Roxanne Shanté: Age, Date of Birth & other info
Roxanne Shanté, born Lolita Shanté Gooden, is a legendary figure in hip-hop history. She emerged in the mid-1980s as one of the first prominent female MCs, gaining fame for her role in the “Roxanne Wars,” a series of diss tracks that helped shape rap battles as we know them today.
- Age: 55 Years
- Date of Birth: March 8, 1969
- Birth Place: Queens, New York City, United States
- Weight: 139 pounds (63 kg)
- Height: 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm)
- Net Worth: between $500,000 and $1 million
Early Life and Background
Birth and Childhood
Roxanne Shanté was born on March 8, 1969, in Queens, New York City, United States. She grew up in the Queensbridge Houses, the largest public housing project in North America, known for producing some of hip-hop’s biggest names, including Nas and Mobb Deep.As a child, she displayed an early interest in music, particularly hip-hop, which was taking shape in New York at the time. Inspired by artists like Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, she developed a passion for rapping and quickly made a name for herself in her neighborhood for her exceptional freestyling skills.
Rise to Fame: The “Roxanne Wars”
In 1984, when Shanté was just 14 years old, her life changed forever. She became involved in one of hip-hop’s most famous feuds, the “Roxanne Wars.”
The Birth of “Roxanne’s Revenge”
The saga began when the rap group UTFO released a song called Roxanne, Roxanne, which told the story of a woman named Roxanne who rejected the group’s romantic advances. The track became an instant hit, and many artists attempted to capitalize on its success with response songs.Roxanne Shanté, then a young battle rapper, was approached by DJ Marley Marl and radio DJ Mr. Magic to create a rebuttal track. She recorded Roxanne’s Revenge in one take, delivering sharp, witty lyrics over UTFO’s beat. The song became an underground sensation, selling over 250,000 copies in the New York area alone and launching her career.
The Impact of the “Roxanne Wars”
The success of Roxanne’s Revenge sparked a flood of answer records, with over 100 response songs recorded, making it one of the largest and longest-running hip-hop feuds in history. Various rappers, both male and female, entered the battle, but none could match Shanté’s clever wordplay and street credibility.This event established Roxanne Shanté as one of the most talented battle rappers of her era and showcased her ability to dominate in a male-dominated industry.
Association with the Juice Crew
Following her breakout success, Roxanne Shanté became a key member of the Juice Crew, a collective of talented hip-hop artists assembled by Marley Marl. The crew included legendary figures such as Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, MC Shan, and Biz Markie.Being part of the Juice Crew provided Shanté with a platform to collaborate with other influential artists and refine her skills. She was one of the few women in the group, proving her lyrical prowess alongside some of the best MCs of the time.
Career Highlights and Musical Contributions
Albums and Hit Songs
Although Roxanne Shanté was primarily known for her battle raps and freestyle skills, she also released two studio albums:
- Bad Sister (1989) – This album featured raw and aggressive lyrics, further cementing her reputation as a powerful lyricist.
- The Bitch is Back (1992) – The second album continued her legacy, showcasing her growth as an artist and her ability to address social issues through music.
Some of her notable tracks include:
- Go On Girl – One of her most commercially successful singles.
- Live on Stage – A track that highlighted her commanding presence in live performances.
- Have a Nice Day – A classic battle rap song filled with clever disses and sharp rhymes.
Personal Life and Family
Roxanne Shanté’s personal life has been filled with both triumphs and challenges. She became a mother at 16 years old, which added responsibilities at a young age but did not deter her from pursuing her passion for music.Despite stepping away from the limelight in her 20s, she continued to be involved in the hip-hop community, mentoring young artists and speaking about the challenges women face in the industry.
Challenges and Hiatus from Music
By the mid-1990s, Roxanne Shanté gradually stepped away from the music industry. She focused on raising her family and exploring other ventures.
Education and Advocacy Work
One of the most remarkable aspects of Shanté’s post-music career is her dedication to education. She became an advocate for young women in hip-hop and frequently speaks about the exploitation of female artists in the industry.
Roxanne Roxanne: The Biopic
In 2017, Netflix released Roxanne Roxanne, a biopic detailing her rise to fame and the challenges she faced in the industry. The film was directed by Michael Larnell and produced by Forest Whitaker and Pharrell Williams. Actress Chanté Adams portrayed Shanté, earning widespread praise for her performance.The film shed light on her struggles as a young female rapper in a male-dominated industry and reignited interest in her contributions to hip-hop.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
As of recent estimates, Roxanne Shanté’s net worth is approximately $500,000 to $1 million. Her wealth comes from multiple sources, including:
- Music royalties
- Speaking engagements
- Film and television appearances
- Endorsements and business ventures
While she never reached the commercial heights of some of her peers, her influence in the industry remains invaluable.
Legacy and Influence
Roxanne Shanté’s impact on hip-hop is undeniable. She paved the way for female rappers like Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Missy Elliott, Nicki Minaj, and Cardi B. Her contributions to battle rap and diss tracks have shaped modern hip-hop culture.
She is recognized as a hip-hop pioneer, and her fearless approach to music has inspired generations of female MCs.
Conclusion
Roxanne Shanté’s journey from a teenage battle rapper to a respected hip-hop icon is a testament to her talent, resilience, and influence. Though she stepped away from mainstream music early in her career, her contributions to the genre remain significant. With her biopic Roxanne Roxanne bringing renewed attention to her story, she continues to be celebrated as one of hip-hop’s most formidable female MCs.Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists, proving that raw talent and determination can leave a lasting impact on the music industry.
