INTRODUCTION
Roxanne Shanté is an American rapper who is widely recognized as one of the first female MCs in hip-hop. At just 14 years old, she recorded “Roxanne’s Revenge” (1984), an answer record to UTFO‘s “Roxanne, Roxanne,” which became one of the biggest rap singles of the year and sparked the famous “Roxanne Wars” — a series of over 100 answer records. She is considered a pioneer of battle rap and one of the most influential women in hip-hop history. Her life story was told in the Netflix biopic Roxanne Roxanne (2017), directed by Michael Larnell.
Birth Name
Lolita Shanté Gooden
Career
Rapper
Birthday
March 8, 1969
Age
57 years old
Zodiac Sign
Pisces
Birthplace
Queens, New York
Nationality
American
HOW BIG IS Roxanne Shanté ON THE NET?
Roxanne Shanté is a legendary figure in hip-hop history. Her 1984 single “Roxanne’s Revenge” sold over 250,000 copies in the New York area alone and is considered one of the greatest dis tracks ever recorded. The song sparked the “Roxanne Wars,” a phenomenon of over 100 answer records. She released two studio albums: Bad Sister (1989) and The Bitch Is Back (1992). She was portrayed by Chanté Adams in the Netflix biopic Roxanne Roxanne (2017). She was inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.
HOW DID Roxanne Shanté become famous?
In 1984, at age 14, Roxanne Shanté was recruited by producer Marley Marl to record an answer to UTFO‘s hit “Roxanne, Roxanne” after the group failed to show up for a concert Marley Marl had promoted. She recorded “Roxanne’s Revenge” in one take using the beat from UTFO’s song. The single became a massive hit and launched what became known as the “Roxanne Wars.” She became one of the youngest rappers to achieve mainstream success and a key member of the Juice Crew.
BEFORE THE FAME
Lolita Shanté Gooden was born on March 8, 1969, in the Queensbridge Houses, the largest public housing project in North America, located in Long Island City, Queens, New York. She grew up in a challenging environment and began rapping at a young age. She was a member of the legendary Juice Crew, a collective of hip-hop artists from Queensbridge that included Marley Marl, MC Shan, Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, and Kool G Rap. Despite her early fame, she became a mother at age 14.
CLOSE WITH (ASSOCIATED)
Roxanne Shanté has been associated with many notable figures, including Marley Marl (producer and mentor), MC Shan (Juice Crew), Big Daddy Kane (Juice Crew), Biz Markie (Juice Crew), Kool G Rap (Juice Crew), Mr. Magic, KRS-One (rival during the Bridge Wars), and Chanté Adams (portrayed her in the Netflix biopic Roxanne Roxanne). She paved the way for female rappers like MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Lil’ Kim, and Nicki Minaj.
Personal LIFE and Relationship
Roxanne Shanté became a mother at age 14. She retired from rapping at age 25 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree and a PhD in Psychology, reportedly using a clause in her recording contract that required her label to pay for her education. She has worked as a therapist and life coach. Her life story was chronicled in the Netflix biopic Roxanne Roxanne (2017). She has spoken publicly about overcoming domestic violence and the challenges she faced growing up in the Queensbridge projects.
Body Measurements
Height: 5’2″ (157 cm)
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
Body Type: Average
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