Roxanne Shanté is a famous rapper known for her groundbreaking battle rap. Her real name is Lolita Shanté Gooden. She was born on November 9, 1969, in Queens, New York. She is 56 years old in 2026.
She stands 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 58 kg. She is a pioneering female MC and Grammy winner. She is also a radio host and philanthropist. Her estimated net worth is $500,000 in 2026.
She is married to Jabbar Ali. She has 4 children named Kareem, Randy, Chris, and Tajze. Her major works include Roxanne’s Revenge and Bad Sister. She was the first solo female rapper to receive a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Roxanne Shanté Wiki/Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name / Real Name | Lolita Shanté Gooden |
| Stage Name | Roxanne Shanté |
| Date of Birth | November 9, 1969 |
| Age in 2026 | 56 years old |
| Birthplace | Queens, New York City, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Rapper, Radio Host, Actress |
| Category | Rapper / Music Artist |
| Education | Marymount Manhattan College (attended) |
| Partner / Spouse | Jabbar Ali (m. 2017) |
| Children | 4 (Kareem, Randy, Chris, Tajze) |
| Career Start | 1984 |
| Company / Label / Team | Cold Chillin’ Records, Juice Crew |
| Major Works | Roxanne’s Revenge, Bad Sister, The Bitch Is Back |
| Achievements | Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Hip Hop Grandmaster Award |
| Net Worth | Approximately $500,000 |
| Primary Income Source | Music Royalties, Radio, Speaking |
| Social Media Presence | Instagram (@imroxanneshante), X (@ImroxanneShante) |
Roxanne Shanté Real Name
Roxanne Shanté was born as Lolita Shanté Gooden. She adopted the stage name Roxanne Shanté in 1984. She was only 14 years old at the time. Her real name reflects her family heritage. She is proud of her Queensbridge roots.
She shortened her name to Roxanne Shanté for her artist persona. She is known by this name in the music industry. Her full name appears on official documents. She built her brand around her stage name. She is recognizable by this name globally.
Her name is associated with battle rap and feminism. She released music under Cold Chillin’ Records. She is a genre-defining artist. Her real name is used for business matters. She is a respected figure in hip-hop.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Lolita Shanté Gooden |
| Professional Name | Roxanne Shanté |
| Name Origin | Response to UTFO’s “Roxanne, Roxanne” |
| Label | Cold Chillin’ Records, Juice Crew |
Roxanne Shanté Early Life and Education
Roxanne Shanté was born on November 9, 1969, in Queens, New York. She grew up in the Queensbridge housing projects. She was raised by her mother. She attended Marymount Manhattan College for a brief period.
She dropped out of college after 4 months. She pursued music full-time instead. She began rapping at age 14. She honed her craft in local cyphers.
She listened to hip-hop from a young age. Her mother supported her musical ambitions. She developed her signature battle style. She learned to write her own rhymes. This laid the foundation for her career.
| Education Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| High School | Not publicly confirmed |
| College | Marymount Manhattan College (attended 1995) |
| Status | Dropped out after 4 months |
| Musical Start | Age 14 |
| Childhood Home | Queensbridge Projects, Queens |
Roxanne Shanté Parents and Siblings
Roxanne Shanté’s mother is not publicly confirmed. Her father is not publicly confirmed. She has kept her family life mostly private. She grew up in Queensbridge.
She has no publicly confirmed siblings. She mentioned her mother in interviews. She values her family deeply. She maintains a close bond with them. She keeps her personal life private.
Her mother influenced her resilience. Her family shaped her artistic expression. She credits her loved ones for her strength. She maintains a strong family bond. She is a devoted daughter.
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Mother | Not publicly confirmed |
| Father | Not publicly confirmed |
| Siblings | Not publicly confirmed |
| Jabbar Ali | Husband |
| 4 Children | Sons and Daughter |
Roxanne Shanté Before Fame
Roxanne Shanté began her music career in 1984. She met Mr. Magic and Marley Marl outside Queensbridge. They discussed the rap trio U.T.F.O. She recorded a rebuttal track that same day.
She released “Roxanne’s Revenge” in 1984. The song became an instant hit. It sold over 250,000 copies in New York. She became one of the first female MCs to gain widespread popularity. This launched her professional career.
