Roxanne Shante (born Lolita Shante Gooden) might not have attained commercial success like some of the top female rappers, but she is considered the OG amidst most female artists in the rap game.
Shante’s Contribution and Wonderful Husband
Shante is an inspiration to look up to for most female rappers.
She started her rap journey by earning the title of Queensbridge Battle Champion at the age of nine as an emcee. When she was just 14, she joined Rap Attack, one of the radio shows, and battled fearlessly with the men to top the game.
She eventually released her debut single ‘Roxanne Speaks Out,’ which turned her into an overnight sensation and ignited the career of rap’s first female star. She was the first woman to command respect in the male-dominated genre with her talent.
However, her rise to fame was overshadowed by a troubled childhood and darker adulthood. She eventually stepped away from the limelight.
These days Shante has found happiness in her life with her “wonderful“ husband, Jabbar Ali. She has been married to him since 2017, and they have two kids.
There isn’t much information about her husband, but she revealed in an interview with Vlad TV that her husband is a retired boxer. A quick scan of his Facebook page shows he is a huge advocate of equality for his African American community and a staunch supporter of his wife.
Shante’s Dark Past
While Shante is currently happy with her marriage, finding peace was difficult for her. In an interview with Vlad TV, the artist details her struggles as a teenage mother and her abusive relationship. When she was 15 she had her first child.
She shared that she did not find her motherly role to be difficult at that age because she already had maternal instincts from taking care of her sister. She also had no worries about meeting the expenses because her music career helped pay for her childcare.
The rapper took her son with her everywhere, even during her tours, and credits him for saving her life.
After the shows, I could not drink, smoke, or go to after-parties because I had responsibilities. I had a child to take care of.
She confessed she suffered domestic abuse from the father of her child, and it was not because of her son. She explained that he (father of her child) resented her career and fame, and the abuse had gotten so bad that she was hospitalized with broken ribs.
That was the final straw for her, and she finally left him when she was just sixteen.
You can watch her biopic Roxanne Roxanne for a better understanding of her life.