Achieving success as a woman in the male-dominated arena of hip-hop can be an uphill battle. Judged on appearances more than skill, female artists are often relegated to eye candy instead of the main attraction. But not every dismissed mic mistress meets the same fate. Nicki Minaj, Iggy Azalea, and Azealia Banks are just a few of the lucky ones who are granted access to the winner’s circle. But are these women really what the game’s been missing or just corporate-sponsored stereotypes reincarnated?