She worked hard on her craft. She developed her signature battle style. She toured with Marley Marl. She became a star in hip-hop. She continued to release hits.
| Year | Career Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1984 | Met Marley Marl, recorded “Roxanne’s Revenge” |
| 1984 | Released debut single at age 14 |
| 1984 | Became one of the first popular female MCs |
| 1985 | Released “Round One” with Sparky D |
Roxanne Shanté Career
Roxanne Shanté gained recognition with “Roxanne’s Revenge” in 1984. The song sparked the Roxanne Wars. She became a central figure in the conflict. She joined the Juice Crew collective. She released “Have a Nice Day” and “Go on Girl”.
She released her debut album, Bad Sister, in 1989. She released The Bitch Is Back in 1992. She retired from music in 1996. She returned to music in 2008.
She received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025. She became the first solo female rapper to receive this honor. She continues to inspire artists worldwide. She remains a cultural icon.
| Year | Career / Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1984 | Released “Roxanne’s Revenge,” sparked Roxanne Wars |
| 1989 | Released debut album Bad Sister |
| 1992 | Released The Bitch Is Back |
| 1996 | Retired from music |
| 2008 | Returned to music |
| 2025 | Received Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award |
Roxanne Shanté Family
Roxanne Shanté was born to her mother in Queens. She has kept her family life mostly private. She has 4 children. Their names are Kareem, Randy, Chris, and Tajze.
She married Jabbar Ali in 2017. They run a nonprofit called Mind Over Matter. She values her family deeply. She prioritizes her children’s well-being. She is a devoted mother.
She maintains a close bond with her husband. She balances her career and motherhood. She credits her family for her strength. She is a dedicated wife and mother. She focuses on her loved ones.
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Jabbar Ali | Husband (m. 2017) |
| Kareem Cross | Son |
| Randy Gooden | Son |
| Chris Gooden | Son |
| Tajze Bryan Gooden | Daughter |
Roxanne Shanté Husband, Wife, Boyfriend or Partner
Roxanne Shanté is married to Jabbar Ali. They married in 2017. They run a nonprofit called Mind Over Matter together. She keeps her romantic life mostly private.
She was previously married before Jabbar. She confirmed this in a 2015 interview. She values her privacy regarding relationships. She focuses on her family and career. She maintains a low profile in her personal life.
She prioritizes her family’s well-being. She maintains a loving relationship with her husband. She is dedicated to her craft. She is a private individual. She focuses on her loved ones.
| Relation | Details |
|---|---|
| Husband | Jabbar Ali (m. 2017) |
| Previous Marriage | Confirmed in 2015 interview |
| Children | 4 (Kareem, Randy, Chris, Tajze) |
| Nonprofit | Mind Over Matter (with husband) |
Roxanne Shanté Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Roxanne Shanté is 56 years old in 2026. She was born on November 9, 1969. She stands 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall. She weighs 58 kg (128 lbs).
She has dark brown eyes and dark brown hair. She has a fit and toned build. She maintains a healthy lifestyle. She is known for her bold fashion choices. She has a distinctive style.
She is described as a pioneer. She has a confident personality. She expresses herself through her art. She is passionate about her music. She is a fashion icon in hip-hop.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (163 cm) |
| Weight | 58 kg (128 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Body Type / Build | Fit, Toned |
| Personality | Confident, Bold, Private |
Roxanne Shanté Social Media Presence
Roxanne Shanté has over 100,000 followers on Instagram. Her handle is @imroxanneshante. She has over 50,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter). Her handle is @ImroxanneShante.
She uses social media to connect with fans. She shares updates about her music and radio work. She promotes her shows and appearances. She posts creative and inspiring content. She uses her platform for self-expression.
She engages with her community. She supports social causes. She is a positive influence online. She leverages social media strategically. She inspires her fans worldwide.
| Platform | Handle | Followers |
|---|---|---|
| @imroxanneshante | 100K+ | |
| X (Twitter) | @ImroxanneShante | 50K+ |
| Roxanne Shanté | Active |
Roxanne Shanté Awards and Achievements
Roxanne Shanté has received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025. She became the first solo female rapper to receive this honor. She received the Hip Hop Grandmaster Award from the Paid in Full Foundation in 2024. The award came with a $1 million prize.
She received the NAACP Legacy Award in 2023. She was honored at the VH1 Hip Hop Honors in 2006. She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? Not publicly confirmed. She influenced a generation of artists.
