Why do Nicki Minaj fans want to give her credit for opening the doors for female rappers? Historically, men typically opened the doors for female rappers. From Da Brat, Foxy, Kim, Trina, etc., we typically first discovered them on records with established male rappers.
This was no different with Nicki. Not only did she follow the same formula, but she had the two biggest male rappers co-signing her. In the eight years passed, before she had any real competition, she didn't bring any up-and-coming females to open for her, feature with them, or anything. So how is she responsible for the new wave of female rappers?
The new wave of female rappers is clearly following the path of Cardi B. Cardi B used social media and reality TV, which is what most of the other girls are doing now. She also did it without a male co-sign which most girls are doing now. Cardi is responsible for the new wave because she showed that rap girls could be profitable again.