Sparky D facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sparky D
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| Birth name | Doreen C. Broadnax |
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| Born | June 2, 1965 Brooklyn, New York City, U.S. |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Occupation(s) | Emcee |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active |
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Doreen C. Broadnax, known as Sparky D, is an American hip-hop artist and rapper. She was born on June 2, 1965. Sparky D is famous for being one of the first female battle rappers. She became well-known during the "Roxanne Wars" in 1985. This happened when she released "Sparky's Turn (Roxanne, You're Through)". This song was her answer to Roxanne Shante's hit "Roxanne's Revenge".
Contents
About Sparky D's Life
Growing Up in Brooklyn
Sparky D grew up in Brooklyn, New York. She lived in the Van Dyke Housing Projects. This area is in the Brownsville neighborhood.
Her Music Career Begins
Sparky D started her music journey around 1983. She joined a local hip-hop group called The Playgirls. The group had two other members, City Slim and Mo Ski. They asked Sparky D to join after hearing her rap.
In 1983, The Playgirls recorded a song called "Our Picture of a Man." It was released in 1984. While with the group, Sparky D met rapper and music producer Spyder D.
The Roxanne Wars
In 1984, a 14-year-old rapper named Roxanne Shante released "Roxanne's Revenge". This song was a response to U.T.F.O.'s song "Roxanne, Roxanne". U.T.F.O.'s song was about a girl who ignored their advances.
On New Year's Eve in 1985, Spyder D heard Roxanne Shante's song. He decided that Sparky D should respond to it. The next day, Sparky D released "Sparky's Turn (Roxanne You're Through)". This song was produced by Spyder D. It sold over 300,000 copies very quickly. It even earned a gold certification.
This song started the famous "Roxanne Wars". This was a series of hip-hop rivalries in the mid-1980s. Many "answer songs" were made during this time. In 1985, Sparky D and Roxanne Shante released "Round One, Roxanne Shanté vs Sparky Dee". This record included a battle track. On it, the two rappers freestyled and traded disses.
Later Music and Albums
After the "Roxanne Wars," Sparky D released more songs. These included "He’s My DJ" and "She’s So Def" in 1985. She worked with Kool DJ Red Alert on these tracks. In 1987, she released "Throwdown."
Her first full album came out in 1988. It was called This is Sparky D's World. Sparky D is still active in the hip-hop world today. She works with other old-school artists. They create hip-hop gospel records together. Some of these artists include MC Shy D, Spyder D, Roxanne Shante, and Kool DJ Red Alert.
Sparky D in Movies
In 2017, a Netflix movie called Roxanne, Roxanne was released. This film was about the life of Roxanne Shante. In the movie, Cheryse Dyllan played the role of Sparky D.
