Afro-Latina rappers have been making the waves these days with talented artists like Cardi B, Princess Nokia breaking boundaries in the hip-hop world. But would you be surprised if I told you they weren’t the first? There’s another big Afro-Latina rapper, one in fact, that has been in the rap game for two decades? Her name is Trina and chances are you’ve heard of the Miami legend, but most likely did not know she’s Latina. Here are 13 other important things to know about the Dominican entertainer.
Trina is Afro-Dominican
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Born Katrina Laverne Taylor, Trina is the daughter of a Bahamian mother and Dominican father. The rapper has been open about her Latina identity, and has referenced it in her music.
She Fully Reps the 305
Trina shouts out the 305/Miami/Dade County at all times. She is regarded as the “Queen of Miami,” and has been referred to as the “Queen of the South.”
Trina is Known as “The Baddest B*tch” and “Diamond Princess”
Every icon needs a nickname (or several). Trina is known as “Da Baddest B*tch,” and “Diamond Princess,” which are both also names of her albums. She is also called “Miss Trina,” and the “Queen of the South.”
She Has Been in the Rap Game for Over 20 Years
Trina has been rapping since 1998. She is set to release her sixth album, “The One,” this year. That’s a whopping 20 years in the rap game.
Trina Got Her Big Break on Trick Daddy’s “Nann”
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In 1998, another Miami rap legend, Trick Daddy, recruited Trina to rap on the song, “Nann.” It became a hit; putting both rappers, and Miami, on the international music map. Trina dropped shocking, sexual verses, paired with a feminist, take-no-mess attitude.
Her Debut Album Was a Hit
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When Trina dropped her solo debut album, Da Baddest B*itch, in 2000, it too became a hit, reaching #11 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop chart.
Trina is Known for Her Curves
Trina was promoting body positivity back in the day, by embracing her all-natural curves. She fabulously repped for thick girls in the ’90s, when runways were pushing the super-skinny, “heroin chic” look.
She Has Five Jams on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart
Trina has five songs that have charted on Billboard’s Hot 100. These are: “My Love is the Shhh!” (1997), “Nann” (1999), “What’d You Come Here For?” (1999), “B R Right” (2003), and “Here We Go” (2005).
Trina Started the Diamond Doll Foundation
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In an effort to give back to young girls, and provide a support system for them, Trina started the Diamond Doll Foundation. The non-profit, founded in 2006, has organized toy drives, community events, and has given out toys to children at a Miami hospital (which Trina personally attended).
She Has Done Some Acting
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In addition to being one of the top female rappers of all time, Trina has also found some time for acting. She has appeared in several films and TV shows, including the upcoming Jack Boyz, and With Friends Like These.
She Has Created Six Albums
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Trina has released five albums, with one slated to drop this year: Da Baddest B*tch (2000), Diamond Princess (2002), Glamorest Life (2005), Still da Baddest (2008), Amazin’ (2010), and The One (2019).
Trina Has Won and Been Nominated for Several Awards
Trina has been nominated for several awards, including American Music Awards, BET Awards, and MTV Video Music Awards. She has won two ASCAP Awards, a Soul Train Music Award, a Billboard Music Award, and a Source Award, among others.
You Can Watch Her on Love and Hip Hop: Miami
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If you want to learn more about the Queen of Miami, you can catch her on the latest season of Love and Hip Hop: Miami. There, she talks about her music career, including the anticipated TNT album with Trick Daddy.
