Roxanne Shanté

Roxanne Shanté (born January 14, 1969) is an American rapper, songwriter, and actress who emerged as a pioneering female voice in hip-hop during the 1980s. Born Lolita Gooden in Queens, New York, she began rapping as a teenager and quickly gained attention for her sharp wit, clever wordplay, and confident delivery in an industry dominated by men. Her breakthrough came with "Roxanne's Revenge" in 1984, a diss track responding to the popular record "Roxanne, Roxanne," which launched her into the spotlight and sparked one of hip-hop's earliest and most famous feuds. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, she released several albums and became known for hits like "Have a Nice Day" and "Go on Girl." Beyond music, Shanté appeared in films and television shows, expanding her influence in entertainment. She has also been vocal about her experiences in hip-hop as a woman and a Black artist, contributing to important conversations about representation and equity in the music industry. Her legacy as one of the first successful female rappers who commanded respect in a male-dominated space remains influential for generations of female artists.