Roxanne Shanté, a true pioneer in the world of Hip Hop since her groundbreaking track “Roxanne’s Revenge” in 1984, is once again making history by becoming the first solo female rapper to be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy.
This prestigious award recognizes performers who have made significant artistic contributions throughout their careers and will be presented on Saturday, February 1, at the Wilshire Ebell Theater in Los Angeles. Other notable honorees this year include Frankie Beverly, The Clash, Dr. Bobby Jones, Taj Mahal, Prince, and Frankie Valli.
Past recipients from the Hip Hop community include iconic groups and artists such as Run-DMC, Public Enemy, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Salt-N-Pepa, and N.W.A.
“When you enter the music industry, you aspire to achieve three things: to get paid, to chart on Billboard, and to win a Grammy,” Shanté shared with Gayle King on CBS Mornings. With this award, she has successfully accomplished all three goals.
Before receiving the Lifetime Achievement Grammy, Shanté was honored with a Grandmaster Award from the Paid in Full Foundation, which came with a million-dollar prize, presented to her by Nas. The event celebrated Shanté along with fellow honorees Kool Moe Dee and Grandmaster Caz, highlighting the contributions of these influential figures in Hip Hop.
Nas expressed his admiration for Shanté and her co-honorees, stating, “The 2nd Paid in Full Foundation Grand Master Awards congratulates pioneers Roxanne Shanté, Grand Master Caz, and Kool Moe Dee! These innovators were often uncredited and overlooked, and without them, there would be no Hip Hop as we know it today. They changed the world, and we are grateful.”
In a heartfelt tribute to Roxanne, Nas added, “With The Queen @imroxanneshante being honored at the Grand Master Awards later this evening. Thank you, Big Sis, for your contributions to Hip Hop. What a moment to celebrate a game changer from my hometown!”
Stay tuned for the presentation ceremony and further updates on Roxanne Shanté’s remarkable journey and her significant impact on the music industry.
