Da Brat

Rapper/Actress

As part of the hard-edged female rap scene of the 1990s, Da Brat nee Shawntae Harris pushed sexuality in her lyrics without letting it influence her image. Discovered by producer Jermaine Dupriin 1992, Da Brat’s hardcore attitude and tough rhymes boosted singles like “Funkdafied,” “Fa All Y’All and “Give It 2 You” into platinum-selling hits. Da Brat also made high-profile cameo appearances on singles by Missy Elliot, Mariah Carey and Lil’ Kim. In 1996 she made her film debut in the Shaquille O’Neal vehicle, Kazaam, followed by a role in Mariah Carey’s film debut, Glitter.