Description
Roxanne Shante Vs. Sparky D – The Ol’ Skool Flava Of Nia Records – Vinyl Record
The Ol’ Skool Flava of Nia Records: Roxanne Shante vs. Sparky D is a compilation album that revisits one of the most iconic rap rivalries of the mid-1980s: the legendary “Roxanne Wars” between pioneering female MCs Roxanne Shante and Sparky D. Released on Nia Records, this compilation captures a slice of hip-hop history, featuring tracks from both Shante and Sparky D that showcase the lyrical intensity, bravado, and charisma that defined the early days of hip-hop battles.
The “Roxanne Wars” began in 1984, when UTFO released their hit single “Roxanne, Roxanne,” a song about a fictional woman named Roxanne who rejects their romantic advances. The song sparked the interest of 14-year-old Lolita Shanté Gooden, who adopted the moniker Roxanne Shante and released a diss track titled “Roxanne’s Revenge.” Produced by Marley Marl, the song quickly became a hit, and Roxanne Shante was suddenly at the forefront of the first major hip-hop rivalry, with her fierce lyrical delivery and assertive presence. This launched a series of responses and counter-responses from other artists, sparking the “Roxanne Wars,” an early precursor to the competitive spirit and lyrical battles that became foundational in hip-hop.
Sparky D, another talented female MC, entered the scene with her response track “Sparky’s Turn (Roxanne You’re Through),” challenging Roxanne Shante directly. Sparky D’s bold lyrics and confident style quickly gained attention, and the two MCs continued to trade barbs through their music. Their rivalry became one of hip-hop’s first high-profile “beefs,” setting a precedent for future lyrical battles in the genre and highlighting the growing presence of women in hip-hop.
Key Tracks
“Roxanne’s Revenge” – The track that started it all, “Roxanne’s Revenge” features Roxanne Shante’s sharp wit and fast-paced delivery, showcasing her ability to go head-to-head with the male-dominated rap scene of the time. Produced by Marley Marl, the beat is raw and minimalistic, putting Shante’s razor-sharp lyrics front and center.
“Sparky’s Turn (Roxanne You’re Through)” – Sparky D’s response is a fierce rebuttal, packed with assertive lines that take direct aim at Roxanne Shante. Sparky D’s delivery is powerful and combative, embodying the spirit of hip-hop battles that were becoming popular at the time.
“Roxanne’s Profile” – Another track by Roxanne Shante, this song further establishes her character, confidence, and attitude. Shante’s playful yet challenging approach to her lyrics gives listeners insight into her perspective and the strength of her personality.
“Round One, Roxanne Shante vs. Sparky D” – This track brings both MCs together in a battle-style format, presenting a lyrical face-off that highlights the distinct styles and techniques of both rappers. It’s a memorable track that gives a sense of the high-energy rivalry between the two.
The tracks in this compilation center on themes of self-confidence, rivalry, and empowerment, illustrating the toughness and competitive nature that became essential to hip-hop. Both Roxanne Shante and Sparky D challenged the male-dominated scene by showing that women could battle just as fiercely as their male counterparts, creating a space for women’s voices in rap. Their rivalry, though competitive, demonstrated the importance of self-expression and lyrical skill in the genre, influencing countless other artists in the decades to come.
The production on these tracks is raw and straightforward, featuring simple beats and rhythms characteristic of early hip-hop. Producers like Marley Marl helped shape the minimalistic style that allowed the focus to remain on the lyrics and flow, capturing the essence of hip-hop as a lyrically-driven genre. The beats rely on drum machines, scratching, and minimal sampling, which emphasize the verbal sparring and intense delivery of each artist.
The rivalry between Roxanne Shante and Sparky D became one of the defining moments in hip-hop’s early days, influencing the tradition of battle rap that would continue to evolve within the genre. The Ol’ Skool Flava of Nia Records is significant not only for its historical importance but for highlighting the talent and skill of two pioneering female MCs who helped break down gender barriers in hip-hop.
The “Roxanne Wars” showcased the role of hip-hop as a platform for confrontation, self-expression, and identity, and it was a crucial moment that underscored hip-hop’s nature as a genre rooted in competition and individual voice. Both Roxanne Shante and Sparky D are now celebrated as trailblazers for women in hip-hop, and this compilation remains a testament to their impact on the genre.
The Ol’ Skool Flava of Nia Records: Roxanne Shante vs. Sparky D is an essential listen for hip-hop historians, enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the roots of battle rap and the role of women in the genre’s formative years. The collection captures the intensity and creativity of the early hip-hop scene while celebrating the contributions of two groundbreaking artists who helped shape hip-hop’s competitive spirit.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Roxanne Shanté – Roxanne’s Revenge
Sparky D – Sparky’s Turn (Roxanne, You’re Through)
Roxanne Shanté vs. Sparky D – Round 1 Producer – Sparky “D”
Roxanne Shanté – Roxanne’s Profile
Sparky D – Sparky’s Profile
Sparky D – Sparky’s Turn (Roxanne, You’re Through) — Instrumental
Sparky D – Sparky’s Turn (Roxanne, You’re Through) — Dub
