Da Brat

Shawntae Harris-Dupart, widely recognized by her stage name Da Brat, is an influential American rapper, singer, songwriter, and actress born on April 14, 1974, in Chicago, Illinois. She embarked on her musical journey in 1992 and quickly made a name for herself after signing with Jermaine Dupri's So So Def Recordings in 1994. Her debut studio album, Funkdafied, not only showcased her unique style but also made history by becoming the first album by a female hip hop solo artist to achieve platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.

The album's title track, released as a lead single in 1994, climbed to number six on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying her place in the music industry. Da Brat's collaborations further expanded her reach, including a notable guest appearance on Lil' Kim's 1997 single 'Not Tonight,' which featured other prominent artists like Lisa Lopes and Missy Elliott. Both 'Funkdafied' and 'Not Tonight' achieved impressive rankings on the Billboard charts, with the former reaching number two on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart.

Following her debut, Da Brat released her second album, Anuthatantrum, in 1996, which included the single 'Ghetto Love' featuring T-Boz. Her third album, Unrestricted, released in 2000, peaked at number five on the Billboard 200, showcasing her continued evolution as an artist. Throughout the late 1990s and into the 2000s, she collaborated with various artists, including guest performances on Dem Franchize Boyz's 'I Think They Like Me' and remixes of Mariah Carey's hits.

In 2003, Da Brat teamed up with Mariah Carey for the duet 'Gotta Thing For You,' a hip hop-infused rendition of Bobby Caldwell's classic 'What You Won't Do for Love.' Over the years, her contributions to the music industry have earned her two Grammy Award nominations, highlighting her impact and legacy in hip hop.