The new guard is here: the next five rappers finish up high tier and the oldest debuted in 2015. Yeeun is a cutie pie and she carries with her a flighty rapping style with a voice that reminds of Hyuna. This was most evident in "Hobgoblin" where Yeeun and CLC did a fantastic job with the concept. Unfortunately, their latest comeback "Where Are You?" completely abandoned that style. However Yeeun still gave Hyuna vibes, which is good or bad depending on your perspective.
#9. Exy (+10)
Exy has been a consistent contributor to Cosmic Girls / WJSN ever since their debut. She brings a deeper voice that packs more punch compared to the delicately light voices of her groupmates. Truthfully besides "Secret" (which was spectacular), none of Cosmic Girls' music has really inspired me. However, the anticipation for Exy's rap breaks make up for it. Her parts in "Happy" and "Kiss Me" were easily the highlights of those songs. Oh and a release that flew under the radar was "Love Therapy" with Yuna!
#8. Jennie (+9)
When it comes to girl groups with multiple rappers, Black Pink stands above the rest with two talented members. Let's not forget that BP is only four members, and what would hurt another group of that size actually works in their favor because of how good they are. Jennie is smooth as silk with her rapping and despite Lisa taking more of the recent spotlight it'd be unwise to sleep on her. Black Pink's Japanese versions of their songs provided full English raps, which theoretically could push Jennie above the next person on the list, but...
#7. Mimi (+6)
I debated Mimi or Jennie at 7th more than any other rapper in any other position. Both have killed it every time they get on the mic, and they don't always get a chance to rap (though for different reasons). They each also get singing opportunities, too. The difference is that Mimi does it all solo, and her rap break from "Closer" is better than anything Jennie has done so far (if only by a little). Granted I'm not really into Oh My Girl's music but like Exy, Mimi is the drawing point of the group for me and I'll always give their songs a chance because of her.
#6. Lisa (+10)
At risk of sounding like a broken record, Lisa's rapping really does remind me a lot of CL. That's a good thing by the way. Lisa has rapped with an intensity that we have not seen in many of the younger girl group rappers. Thus far, "As If It's Your Last" is the best (girl group) rap break of the year and it'll be hard for her to relinquish that as 2017 winds down. Not only that, but like Jennie, Lisa's ability to go hard in both Korean and English give her even more utility. Which means we'll get Lisa Thai raps when?!
The motherfucking top madam has graced us with a top five placement and the final tier: the elite tier. I'd argue anyone in the next three spots could be interchangeable but anyway. Jimin continued her dominating presence in AOA's music with performances in "Excuse Me" and "Bing Bing." Choa's departure could mean a turning point in their line distribution. In an r/kpop thread, one user pondered what the future of AOA's music will be like with Choa gone. Another user responded by saying they'll give Jimin more "heys." I think I laughed and also cried at the same time reading that. Pray that it won't come true.
#4. Miryo (--)
I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, but I can't let Miryo fall yet. Even through inactivity I can't yet justify putting the youngsters above her. She's still with Brown Eyed Girls who might not be promoting right now, but they will always make noise when they eventually do. Their legacy is immense and Miryo was more of a driving force than a bystander. I figure putting her in the middle from 3rd to 5th makes the most sense (plus she's been in this spot since November 2015). So long as BEG remains a group it will take serious downtime before anyone outside the top five overtakes her.
#3. Moonbyul (+2)
Many rappers are well-supported by their teammates and music. Moonbyul is exceptional in that she's (still) an elite rapper despite Solar, Wheein, and Hwasa throwing out belts left and right. From the fun and punny "Aze Gag" to the more classic "Yes I Am," Moonbyul will continue being a rapping force to be reckoned with. Admittedly they continue to have Hwasa poach her rapping every now and then, so I wish that would simply cease to exist. The only "fault" I really have with her is that she still introduces herself before every rap, which is a pretty good problem all things considered.
#2. Yezi (+1)
The newer stars like Lisa, Mimi, and Yeeun are praised for their charisma and ferocity. Perhaps no other girl group rapper in Kpop is as aggressive as Yezi is. Even though FIESTAR has been quiet on the group front since "Apple Pie" Yezi had her solo comeback with "Anck Su Namun." It was a quality track that highlighted her skills, while also being one of the best solo efforts of the year - only recently being edged out by Taeyang and Sunmi's work. With seemingly ritual departures of the very best rappers, Yezi may have found her home.
#1. LE (--)
Bow down. LE maintains her post as the best girl group rapper and has defended her title for the two newest iterations of the Power Rankings. Plus she did so with flying colors. Solji has to rest up? LE took more presence in "Night Rather Than Day," and in a manner we haven't really seen since "Ah Yeah" back in 2015. LE's nasal tones, rapping style, and ridiculous consistency will keep her at the top for years to come. With Solji returning from health concerns, hopefully we get some full group action later this year! Or at least an LE solo, that'd be dope too.
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