20 years ago today, the “Baddest Bitch” album was released. Being that it dropped a little over a month after “Book of Thugs”, much of the background I discussed in “Book of Thugs: 20 Years Later” (link in the bio) is the same. However there is no debating the undeniable traces of Trina that we see in today’s artists and for that she/this project should be saluted. Few notes on the album;
1. The album title track contains a play on Michael Jackson’s “Bad”
2. “Ain’t Shit” is a bold play on and rebuttal to “Bitches Ain’t Shit” featured on “The Chronic”
3. Nearly half of the album was produced by the great Righteous Funk Boogie including Miami classics “Off The Chain” and “Pull Over” (see “Pick It Up” by Home Team)
4. She taught us the difference between corduroy and mink, see “Ball With Me”
5. The hook on “I Don’t Need You” (which picks up where “Nann” left off) might as well be a bible verse as far as Miami is concerned
6. Early flip of the frequently sampled “Voyage to Atlantis” on “I’ll Always”, not to be confused with “Always” featuring Monica which we will discuss in 2030, Lord willin’.
7. “Mama”: a dedication to Trina’s Mama, Vernessa Taylor (RIP)🕊.
8. Features: J-Shin, Trick, Tre+6, 24K, Lost Tribe, J.A.B.A.N., Twista (she snapped on “Watch Your Back”), and my favorite Total member, Pamela Long.
9. Production: Hugo Boss, Black Mob Group (see “Shut Up”), Dwayne “Cognito” Web (see Poe Boy Ent.- who produced “Thug Money” off “In Too Deep” soundtrack), Committee (who did the remix for “Pull Over” which we will discuss next year), Derrick Baker, and Red Spyda.
10. Before streaming and social media, on the heels of her labelmate’s success just a month prior, and among counterparts like Mia X, Gangsta Boo, Eve, Missy, Lil Kim, Foxxy, and Lauryn Hill, her debut was certified gold, November 2000.
Congratulations to @trinarockstarr for 20+ solid years in the game, reprenting Da Crib and giving voice and visibility to Miami women, for launching several careers, and for expanding into television and radio. Happy Anniversary! https://www.instagram.com/p/B-AcuQng26U/?igshid=xhh758h6qdtr
