Roxanne Shanté

Roxanne Shanté, originally Lolita Gooden, rose to fame in the 1980s with her confrontational and controversial rap track "Roxanne's Revenge," in response to U.T.F.O.'s hit song "Roxanne, Roxanne." Despite facing legal threats, she continued her music career and scored a hit in 1986 with "Loosey's Rap" alongside Rick James. Shanté later retired from music to pursue higher education, earning a Ph.D. in psychology and becoming a mentor to young female rappers, while also making appearances in Sprite commercials showcasing freestyle hip-hop artists.

Following her success in the music industry, Roxanne Shanté transitioned to a career in psychology, establishing her own practice and starting a family in New York. She remained connected to the entertainment world by mentoring aspiring female rappers and participating in promotional campaigns such as the Sprite commercials featuring freestyle hip-hop artists. Shanté's legacy as a pioneering female rapper and her commitment to education and mentorship continue to inspire new generations in the music industry.