Da Brat, born Shawntae Harris in Chicago in 1974, emerged as a pioneering force in the ’90s hip-hop scene. While her image included aspects of sexuality, Da Brat differentiated herself by focusing on her tough, profane lyrical style, solidifying her reputation as a hardcore female MC. At just 11 years old, she began showcasing her rap skills, leading to her discovery by producer Jermaine Dupri in 1992 after winning an amateur rap contest. Dupri’s endorsement paved the way for Da Brat’s debut album, Funkdafied, released in 1994, which featured hit singles like ‘Fa All Y’All’ and ‘Give It 2 You,’ propelling her to become the first female rapper with a platinum-selling album.
For her second album, Anuthatantrum, released in 1996, Da Brat asserted greater control over her music, achieving commercial success with tracks like ‘Sittin’ on Top of the World’ and ‘Ghetto Love.’ Despite facing legal troubles in 2000 related to assault charges, Da Brat continued to make waves in the music industry with her album ‘Unrestricted’ and notable singles like ‘That’s What I’m Looking For’ and ‘What’Chu Like.’ Over the years, she delved into acting, appearing in films like Kazaam and Glitter, alongside maintaining her music career with collaborations and solo releases. Da Brat’s resilience and talent were further highlighted in recent years with her return to music through singles like ‘Is It Chu’ and her venture into radio as a co-host of The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, showcasing her enduring passion for entertainment.