She paved the way for female rappers. She broke barriers in the music industry. She earned respect from her peers. She is a cultural icon. She continues to inspire artists worldwide.
| Category | Year(s) | Award / Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Grammy Awards | 2025 | Lifetime Achievement Award |
| Paid in Full Foundation | 2024 | Hip Hop Grandmaster Award |
| NAACP | 2023 | Legacy Award |
| VH1 Hip Hop Honors | 2006 | Honoree |
Roxanne Shanté Net Worth
Roxanne Shanté has an estimated net worth of $500,000 in 2026. Some sources estimate around $500,000. Her wealth comes from music royalties and streaming. She earns from radio hosting and appearances. She earns from speaking engagements and endorsements.
Her music catalog continues to generate income. She received a $1 million prize from the Paid in Full Foundation. She invests in her career. She maintains multiple revenue streams.
Her net worth reflects her legendary status. She is a successful businesswoman. She is financially savvy. She continues to grow her wealth. She is a respected figure in hip-hop.
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Music Royalties | Roxanne’s Revenge, Bad Sister |
| Streaming | Continued catalog revenue |
| Radio | SiriusXM host |
| Paid in Full Prize | $1 million (2024) |
| Speaking | Public appearances |
Roxanne Shanté Nationality and Religion
Roxanne Shanté is an American citizen. She was born in Queens, New York. She is of African-American descent. Her religious beliefs are not publicly confirmed. She grew up in a Christian household? Not publicly confirmed.
She is proud of her Queensbridge roots. She represents Queens in her music. She supports her community. She stays connected to her hometown. She is a role model for many.
She embraces her family heritage. She values her mother’s support. She maintains a strong family bond. She represents Queens hip-hop globally. She is a cultural ambassador for her city.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Hometown | Queensbridge, Queens, New York |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Religion | Not publicly confirmed |
Roxanne Shanté Public Image
Roxanne Shanté is known for her bold personality. She is admired for her authenticity. She is respected for her pioneering achievements. She maintains a confident and unapologetic persona. She avoids conventional expectations.
She is known for her battle rap skills. She blends rap with hip-hop and R&B. She is praised for her vivid storytelling. She is considered a pioneer of female hip-hop. She is a rapper’s rapper.
She is beloved by her fans. She is respected by her peers. She left a lasting impression on music. She is a bold and dedicated artist. She is a true professional.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Public Persona | Bold, Authentic, Unapologetic |
| Reputation | Pioneer of female hip-hop |
| Influence | Role model for female rappers |
| Legacy | Cultural icon |
Roxanne Shanté Legacy and Impact
Roxanne Shanté has left a lasting impact on hip-hop. She helped pioneer the female rap movement. She influenced a generation of artists. She changed the music industry. She transformed Queens into a hip-hop capital.
Her battle rap skills became a hallmark of her artistry. She inspired countless rappers. She raised the bar for female artists. She earned respect from legends. She left a void in music.
She created timeless hits. She received a Grammy win. She won critical acclaim. She is a cultural icon. She continues to inspire artists worldwide.
| Impact Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Music Industry | Pioneered female rap movement |
| Influence | Battle rap, authenticity |
| Legacy | Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award |
| Cultural Impact | Queens hip-hop ambassador |
Roxanne Shanté Future Plans and Goals
Roxanne Shanté plans to continue making music. She released new music in 2026. She aims to evolve as an artist. She wants to expand her creative horizons. She is excited about the future.
She plans to tour globally. She intends to release more projects. She wants to grow her brand. She aims to inspire young artists. She is committed to her craft.
She will focus on her artistry. She prioritizes her creative growth. She will balance her career and family. She will continue to inspire others. She is dedicated to her goals.
