
Amil, born Amil Kahala Whitehead in New York City, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter who rose to prominence in the late 1990s as one of the foremost female voices in hip-hop. Discovered by Jay-Z, Amil was quickly signed to Roc-A-Fella Records, where her distinctive style and lyrical agility earned her a place on high-profile collaborations with Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and other major artists of the era. She made her memorable debut on Jay-Z’s hits “Can I Get A...” and “Nigga What, Nigga Who,” captivating audiences with her confident delivery and smooth flow.
In 2000, Amil released her debut solo album “All Money Is Legal,” which featured singles like “I Got That” with Beyoncé and “4 Da Fam,” showcasing her ability to bridge both streetwise rhymes and pop sensibilities. Despite her early success and unique position as a prominent woman in a male-dominated industry, Amil’s career was marked by both critical attention and label disputes, leading her to step away from the mainstream spotlight after her debut. Nevertheless, she continued to release sporadic music and maintain a dedicated fanbase, asserting her influence as a pioneering female emcee whose work helped carve paths for future women in hip-hop.