When people talk about alternative black female mcs in hip hop, they seem to forget Neneh Cherry. The ecclectic London chick paved the way for people like Santagold and M.I.A. Cherry was born in Sweden to a Sierria Leonean father and Swedish mother but moved to London at a young age.There, she joined punk rock band The Cherries. She is so gorgeous, particularly during the 80's when she received critical acclaim for her album Raw Like Sushi (such a fucking great album title!). Cherry experimented with different musical genres and was highly influenced by her African roots through artists like the phenomenal Fela Kuti. In the 90's she also collaborated with Senegalese French artist Youssou N'Dour on the brilliant, huge hit 7 Seconds. Neneh also financially backed the group Massive Attack. I loved Buffalo Stance and Man Child. Big lady crush, Neneh with the stunning looks and tomboy swagger, total music and style icon.