Roxanne Shante, born Lolita Shante Gooden, is a trailblazing American hip-hop artist best known for her sharp, battle-style rap and her significant role in the early development of the genre. She rose to prominence in the 1980s with her debut single "Roxanne's Revenge," which was a direct response to UTFO's hit "Roxanne, Roxanne", and became central to the 'Roxanne Wars' phenomenon. Her impact on the hip-hop scene, particularly as a pioneering female MC, has been widely acknowledged, paving the way for many female artists in a predominantly male industry. Her unique narrative style and assertive delivery have been influential in shaping the direction of rap music.