Hip-hop legend Roxanne Shanté is about to add another historic accolade to her trailblazing career.
The rapper, who shot to fame at just 14 years old with her hit single Roxanne’s Revenge, will soon become the first solo female MC to receive the prestigious Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Recording Academy recently announced that Shanté will be celebrated alongside iconic artists like Prince and Frankie Beverly at the 2025 Grammy Special Merit Awards Ceremony on Feb. 1, one day before the 67th Grammy Awards.
“It’s an amazing privilege to honor this eclectic group of music icons during the year’s biggest week in music,” said Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. “Each of this year’s Special Merit Award recipients has left an indelible mark on music, from paving the way for others to innovation that forever changed the trajectory of the musical landscape. We can’t wait to celebrate this group and their achievements in February.”
From “Roxanne’s Revenge” to Grammy Royalty
Roxanne Shanté’s impact on hip-hop is undeniable. In 1984, she turned heads and sparked the legendary “Roxanne Wars” with Roxanne’s Revenge, a bold response to UTFO’s Roxanne, Roxanne.
Her wit, charisma, and lyrical prowess cemented her status as one of hip-hop’s first female stars. Decades later, her debut single achieved platinum certification in 2022, proving her influence remains timeless.
This Grammy honor places Shanté in the company of hip-hop legends like Slick Rick, N.W.A, and Salt-N-Pepa—the latter being the only other female rappers to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The 67th GRAMMYs: A Star-Studded Affair
The Grammy buzz doesn’t stop there. The 67th Grammy Awards, hosted by comedian and three-time Grammy nominee Trevor Noah for the fifth consecutive year, will air live on February 2 from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
With the Special Merit Awards Ceremony kicking off the festivities, it’s shaping up to be a historic weekend for music fans.
Roxanne Shanté’s recognition serves as a reminder of the foundational role women have played in shaping hip-hop.
