Hip-hop is traditionally associated with “alpha males” and stories of the journey from “rags to riches.” Now, a new wave of female producers and singers is carving out a unique space in the LoFi subgenre. They create music that blends empowerment with confidence, sensuality, and honesty. Their sound offers a relaxing atmosphere that contrasts with mainstream rap.
LoFi, short for “low fidelity,” refers to recordings with technical imperfections. These include hum, background noise, static from vinyl, or lower sound quality. Artists use these “flaws” on purpose. They give the music authenticity and let the listener “fill in the gaps.” As a result, each track feels more personal and intimate. Common features of LoFi hip-hop include beat stutters, dense samples, mid-song tempo changes, natural sound effects, and long vocal cuts.
Let’s take a look at some of the leading women in the LoFi hip-hop scene:
1.Eevee
Eevee, from Dordrecht (Netherlands) or Rotterdam, is perhaps the most prominent woman in LoFi hip-hop. She began her career as a DJ and later started making hip-hop beats after buying a laptop with basic music software that she immediately fell in love with. Since 2013, Eevee has been releasing melancholic beat tapes with warm vinyl sounds, gaining international recognition for her diverse projects. Her music is often described as therapeutic, a way to express herself and her feelings, and she hopes her work helps people feel less alone during difficult times. Among her early hip-hop inspirations are J Dilla, Nujabes, and Flying Lotus.
2.Sophie Meiers
American singer and songwriter Sophie Meiers, from Durango, Colorado, has been making music almost her entire life and has already been part of several bands. She stands out as one of the best lyricists in LoFi, combining a knowledgeable and introspective lyrical approach with warm and sincere vocals. Sophie describes hip-hop as “a brilliant literary and sonic revolution” filled with soul, passion, stories, and poetry interwoven with nostalgic sounds. She is especially drawn to “crunchy and smooth sample tones that hypnotically flow with steady hip-hop rhythms.” Jazz has always been central to her music, with early inspirations including Nujabes, J Dilla, and Erykah Badu. One of her biggest tracks is “Sincerely, Yours.”
3.Seneca B
Seneca B, from Boston, Massachusetts, is a veteran of the LoFi production and instrumental hip-hop world. She started making music as a child, first playing piano and then moving on to drums. Unable to form a band, she decided to become a producer to be “a whole band by herself.” Initially influenced by mainstream hip-hop artists like The Game, 50 Cent, and Eminem, Seneca B later discovered underground producers on SoundCloud and realized her style fit perfectly within LoFi. Today she also plays guitar, bass, and piano.
Her jazzy beats and instrumental hip-hop create a “soft, smooth sound” with melancholic and nostalgic undertones. The track “Flowers” has nearly two million plays on SoundCloud, while “Sunshine” has over 24 million on Spotify. Other popular tracks include “Tylenol” and “Shook.” On Last.fm she has more than 110,000 listeners. Her albums include “Rascal” (2015), “Flowers” (2017), “Angels” (2017), and “Sunshine” (2018). In 2023, she released the EP “Passing Time” along with several singles. Seneca B emphasizes that women in hip-hop should not let societal expectations about their sexuality dictate their art; the focus should always be on making quality music. She is preparing to release a new EP, her debut with Nettwerk Music Group.
4.City Girl
City Girl is a talented producer who creates dreamy and cinematic tracks, perfect for reflection and inspiration. Her music reflects a unique blend of empowerment, confidence, and a sensitive, honest side. On Spotify, City Girl has over 245,000 monthly listeners. Some of her most popular tracks include “Ji-Eun’s Sunset” with more than 42 million streams, “Walking in the Rain to a Café to Write Down Private Thoughts in Public” with over 19 million, and “Velvet Garden” with more than 12 million. She is also a game developer, and her music reflects this multifaceted creative approach. Her discography includes albums such as “Neon Impasse” (2018), “Time Falls Like Moonlight” (2018), “HEARTBREAKER CLUB” (2022), and “Celestial Angel” (2018), as well as upcoming projects, including the soundtrack for her game “CATGIRL” (2025).
5.Luxury Elite
Luxury Elite, an American musician who keeps her real identity private, has shaped the vaporwave scene with her LoFi sound. Since 2012, she has been a leading figure in the “late night lo-fi” subgenre. Fans call her the “princess of vaporwave.” Her music combines funk, jazz, and lounge while reworking city pop and new jack swing. She often loops samples and sees her sound as a form of escapism.
Her anonymity supports this sense of mystery. Albums such as “World Class” (2015) and “Noir” (2016) earned high praise from critics. Her catalog includes more than fifteen albums, among them “Prism” (2018), “High Society” (2020), and “Fashion Pop” (2023).
These talented women demonstrate how LoFi hip-hop has become a space for diverse artistic self-expression, where musicians can create deeply personal and resonant works without conforming to rigid genre or social expectations.
Creating LoFi music often requires staying in the right mindset. For practical tips on keeping your creativity flowing, don’t miss this post: Top 10 Ways to Stay Inspired While Working on a Track.
