MMR MEETS THE ELITE MC Roxanne Shante

ROXANNE SHANTE is a pioneer in her own right! On December 8th 2013 at the RSM Award show MMR's own MsMINC sat down with a legend. 

Born Lolita Shanté 
on November 9, 1969, she was a STAR from birth. Raised in the Queensbridge Projects of Queens, NYC, Shanté first gained attention through the Roxanne Wars and her association with the Juice Crew. Shante explained, her career began when she was 14 years old. Her lyrics even then were powerful and made with a cause. One of her first hits entitled Roxanne's Revenge was a response to the famous recorded track Roxanne Roxanne, which was about a woman who rejects the members of a group (UTFO). Later in Roxanne's career, she was known for her ability to "spit" real freestlye. She was an MC. The one who her mother once encouraged her first freestlye battle for $50.00! Which she slayed! 

By age 25, Shante had made her musical mark and was officially retired from the music industry. She would still go out and make appearance which today Shante calls working smarter and not harder! 

Shante then went on to earn her Bachelors, Masters & Ph.D degrees in Psychology. While speaking with her she stressed the importance of education, business and being able to advocate for yourself. She made it clear that anyone looking be be apart of the music business should understand that it is a business first. Being able to read and articulate your contractual agreement is just the beginning. Knowing and understanding what it requires of you is more important. 

Today, Roxanne is still and always will be known as a true MC. However, she wants to be remembered for being an intelligent business entity. We asked if you could teach one young girl one thing to remember about this industry what would it be? Shante responded with, NEVER SELL YOUR SELF SHORT. Understand this business because it is your business! She expresses her love to travel and purchase the finer things in life because she is deserving of them. Shante recited her love for this industry but loving herself more. She knows that GOD has touched her life and is still working on making her a better Shante!

More about Shante history: 

Albums[edit]

• Bad Sister (1989)
• The Bitch Is Back (1992)

Singles[edit]

• "Roxanne’s Revenge" (1984)
• "Queen of Rox (Shanté Rox On)" (1984)
• "Runaway" (1984)
• "Bite This" (1984)
• "I'm Fly Shanté" (featuring Steady B) (1985)
• "Def Fresh Crew" (1985)
• "Pay Back" (1987)
• "Have a Nice Day" (1987) (UK #58)
• "Go On, Girl" (1988) (UK #55)
• "Loosey's Rap" (with Rick James) (1988)
• "Sharp as a Knife" (with Brandon Cooke) (1988) (UK #45)
• "Live on Stage" (1989)
• "Independent Woman" (1990)
• "Go On Girl" (1990) (re-issue) (UK #74)
• "Big Mama" (1992)
• "Straight Razor" (1992)
• "What's Going On" (with Mekon) (2000) (UK #43)
• "Yes Yes, Y'all" (with Mekon) (2006)

Follow Roxanne on Instagram @Roxanneshante