– MC Sha-Rock is known as the “mother of the mic” and holds several firsts in hip-hop history, including being the first female MC, the first to sign a record deal, and the first woman to battle rap.
– She was not properly compensated for her music in the ’80s, but won a lawsuit against her former label for back royalties. Since then, she has made it her mission to educate the world about her hip-hop journey.
– MC Sha-Rock’s contributions to hip-hop paved the way for women in rap and inspired both female and male artists. She has been recognized with her own day and continues to be celebrated as a hip-hop trailblazer.
Full Story
MC Sha-Rock, the “mother of the mic” in hip-hop, has accomplished many firsts in her career. As the first female MC in hip-hop history and the first to sign a record deal, she has paved the way for women in rap. She was also among the first to perform hip-hop on national television, appearing on “Saturday Night Live” in 1981 while pregnant with her first child. Despite her groundbreaking contributions, Sha-Rock has not always received the recognition she deserves. In her ’80s heyday, she was not properly compensated for her music, leading her to sue her former label and win. In 2011, Sha-Rock released her memoir, set the record straight, and embarked on a mission to educate the world about her hip-hop journey.
Over the years, Sha-Rock has slowly but surely received recognition for her contributions. She now has a day named after her, MC Sha-Rock Day, observed annually on June 3 in the Bronx, New York. This year, New York Mayor Eric Adams declared that the day be celebrated across all boroughs of NYC. Today, Sha-Rock can be heard on Rock the Bells radio, co-hosting the show “That’s the Joint” with fellow hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Caz. She also recently performed at the Rock the Bells Festival alongside other influential hip-hop queens. As hip-hop celebrates its 50th anniversary, Sha-Rock reflects on her origins and journey in the genre, how she shaped the path for women in rap, and why she continues to remind fans of her pioneering status.
In 1976, Sha-Rock began her journey in hip-hop culture. She was a nomadic b-girl, traveling to different areas in the Bronx and Manhattan to listen to breakbeats played by DJs. In 1977, she auditioned for the group called the Brothers Disco and became the first female MC as part of an all-male group. Sha-Rock introduced routines to the crowd, revolutionizing MCing. She also initiated battle rapping and formed the Sisters Disco, the first female hype crew in hip-hop. Through her performances and rhymes, Sha-Rock became synonymous with New York City and inspired both women and men in the genre.
Despite her undeniable influence, Sha-Rock has faced challenges in receiving recognition for her contributions. It used to bother her when people didn’t acknowledge her full involvement in the culture. However, she came to understand that unless people were there to witness her impact firsthand, they might not fully grasp her significance. She learned to tell her own story and wrote a book about her history to combat any attempts to change the narrative and claim credit for her achievements. Sha-Rock believes in celebrating the female MCs who came after her, such as Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, and Roxanne Shanté, who have continued to build upon the foundation she helped create.
In conclusion, MC Sha-Rock has played a vital role in shaping the history and evolution of hip-hop. As the first female MC and a pioneer in the genre, she has been instrumental in breaking barriers and influencing generations of artists. Although she faced obstacles and a lack of recognition, Sha-Rock has persevered and is finally receiving the acknowledgement she deserves. Through her memoir, radio show, and performances, she continues to educate and inspire others with her story. As hip-hop celebrates its 50th anniversary, it’s important to honor MC Sha-Rock’s lasting impact and remember her as the blueprint for women in rap.
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