Nicki Minaj had the game on lock until Cardi B appeared in her rear view mirror. Nicki put up a fight, but it appears Cardi B has taken control of the female Hip Hop throne by a narrow margin. Nicki and Cardi were put in position due to the sacrifices from past female Hip Hop pioneers. You can go back to Roxanne Shante with her gift for freestyling and her legendary battle rap skills. MC Lyte had a strong influence on the game with her insightful and artistic style. Queen Latifah made you think with her socially conscious lyrics. Salt-N-Pepa talked about sex but demanded respect.
With the turn of the decade, a new wave of female artists arrived on the scene. Lil Kim hit you with sex appeal wrapped inside a masculine swagger. Foxy Brown delivered a crazy flow that had a unique sound due to Foxy’s distinctive voice. Missy Elliot changed the game with her creativity and broad vocabulary. Da Brat, Lauryn Hill, Trina, Yo Yo, and Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez also played a major role in this era.
The talented women previously listed all made significant contributions in reference to creating and shaping the landscape for the female emcee. However, there was only one woman who paved the way for all females in Hip Hop.Â
Born in Wilmington, North Carolina, Sharon Green is Hip Hop’s first female emcee. MC Sha-Rock grew up in South Bronx, New York, the place where Hip Hop culture was created. She started her career as a break-dancer and later made the transition to becoming a member of the groundbreaking group The Funky 4+1. Standing alongside four male emcees, Sha-Rock was the plus one. In 1979 they became the first Hip Hop group to have an official record deal. They scored their first major hit courtesy of the song “Rapping and Rocking the House”. This classic track has a running time of 16 minutes. The Funky 4+1 also became the first Hip Hop group to perform on national television. Valentine’s Day, 1981, they performed on Saturday Night Live.
MC Sha-Rock is the first prominent female emcee in Hip Hop history. As a pioneer of Hip Hop, she has earned the titles of “Mother of the Mic,” and “Luminary Icon”. Celebrity/Entertainment Journalist Vince D’Writer went one on one with the legendary MC Sha-Rock.
Vince: Describe your swagher? What makes MC Sha-Rock, MC Sha-Rock?
MC Sha-Rock: I carry Hip Hop culture in my heart, and I celebrate all elements, not just the rap portion of Hip Hop culture.
Vince: Being the first woman to step into the world of Hip Hop, did you ever feel intimidated?
MC Sha-Rock: Never. I came up in an era with some of the most prolific emcees. I had to make sure I was on the same scale, or even better than the male emcees. In order to survive in New York City, you had to hone your skills. You had to be able to be the best. That’s what I was in New York City. My skills were on point as an emcee. I had the ability to rock the mic and control the crowd.
Vince: Name some of the artists who initially inspired you?
MC Sha-Rock: The only emcee who really inspired me was Melle Mel. He was a prolific emcee who I felt had a commanding delivery.
Vince: Do you ever reminisce and be in awe of the fact you were part of the first Hip Hop group to have a legitimate record deal?
MC Sha-Rock: I don’t reminisce on it because to me it’s a fact. You have so many people that don’t know the history. I don’t take it personally. I’m glad to enlighten the people who don’t know. The essence of Hip Hop and the style of rap came out of New York. Back in 1979, it became a business.
Vince: As the groundbreaking artist for the female emcee, did you ever have a rival?
MC Sha-Rock: If I did, I didn’t know it. I didn’t know about it. I know that one year a female wanted to battle me. She wanted to battle me because I was the most fearless emcee in New York City. This was in the ’80s. I never experienced it in the ’70s.
Vince: Who are some of the current artists MC Sha-Rock listen to?
MC Sha-Rock: Emceeing is the Master of Ceremony, it’s the mic controller. Rapping is what you do. My thing is rapping is just one element. People think I should just like one type of music, but I’m a connoisseur of music. I love all kinds of music. When you talk about who I like today, I love Megan Thee Stallion. I love Nicki Minaj, Trina, Lauryn Hill, Queen Latifah, and Cardi B. All these women bring something different to the table.
Vince: What is your opinion of Hip Hop present day?
MC Sha-Rock: Back then in New York, a lot of things were going on in the inner city. A lot of robbing and killing. We found a way to divert it with the creation of Hip Hop culture. Hip Hop culture for us was a distraction from what was going on in our inner-city circle. We created an atmosphere of ‘lets rock together. Let’s have fun together’. The only problem I see now is the fact that if you’re listening to your favorite rapper at the concert, and they’re delivering the lyrics you like, then all the crime and craziness should be out the window, because you’re in the environment and element you love.
Vince: Any advice for the young female emcee who is just getting started?
MC Sha-Rock: I say do your homework. For every female out there interested in getting in the music business, they need a mentor. Somebody who can tell them when they’re right, tell them when they’re wrong, and give good advice. Get around somebody you can trust, and who will lead you in the right direction. Also, stay true to your craft. When you stay true to your craft, you begin to perfect it. Sometimes people try to imitate others. Be true to yourself and hone your craft. Also as an artist, be open to different types of music and different types of styles. You must be able to adapt to different environments.
MC Sha-Rock is a polarizing figure. As one of the founding members of Hip Hop culture, she’s the female emcee who opened doors for all of the talented female Hip Hop artists. Sha-Rock is very passionate when it comes to the Hip Hop culture, and she always insists the culture is about peace, unity, and having fun. MC Sha-Rock is a pioneer and a certified legend. In the near future fans will be able to see how MC Sha-Rock became a legend as her biopic entitled “Luminary Icon” will be released in the near future.Â
