Who Is Ms. Tee? The First Female Singer Signed to Cash Money Records

Long before Cash Money Records became a global powerhouse in hip-hop, a young, bold voice helped lay its foundation—Ms. Tee, the label’s first female signee and one of the original queens of New Orleans bounce music. Born and raised in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana, Ms. Tee (originally known as Terrible Tee) carved out a unique space in the male-dominated Southern rap scene, becoming a local icon and trailblazer for women in hip-hop.

Breaking Into the Game

At just 14 years old, Ms. Tee began sneaking into clubs alongside fellow bounce legend Cheeky Blakk, performing and building a buzz that would soon catch the attention of the city's budding music moguls. It was Ronald “Slim” Williams, brother to Bryan “Baby” Williams (a.k.a. Birdman), who first spotted her talent. After a pivotal meeting with the Cash Money duo, Ms. Tee was rebranded—and history was made. She became the first female artist signed to Cash Money Records, a move that would help shape the early identity of the label.

Bounce Royalty & Early Collaborations

Ms. Tee quickly made her mark on the New Orleans bounce scene, collaborating with early Cash Money heavyweights like BG, UNLV, and Pimp Daddy. Her first studio recording appearance came in 1993 on the gritty track “Get Em Up Nigga” with Pimp Daddy. With a signature vocal style that combined sharp hooks and Southern flair, she earned the nickname “Hook Queen”.

Her versatility and strong presence made her a go-to collaborator for a number of respected artists in the South, including Soulja Slim, Pimp C, and Bun B, helping to bridge the bounce genre with the broader Southern rap movement.

Solo Success on Cash Money

While on Cash Money, Ms. Tee dropped two solo projects that left a lasting impact. Her debut, “Having Thing$” (1995), and the follow-up, “Female Baller” (1996), showcased her lyrical confidence, street-savvy persona, and undeniable talent. These projects offered a fresh female perspective at a time when most Southern rap was male-centric, making Ms. Tee’s contributions both necessary and pioneering.

Departure Before the Explosion

In 1997, just before Cash Money signed its landmark distribution deal with Universal Records, Ms. Tee left the label due to financial disputes. Although her departure came just before the label’s massive mainstream breakthrough, her influence remained embedded in its DNA. She paved the way for other female voices in New Orleans hip-hop and inspired a generation of independent Southern artists.

A Lasting Legacy

Ms. Tee's legacy in hip-hop is unmistakable. As the first lady of Cash Money, she helped lay the groundwork for one of the most influential labels in music history. More than that, she proved that a young woman from New Orleans could stand toe-to-toe with any artist—male or female—and hold her own in an era when female voices were far too often overlooked.

In a time when women in Southern hip-hop are finally receiving long-overdue recognition, it's important to remember pioneers like Ms. Tee—a true queen of bounce and a foundational figure in Southern rap.

Follow Ms. Tee on her continuing journey and rediscover the music that helped shape New Orleans’ golden era of hip-hop.