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Trina

 
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Trina

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Rap musician

Rap musician Trina announced herself to the world in 1998 as "da baddest b***h" on the single "Nann Nigga" on Trick Daddy’s album www.thug.com, and she has continued to push the envelope of rap, with often-offensive, sexually explicit lyrics. Her debut album, Da Baddest B***h, went gold, and her second album, Diamond Princess, solidified her reputation as a new queen of hard-core rap.

Born Katrina Laverne Taylor on April 18, 1974, in Miami, Florida, Trina was a popular student at Miami Northwestern High School. A majorette, she was also voted "Best Dressed" in her senior class. When she was 17, she began a relationship with Hollywood, the brother of rapper Trick Daddy, but this ended in tragedy in 1994 when Hollywood was murdered in his car. In order to make a living, Trina worked the night shift at AT&T as a telemarketer, and then got a job as an exotic dancer at a club in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She used the money she earned through dancing to pay her tuition at real estate school, and quit dancing once she completed her studies.

In her spare time, Trina wrote rap rhymes, which caught the attention of Hollywood’s brother, Trick Daddy, who needed a female rapper for his track "Nann Nigga." He was not sure that she could rhyme or deliver, but he gave her a chance. Her comment on the track that she was "da baddest b***h" led to an album of the same name in 2000. Its title track, along with a video of the song, showcased Trina’s lyrics, as well as her looks and attitude, and she was an instant hit with rap fans. According to Evelyn S. McDonnell in Interview, the album, which earned gold sales certification in November of 2000, was "all street and sex."

In an interview for Crusade magazine online, Trina commented that on this album, much of the work was done for her; she did not have creative control, but simply delivered lyrics. "Everybody was like we got this beat, we got this, we got that, we want you to get in there and write to this track, write to this song, write to this topic."

For her second album, Diamond Princess, Trina was able to choose her own production, name of the songs, and write whatever she wanted to write. She told Crusade, "It’s more what Trina’s about, how Trina looks, how Trina feels, the things that Trina consists of."

Trina told a reporter for Black Entertainment Television that Diamond Princess was "the same thing [as Da Baddest B***h] but it’s different…. I’m still the same person, still grimy, you have the ghetto reality street part of it, but it’s just a more mature and stable life for me right now." That maturity and stability, she said, was the result of her success with Da Baddest B***h.

Some of the tracks on Da Baddest B***h emphasize female strength, according to Trina. Two tracks,

"ladies 1st" and "Rewind That Back," feature two strong women in the music business who are making a lot of money and who don’t need men to take care of them. Some of the other songs are cautionary tales for men. One song, "No Panties," which Trina performed with female R&B singer Tweet, is also a declaration of independence by the two women. Trina told McDonnell, "The all-girl vibe is really good because everybody can speak their mind." She also told McDonnell that the album was "really fun and bright and commercial" and that sex was not its only topic. "It’s just about me, going from one extreme to the next." Maxim Pozdorovkin, in the Cornell Daily Sun, wrote that although "the musical side of Diamond Princess is quite good," Trina’s emphasis on material things is a "prime example of … ridiculous content," and commented that the album "does not possess personality, wit, or intellect" and that "the game Trina plays is one of extreme crassness."

The success of Trina’s two albums led to the launching of a clothing line called Diamond Princess Wear that is inspired by her personal look. "I’ve stepped up to the game," she told Chronic Magazine online. "I’m trying to pave a way for everybody that wants to follow in my footsteps." She told McDonnell that the clothing line was due to be launched at the beginning of 2003, and that it would be "hot, classy, sexy, edgy, glamorous, hip-hop—it’s me, really. Real flamboyant." Trina did not design the clothes, but worked with a New York stylist to create the look.

Trina also started her own record label, Diva Enterprises, and by September of 2002 had signed an artist, Lil Brianna, who was ten years old and working on her first album. Lil Brianna had already appeared on the Diamond Princess track "Kandi."

Perhaps surprisingly, given the fact that some conservative and religious groups have protested against her music, Trina told Black Entertainment Television (BET) that spirituality is an important part of her life, and that she strives to serve God. "I serve him all day in my whole life. I just feel like without him, there’s no me…. When you’re working during the week, you’re working but that don’t mean you’re not praising him still." She also said, in response to criticism of her explicit lyrics, "If you don’t like what I’m saying, then don’t listen to it." In response to rumors that she was gay or bisexual, Trina told BET, "If I chose to live a bisexual life or I’m gay or whatever, that’s MY business…."

Trina, who is not married and has no children, told BET, "I’m free, I’m happy, I’m young, I’m doing whatever I want to do. I feel like anybody whether they’re an entertainer or not should do that, because tomorrow’s not promised." And she told McConnell that her favorite part of life is entertaining: "It’s all about attitude and showing people I love them. When I’m up onstage it’s all about connecting with them—they’re a part of me."

Selected discography
Da Baddest B***h, Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic, 2000.
Diamond Princess, Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic, 2002.

Sources
Periodicals
Atlanta Journal-Constitution, September 15, 2002, p. L6.
Cornell Daily Sun (Ithaca, NY), September 26, 2002.
Interview, September 2002.

