influence they now wield.
The Groundbreaker: Ivy Queen, the Queen of Reggaetón
If there is one name that laid the foundation, it’s Ivy Queen.
- Early career: She rose in the 1990s in Puerto Rico’s underground reggaetón scene, competing in “The Noise” mixtapes and holding her own among male MCs.
- “Quiero Bailar” (2003): Perhaps her most iconic track. The lyrics explicitly challenge assumptions about women’s autonomy over their bodies and dance moves.
- In a 2020 Billboard Latin Music Week panel, she declared:“I put on my pair of pants and I straighten the guys out too.”
- Her legacy is foundational: she’s credited with creating space for women to not just exist but thrive in urban Latin genres.
The New Wave: Karol G
Karol G has become one of the most visible female figures in reggaetón and Latin urban music today.
- Identity & mission: She’s often spoken about empowerment and self-love. In a Vogue Mexico interview, she said, “When you have no one to love, it’s just you. You have to love yourself (…) It’s something I wake up with every day, that I want to share with others so they feel the same way.”
- Chart success & recognition: She’s broken streaming records and won major Latin awards. She was named Billboard’s 2024 Woman of the Year, becoming the first woman to win Best Música Urbana at the Grammys.
- Collaboration & respect: On her 2021 album KG0516, she featured Ivy Queen on “Leyendas,” opening with Queen revisiting “Quiero Bailar,” a symbolic passing of the torch.
Bridging Pop & Urban: Becky G
Becky G entered as a pop/teen artist, but gradually embraced Latin urban styles and collaborations that affirmed her voice:
- She has spoken about gaps in opportunities for women in Latin music: “It’s not that there’s a lack of women’s support. There’s a lack of opportunities in the music industry.”
- “Sin Pijama” (with Natti Natasha, 2018) was a milestone. The track became a girl-power anthem in urban music, proving that female collaboration can dominate the charts.
- Regarding her career direction, she says she’s aiming for more than just hits; she wants moments that matter historically.
The Relentless Climber: Natti Natasha
Natti Natasha, originally from the Dominican Republic, has steadily become a major force in reggaetón and Latin urban:
- Early hits: She rose with songs like “Criminal,” featuring Ozuna, and expanded her influence through collaborations with many stars.
- Collaboration power: Her work with Becky G on “Sin Pijama” was pivotal. In interviews, she has said women connect deeply with sensual songs because they want authenticity in how they are portrayed.
- Reinvention & motherhood: Her recent Nattividad era shows her evolving identity, merging motherhood, style, and continued musical ambition.
Shared Themes, Distinct Voices
While each artist’s path is unique, they share power in how they:
| Theme | How It Shows |
|---|---|
| Autonomy & Voice | Songs that emphasize respect, consent, and boundaries (e.g. Ivy Queen’s “Quiero Bailar”). |
| Collaboration as strategy | Women working together (Becky G & Natti Natasha, Karol G & Ivy Queen) to challenge scarcity narratives. |
| Blending genres & identity | They move between reggaetón, pop, trap, and regional styles, refusing to be boxed in. |
| Visibility & fashion | Image, style, and aesthetics become part of storytelling and culture. |
| Barriers & resistance | They repeatedly confront sexism, dismissal, and gatekeeping in a male-dominated industry. |
Milestones & Songs to Know
- Ivy Queen – “Quiero Bailar” (2003) — a reggaetón feminist anthem challenging norms.
- Karol G – “Tusa”, “Mi Cama”, KG0516 (feat. Ivy Queen on “Leyendas”)
- Becky G & Natti Natasha – “Sin Pijama” (2018) — female artists making chart history in urban music.
- Collaborative tracks like Natti Natasha’s features, crossovers with pop and urban styles
The rise of female voices in Latin music tells a story of perseverance, defiance, collaboration, and evolution. These women didn’t just break into male-dominated spaces, they reshaped them. Their art, presence, and bold steps challenge stereotypes and unlock opportunities for new generations.
In celebrating their journeys, we not only honor their music, but also acknowledge that representation matters. We breathe easier when more stories are told louder, prouder, and without apology.