Roxanne Shanté
Albums
Facts about Roxanne Shanté
Roxanne Shanté, born Lolita Shanté Gooden, is an American hip-hop pioneer known for her groundbreaking contributions to the genre. Here are some key facts about her:
Early Life and Rise to Fame: Roxanne Shanté was born on November 9, 1969, in Queens, New York City. She rose to prominence in the mid-1980s during the height of the hip-hop battle rap phenomenon. At just 14 years old, she released the hit single "Roxanne's Revenge" in response to UTFO's song "Roxanne, Roxanne". "Roxanne's Revenge" became a sensation and catapulted Shanté to fame as one of the first female battle rappers.
Innovative Style and Impact: Roxanne Shanté's innovative style and sharp wit revolutionized the hip-hop battle scene. She was known for her clever and humorous disses, delivered with confidence and charisma. Shanté's influence on the rap game was profound, paving the way for future generations of female emcees and demonstrating that women could compete and excel in a male-dominated genre.
Album Releases and Collaborations: In addition to her early singles, Roxanne Shanté released several albums throughout her career. Her debut album, "Bad Sister", was released in 1989 and featured tracks like "Live on Stage" and "Brothers Ain't Shit". Shanté also collaborated with other artists, including Biz Markie, on songs like "Big Mama" and "Mister Big Stuff", showcasing her versatility as an emcee.
Educational and Activist Work: After stepping away from the music industry, Roxanne Shanté pursued higher education and earned a Ph.D. in psychology. She has used her platform to advocate for education and mentorship, particularly for young women and marginalized communities. Shanté is also involved in community outreach programs aimed at empowering youth through music and education.
Documentary and Biopic: Roxanne Shanté's life and career were chronicled in the documentary film "Roxanne Roxanne", which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2017. The film, directed by Michael Larnell, explores Shanté's journey from a teenage battle rapper to a hip-hop legend. In 2018, a biographical drama film titled "Roxanne Roxanne" was released on Netflix, further shining a spotlight on Shanté's legacy and impact on the hip-hop world.
Roxanne Shanté's contributions to hip-hop culture and her trailblazing achievements as a female emcee have solidified her place in music history. She remains an icon and inspiration to aspiring artists and fans alike, continuing to influence the rap game with her fearless attitude and lyrical prowess.