Ol' Skool Flava has turned a critical eye simultaneously toward Nia Records and the Roxanne Saga, both integral facets of pre-Rakim hip-hop. This issue focuses on the Roxanne saga battles between Sparky D, the trailblazing female MC, and Roxanne Shante, the bubble gum popping, braces wearing big mouth who shocked the rap world by going after U.T.F.O with her answer record, "Roxanne's Revenge" in 1984. The Fantastic Aleems, co-owners of the label, turned all the drama to their advantage, and set up an on record battle between the two lady MCs. Over booming beats, many produced by Marley Marl, the two exchanged barbs, insults, put-downs and a battle lyric tour-de force. The resulting anthology of this chapter of the saga freezes a few moments in 1985 when hip-hop as a whole elevated its art form through the perfection of the battle record.
