If you’re under the age of 35, chances are you may not know who Roxanne Shante is. She was an up and coming teenage rapper in the early 80s. She battle rapped in the streets of Queensbridge, NY and quickly gained the respect of her peers. During that time frame, her boisterous skills were unheard of for a female rapper. She became one of Hip Hop’s most sought after female MCs following the release of her hit, “Roxanne’s Revenge”. Then, she disappeared from the music scene.

Now, she has reemerged with a Netflix film about her life, Roxanne Roxanne. The film debuted this past Friday and has already received some good reviews. Pharrell Williams served as one of the film’s producers as well. Without spoiling the movie, here are 5 things you may not have already known about Roxanne Shante: 

• Her and Queen Latifah were thick as thieves. 

From the very beginning of the film, it’s clear that Roxanne Shante and Queen Latifah were close friends. Many of the early scenes in the film show the two of them walking the streets together. However, the young Latifah’s skills are not really highlighted here. 

• She had her first child at 16. 

Roxanne Shante became pregnant by a man named “Cross” (who is played by Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali),  in the film. This was right after her career really started to take off. Their relationship was a tumultuous one that was a factor in her leaving the music business. 

• Her relationship with her mother was strained. 

Nia Long plays Roxanne Shante’s mother in the film. Of course, she does an outstanding job – as always. There’s a major turning point in her life that influences her to become an alcoholic, and subsequently jeopardize her relationship with her daughter. 

• She had a hand in developing Nas’s career. 

This is perhaps one of the most surprising moments of the film. Roxanne Shante’s delivery was quick witted and without hesitation. She exhibited a skill that honestly many rappers lack today. She even pushes a young Nas into being one of the greatest rappers of all time.

• Biz Markie and Big Daddy Kane used to babysit her kids 

Roxanne Shante credits these two rap legends as the only people she trusted to watch her kids while she was on tour.  

Catch Roxanne Roxanne on Netflix and witness Roxanne Shante’s story for yourself. After all this time, it’s great that she’s finally getting the credit (and the money) she deserves.