MC Debbie D

Debbie D stands as a trailblazer in the world of hip hop, earning her place as one of its foundational female voices. Born in Harlem, New York, she cultivated her passion for performance through singing, public speaking, and poetry in church and after-school programs. As a teenager, she moved to the Morrisania section of the South Bronx, where she experienced the tumultuous atmosphere of gang violence but also the burgeoning hip hop scene.

In 1977, Debbie D emerged as one of the first female MCs in hip hop. She made waves as the sole female member of an all-male crew, performing alongside DJ Patty Duke and Jazzy 5 until the group disbanded. Self-proclaimed as the Grand Mistress due to her impressive lyricism, she became hip hop's first female soloist in 1981, breaking barriers for women in the genre. With a dynamic presence and powerful voice, she ascended to the top of New York's rap scene, achieving this without releasing a record. While establishing her reputation, Debbie D also earned an Associate of Arts degree and worked as a legal secretary in prominent New York law firms.

In 1984, she featured in the film "Beat Street" with Us Girls, a pioneering rap trio that recorded "Us Girls Can Boogie Too," inspiring young women to engage in hip hop. Debbie D later recorded tracks like "Tom, Dick and Harry" and became part of the legendary Juice Crew, contributing to the album "Evolution," which highlighted abolitionist Harriet Tubman.

Today, Debbie D is a respected hip hop scholar and historian, serving as a Teaching Artist in New Jersey public schools and as the first Pioneer In Residence at NJPAC's Hip Hop Program. She holds six degrees, including a Ph.D., and is an ordained reverend. Currently, she is working on her memoir while residing in Northern New Jersey.