Sparky D facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sparky D
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Sparky D., circa 1985.
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Doreen C. Broadnax |
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| Born | June 2, 1965 Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Died | July 4, 2026 (aged 61) |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Occupation(s) | Emcee |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active |
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Doreen C. Broadnax (born June 2, 1965 – died July 4, 2026), known as Sparky D, was an American hip-hop artist. She was a talented rapper and became famous for her part in the "Roxanne Wars." This was a series of popular "answer songs" in hip-hop. Sparky D gained attention in 1985 when she released "Sparky's Turn (Roxanne, You're Through)." This song was her musical response to another rapper's hit.
Contents
Growing Up: Sparky D's Early Life
Doreen C. Broadnax was born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 2, 1965. She grew up in the Van Dyke Housing Projects, located in the Brownsville area of Brooklyn.
Sparky D's Music Career
Starting in Hip-Hop
Sparky D began her music journey around 1983. She joined a local hip-hop group called The Playgirls. The group included Lisa (City Slim) and Mona (Mo Ski). They asked Sparky D to join after hearing her rap at a local spot. With The Playgirls, she recorded a song called "Our Picture of a Man" in 1983. It was released in 1984. During this time, she met Spyder D, a rapper and music producer.
The Famous Roxanne Wars
In 1984, a 14-year-old rapper named Roxanne Shanté released a song called "Roxanne's Revenge." This song was a musical reply to another popular track. On New Year's Eve in 1985, Spyder D heard Shanté's song on the radio. He thought Sparky D should create her own musical response.
Sparky D then released her song, "Sparky's Turn (Roxanne You're Through)." It came out on the NIA Records label and Spyder D produced it. This song was a huge hit! It sold over 300,000 copies very quickly and later earned a gold certification.
This exciting musical exchange started what became known as the Roxanne Wars. This was a famous series of "answer songs" in hip hop during the mid-1980s. Many artists created their own musical replies. In 1985, Sparky D and Roxanne Shanté even released a special track together. It was called "Round One, Roxanne Shanté vs. Sparky Dee." This song featured both rappers performing their rhymes in a friendly competition.
Later Music and Collaborations
After the Roxanne Wars, Sparky D continued to make music. She released songs like "He’s My DJ"/"She’s So Def" with Kool DJ Red Alert in 1985. Another track, "Throwdown," came out in 1987. In 1988, she released her first full album, This is Sparky D's World, on B-Boy Records. Sparky D remained active in the hip-hop world. She worked with many other well-known artists. These included MC Shy D, Spyder D, Roxanne Shanté, Kool DJ Red Alert, and K Wiz.
Sparky D's Later Years
In 2017, Sparky D's story was shared in a Netflix movie. The film, called Roxanne, Roxanne, was about the life of Roxanne Shanté. Actress Cheryse Dyllan played Sparky D in the movie.
Sparky D passed away in July 2026, when she was 61 years old.
