First Female Solo Rapper!
As a Pioneer, MC Debbie D is one of the Mothers of Hip Hop Culture. Born in Harlem, New York, Debbie D honed her oratorical skills as a child while speaking and singing in church and winning poetry contests in afterschool programs.
As a teen, MC Debbie D relocated to the South Bronx during the height of violent gangs and urban decay but more importantly, the Birth of Hip Hop. At the age of 14, Debbie D would enter a park jam and for the first time rhyme on the mic. The following year, during the explosion of crews, MC Debbie D would join the all male crew, jDJ Patty Duke & Jazzy 5. Because of her bodacious voice and lyrical skills, MC Debbie D was self titled the Grand Mistress. In the early 80s, MC Debbie D shattered the glass ceiling and made history as Hip Hop's FIRST Solo Rapper! Performing alone on stage, MC Debbie D, along with her DJ, Wanda Dee, became a highly sought after act throughout New York City, New Jersey and Connecticut -- without a record! Flyers also show MC Debbie D charting the path as the first and only female rapper to participate in all male solo rap battles!
In 1984, when performing with Us Girls (Sha Rock and Lisa Lee) in the iconic movie Beat Street, MC Debbie D would show her love for fashion by being the first female rapper to brand the term "Fly Girl" with her name. Resuming her career as a solo rapper, MC Debbie D is the first female rapper and only pioneer in the legendary Juice Crew. As a solo artist, MC Debbie D's discography includesTom, Dick and Harry, The Other Woman and Evolution.
Presently, Hip Hop finds MC Debbie D writing her memoir in her Northern New Jersey residence, a Teaching Artist and Performance Coach at NJPAC and as an avid educator, pursuing her 7th degree at Montclair State University. She is also the Founder of Us Girls Can, a non proftit organization for girls. Lastly, MC Debbie D aka Dr. Debora Hooper, is the first rapper turned preacher, Ministry Coach and best selling author of Hooper's Evangelist & Minister's Handbook.
*Literary works and films: Yes, Yes, Y'all, Hip Hop: A Cultural Odyssey, God Save The Queens, The Motherlode, Lithub, Hip Hop Evolution, Microphone Check, Hip Hop Was Born Here and more!