What makes The Bitch Is Back by Roxanne Shanté notable?

The Bitch Is Back is significant for its unapologetic exploration of female empowerment within a male-dominated genre. It received positive reviews upon release and has been influential in shaping the narrative around women in hip-hop, paving the way for future artists. Tracks like Brothers Ain’t Shit became anthems that resonated with listeners who appreciated its candid critique of gender dynamics. Released in 1992, The Bitch Is Back marked Roxanne Shanté's first album after a series of influential singles in the late '80s. By this point, she had already established herself as a prominent voice in hip-hop, known for her sharp lyrical prowess and battle rap skills. This album followed her notable contributions to the genre, including her involvement in the Roxanne Wars and showcased her evolution as an artist.

How many songs are on The Bitch Is Back?

The Bitch Is Back has 10 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

The Bitch Is Back

Roxanne Shanté · 1992

42 min · 10 tracks · hip-hop

Bold and unapologetic beats meet fierce lyricism, encapsulating the spirit of early '90s hip-hop.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Big Mama — This track stands out for its confident celebration of femininity and strength, serving as both a personal statement and a broader commentary on women's roles in society.
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Brothers Ain’t Shit — A bold declaration against misogyny, this song challenges male perspectives while reinforcing Shanté's status as a formidable figure in hip-hop culture.
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Straight Razor — With its aggressive delivery and sharp lyrics, this track exemplifies Shanté's battle rap roots and showcases her lyrical dexterity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong lyrical content and bold production, reflecting early '90s hip-hop while addressing female empowerment.

What we noticed

The album opens with a brief intro that sets a confident tone, followed by tracks that maintain a steady mid-tempo pace.
Each track features a prominent beat with layered samples, allowing Shanté's vocal delivery to stand out against the production.
Several songs incorporate call-and-response elements, engaging the listener and creating an interactive feel.
The final track concludes with a strong statement, leaving an impactful impression that resonates beyond its runtime.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Intro 4:09
2 Deadly Rhymes 2:57
3 Big Mama 5:15
4 Trick or Treat 3:17
5 Gotta Be Free 4:25
6 Dance to This 4:40
7 Yes, Yes, Y’all 4:30
8 Straight Razor 4:13
9 Shanté Gets Wicked 4:34
10 Brothers Ain’t Shit 4:55

What to play next

Go back to

Bad Sister

1989

Full Roxanne Shanté discography Artists like Roxanne Shanté

hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata