Pioneering Brooklyn rapper Sparky D dead at 61
Brooklyn rapper Sparky D has passed away at the age of 61.
The New York City artist (real name Doreen Broadnax), who was one of the first female battle rappers, died on July 4th.
In a statement, Okayplayer wrote, “We are saddened to announce the passing of MC Sparky D (Doreen C Broadnax), a pioneering MC and one of hip-hop’s earliest female battle rappers. A key voice in the Roxanne Wars, her legacy helped pave the way for women in rap. Rest in power, MC Sparky D.”
Also known as Sparky Dee, the rapper started as a member of The Playgirls before embarking on a solo career in 1985.
Producer DJ Premier paid tribute to Sparky on Instagram. “One of the 1st Female Battle MC’s representing Brownsville Brooklyn, NY,” he wrote. “I became an instant fan when she battled @imroxanneshante in the early 80’s and I always bought her records from day 1.”
He continued, “Her relentless voice and delivery made her an instant force to be reckoned with. I’m blessed to have met her… and I’m glad that @nas and I were able to give her flowers on our new record ‘BOUQUET.'”
Sha-Rock added, “The HIP HOP WORLD has taken a tremendous loss. RIP to our sister Doreen Broadnax aka ‘Sparky D.'”
Sparky released her debut single ‘Sparky’s Turn (Roxanne You’re Through)’, one of the first response records directed at Roxanne Shanté.
Shanté was a known name at the time for ‘Roxanne’s Revenge’, her response to UTFO’s ‘Roxanne Roxanne’. From there, the following songs with “Roxanne” in the title were known as the “Roxanne wars.”
Sparky and Shanté performed shows together with boxing gloves during their feud, before recording the battles on a song called ‘Round 1’ in 1985.