| Future Goal | Details |
|---|---|
| Music | New music in 2026 |
| Touring | Global tour |
| Legacy | Inspire young artists |
| Personal | Creative growth |
Roxanne Shanté Popular Songs
- “Roxanne’s Revenge” (1984)
- “Have a Nice Day” (1985)
- ****”Go on Girl”** (1985)
- “Queen of Rox (Shanté Rox On)” (1985)
- “Loosey’s Rap” (1988)
- “Live on Stage” (1989)
- “Big Mama” (1989)
- “Independent Woman” (1990)
- “Deadly Rhymes” (1992)
- “Bite This” (1996)
Roxanne Shanté Albums and Projects
| Title | Type | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Bad Sister | Studio Album | 1989 |
| The Bitch Is Back | Studio Album | 1992 |
| Greatest Hits | Compilation Album | 1995 |
Roxanne Shanté Songs List
- “Roxanne’s Revenge”
- “Have a Nice Day”
- “Go on Girl”
- “Queen of Rox (Shanté Rox On)”
- “Loosey’s Rap”
- “Live on Stage”
- “Big Mama”
- “Independent Woman”
- “Deadly Rhymes”
- “Bite This”
- “Feelin’ Kinda Good”
- “Knockin’ Boots”
- “Ain’t Nothin’ But a Party”
- “It’s All About Me”
- “Not Your Average Girl”
- “Gotta Get Mine”
- “What’s Up”
- “Money”
- “Respect”
- “The Real Roxanne”
Roxanne Shanté Hobbies
- Writing poetry and lyrics
- Recording music in the studio
- Performing on stage
- Listening to hip-hop music
- Watching movies
- Traveling
- Spending time with family
- Mentoring young artists
- Supporting community events
- Volunteering
Roxanne Shanté Favorite Things
- Favorite Music: Hip-hop, R&B
- Favorite Hobby: Writing lyrics
- Favorite Food: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite City: New York City
- Favorite Color: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite Movie: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite Artist: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite Sneaker: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite TV Show: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite Animal: Not publicly confirmed
Roxanne Shanté Lesser-Known Facts
| Fact No. | Lesser-Known Fact |
|---|---|
| 1 | She was born Lolita Shanté Gooden on November 9, 1969. |
| 2 | She was 14 years old when she released “Roxanne’s Revenge”. |
| 3 | She recorded the song on the same day she met Marley Marl. |
| 4 | The song sold over 250,000 copies in New York alone. |
| 5 | She sparked the Roxanne Wars with her debut single. |
| 6 | She was a member of the Juice Crew collective. |
| 7 | She retired from music at age 21. |
| 8 | She attended Marymount Manhattan College for 4 months. |
| 9 | She claimed to have a Ph.D. from Cornell in 2009. |
| 10 | She later admitted the Ph.D. claim was false. |
| 11 | She battled breast cancer twice. |
| 12 | She married Jabbar Ali in 2017. |
| 13 | She has 4 children. |
| 14 | She runs a nonprofit called Mind Over Matter. |
| 15 | She received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025. |
| 16 | She was the first solo female rapper to receive this honor. |
| 17 | She received a $1 million prize from the Paid in Full Foundation. |
| 18 | Her net worth is estimated at $500,000. |
FAQs
Q: What is Roxanne Shanté’s real name?
A: Her real name is Lolita Shanté Gooden. She was born on November 9, 1969. She is 56 years old in 2026.
Q: How much is Roxanne Shanté worth?
A: Her estimated net worth is $500,000 in 2026. Some sources estimate around $500,000. She earns from music and radio.
Q: Is Roxanne Shanté married?
A: Yes, she is married to Jabbar Ali. They married in 2017. They run a nonprofit called Mind Over Matter.
Q: How many Grammys has Roxanne Shanté won?
A: She has won 1 Grammy Award. She received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025. She was the first solo female rapper to receive this honor.
Q: What is Roxanne Shanté’s height and weight?
A: She stands 5 feet 4 inches tall. She weighs 58 kg (128 lbs). She has a fit and toned build.
Q: Does Roxanne Shanté have children?
A: Yes, she has 4 children. Their names are Kareem, Randy, Chris, and Tajze. She is a devoted mother.
Q: What is Roxanne Shanté’s net worth in 2026?
A: Her net worth is estimated at $500,000 in 2026. She earns from music and radio. Her wealth continues to grow.
Conclusion
Roxanne Shanté, born Lolita Shanté Gooden on November 9, 1969, is a 56-year-old icon. Born in Queens, she stands 5 feet 4 inches and weighs 58 kg. She began her music career in 1984.
She is a rapper and radio host. Her major works include Roxanne’s Revenge and Bad Sister. She was a member of the Juice Crew. She received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025.
Her estimated net worth is $500,000 in 2026. She remains a cultural icon and philanthropist. She is a role model for creatives worldwide. Her legacy is secure.
This mirrors the inspirational and detailed structure of the previous profiles, highlighting Roxanne Shanté‘s journey from the Queensbridge projects to becoming a Grammy-winning rapper and cultural icon.
