1996: Brooklyn-born rapper Lil’ Kim‘s Hard Core will be the most successful debut album from a female rapper at the time. On top of opening creative doors for women in hip-hop, Lil’ Kim’s affinity for audacious and extravagant fashion statements will influence the likes of Rihanna, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj and many more.

1997: Possibly inspired by the advent of the internet and its exciting reimagining of our collective future, a flurry of women somehow simultaneously create some of the greatest and most inventive pop records of all time.

In June of 1997, Madonna and producer William Orbit begin recording sessions in North Hollywood. After enduring a string of technical difficulties and a lesson in Sanskrit arranged by the BBC, she will release her magnum opus, Ray of Light, the following year.

Simultaneously, Icelandic singer Björk is running behind schedule on the completion of her third studio album. In September of 1997, she will release her magnum opus, Homogenic, to widespread acclaim.

From left: Madonna's Ray of Light, Bjork's Homogenic, a still from Janet Jackson's "Together Again" music video, Kylie Minogue's Impossible Princess

From left: Madonna’s Ray of Light, Bjork’s Homogenic, a still from Janet Jackson’s “Together Again” music video, Kylie Minogue’s Impossible Princess | courtesy of the artists

In a month, Janet Jackson will release her magnum opus, The Velvet Rope. Heavily influenced by an emotionally turbulent period following an extensive world tour, Jackson’s record will speak bluntly on a number of topics: domestic abuse, self-harm and the AIDS epidemic, among others. The Velvet Rope will become a template for the burgeoning alternative R&B genre.

At the same time, Australian singer Kylie Minogue will release her magnum opus, Impossible Princess, after a two-year recording process. The experimental dance pop album will be widely misunderstood at the time, but future generations will justly re-evaluate its merit.

Additionally in 1997, Missy Elliott releases Supa Dupa Fly, Erykah Badu releases Baduizm and Shania Twain releases Come On Over.

In other words, seven divas — possibly more — came together to maximize their joint slay.

1998: More than 50 years after embarking on her musical career, Cuban icon Celia Cruz releases “La vida es un carnaval,” which becomes one of her signature songs.

1999: Lauryn Hill becomes the first woman to win five Grammy Awards in one night. Her debut record, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, also becomes the first hip-hop album to win album of the year.

Black Opry Revue: “Stay Wild” (World Cafe Session)