Roxanne Shanté utilized what she referred to as her "Nipsey Russell" syndrome to launch a Hip-Hop career that spanned the globe. While the journey wasn't always easy, Shanté is stronger, wiser, and tougher because of what she's been forced to deal with.

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1988
Artist | January 4, 1988
The Dapper Dan Effect
As Roxanne Shanté was igniting the “Roxanne Wars” of the era, business was also booming for Dapper Dan. Naturally, the teenage MC made it a priority to shop at his store, where she could cop one-of-a-kind counterfeits of the trendiest upmarket brands of the day. READ MORE
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1985
Artist | January 1, 1985
The Battle for world supremacy
Roxanne Shanté had her eyes dead set on winning the WWF-style championship belt that came with winning the “Battle for World Supremacy” at the Marriott Marquis. It wouldn’t be easy, but Shanté knew she had the stripes to do it. READ MORE
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1984
Artist | 03-20-1984
Behind the photo
Photographer Janette Beckman was just adjusting to her new life in New York City when a teenage Roxanne Shanté exploded on the New York City Hip-Hop scene. This is the story behind the photograph snapped outside of her studio. READ MORE
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1984
Artist | 03-29-1984
Roxanne's Revenge
Marley Marl wanted to record a response to UTFO's “Roxanne, Roxanne” from the point of view of the fictional woman. As fate would have it, he wouldn’t have to look beyond his own block inside the Queensbridge projects. READ MORE
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1978
Artist | 04-28-1978
How Answer Records Laid the Foundation for Future Battle Rap Culture
Battling remains a core tenet of Hip-Hop. While this form of one-upmanship may seem like it’s unique to the culture, history tells us that this verbal assault was a remix of past traditions. READ MORE

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1985
Artist | January 1, 1985
The Battle for world supremacy
Roxanne Shanté had her eyes dead set on winning the WWF-style championship belt that came with winning the “Battle for World Supremacy” at the Marriott Marquis. It wouldn’t be easy, but Shanté knew she had the stripes to do it. READ MORE
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1984
Artist | 03-29-1984
Roxanne's Revenge
Marley Marl wanted to record a response to UTFO's “Roxanne, Roxanne” from the point of view of the fictional woman. As fate would have it, he wouldn’t have to look beyond his own block inside the Queensbridge projects. READ MORE
-
1988
Artist | January 4, 1988
The Dapper Dan Effect
As Roxanne Shanté was igniting the “Roxanne Wars” of the era, business was also booming for Dapper Dan. Naturally, the teenage MC made it a priority to shop at his store, where she could cop one-of-a-kind counterfeits of the trendiest upmarket brands of the day. READ MORE
-
1984
Artist | 03-20-1984
Behind the photo
Photographer Janette Beckman was just adjusting to her new life in New York City when a teenage Roxanne Shanté exploded on the New York City Hip-Hop scene. This is the story behind the photograph snapped outside of her studio. READ MORE
-
1978
Artist | 04-28-1978
How Answer Records Laid the Foundation for Future Battle Rap Culture
Battling remains a core tenet of Hip-Hop. While this form of one-upmanship may seem like it’s unique to the culture, history tells us that this verbal assault was a remix of past traditions. READ MORE