Online
"Hot Seat: Trina," Crusade, http://www.thecrusade.net (November 17, 2002).
"Miami’s Diamond Princess Speaks Out," Black Entertainment Television, http://www.bet.com (November 17, 2002).
"Trina," Chronic Magazine, http://www.chronicmagazine.com (November 17, 2002).
"Trina," Rap Sheet.com, http://www.rapsheet.com (November 17, 2002).
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AMG AllMusic Guide: Pop Artists:

Trina

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Home > Library > Entertainment & Arts > Pop Artists
  • Genres: Latin

Biography

Miami-based rapper Trina first gained notoriety in 1998 with her appearance on Trick Daddy's www.thug.com album. Her own debut album, Da Baddest Bitch, featured a cameo by Trick Daddy and was released in early 2000 on Atlantic Records. She spent the next two years honing her raw, raunchy style. She paired up with Missy Elliott for the recording of her second effort, 2002's Diamond Princess. Out of her first three albums, the star-studded, very polished 2005 effort Glamorest Life sold the worst, even with the hit single "Here We Go" featuring Kelly Rowland. No surprise, then, that her 2008 release, Still da Baddest, was a return to the rawness of her debut. Two years later Amazin' offered a more sophisticated set of tracks with everyone from Lil Wayne to Mario Winans lending a hand. ~ Heather Phares, Rovi
Wikipedia on Answers.com:

Trina

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Home > Library > Miscellaneous > Wikipedia
This article is about the rapper. For the name, see Trina (name). For the skipper butterfly genus, see Trina (butterfly).
Trina
Background information
Birth name Katrina Laverne Taylor
Born December 3, 1978 (1978-12-03) (age 33)
Origin Miami, Florida,
United States
Genres Hip hop
Occupations Rapper, songwriter, model
Years active 1998–present
Labels Atlantic Records (2000–2005)
Slip-n-Slide Records (2000–2011)
EMI (2007–present)
DP Entertainment (2007–present)
Website thebaddestchick.com

Katrina Laverne Taylor (born December 3, 1978),[1] better known by her stage name Trina, is an American rapper, songwriter and model from Miami, Florida. Trina first gained notoriety in 1998 with her appearance on Trick Daddy's second studio album www.thug.com to the single "Nann Nigga". Since then she has released five moderately successful studio albums and has been named The Most Consistent Female Rapper of All-Time by XXL Magazine.[2]

Contents

Early life

Trina is of African-American and Dominican descent on her father's side[3] [4]; her mother is Bahamian[5]. Trina's parents were separated while she was growing up. She lived in the Liberty City projects and in Pembroke Isle, Florida.[6] She attended Miami Northwestern High School.[7]

Music career

1998–2000: Career Beginning and Da Baddest Bitch

Miami rapper Trick Daddy approached Trina in 1998 to be featured on his song "Nann Nigga". The song was later released as the lead single from his second studio album, www.thug.com, which was released in September 1998. The single later became a hit as it reached number sixty-two on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the Rap Songs chart. Thanks to the success of the single, Trina gained popularity and signed a record deal with Slip-n-Slide Records with distribution from Atlantic Records. Trina subsequently began work on her debut album.

On March 21, 2000, Trina's debut album Da Baddest Bitch was released.[8] The album debuted at number thirty-three on the US Billboard 200 and number eleven on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[9] Da Baddest Bitch was certified Gold in November 2000 by the RIAA.[10] It stayed on the Billboard 200 chart for twenty-nine weeks and on the Hip-Hop/R&B album chart for forty-nine consecutive weeks.[11]

The album was preceded by the lead single "Da Baddest Bitch" in February 2000. The single failed to chart on any chart but the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, on which it reached number sixty-four. The second and final single from the album, "Pull Over", was released in June 2000 and became a mild hit as it reached number ninety-three on the Hot 100, number forty-six on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number forty-one on the Rap Songs chart.[12][13]

2000–2003: Diamond Princess

After promotion for her debut album ended in mid-2000, Trina began recording music with Missy Elliott to create her second studio album.[1] Recording sessions lasted from 2000 to 2002.

On August 27, 2002, Trina released her second album Diamond Princess.[14] The album debuted at number fourteen on the Billboard 200 and number five on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. It sold 67,000 units in its first week.[15]

The album spawned three singles. The lead single, "Told Ya'll", featuring Rick Ross reached number sixty-four on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. [3], was released in July 2002. The second single, "No Panties", featuring Tweet was released in January 2003 but only reached number eighty-eight on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. However, it became her first single to chart outside of the US, as it reached number forty-five on the UK Singles Chart. The third and final single from the album, "B R Right", featuring Ludacris, was also released in January 2003 and reached number eighty-three on the Hot 100, number fifty on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number twenty-four on the Rap Songs chart, becoming a fairly successful single.

2005: Glamorest Life

Trina's third studio album, Glamorest Life, was released on October 4, 2005.[16] The album debuted at number eleven on the Billboard 200,[17] number two on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and number two on the Top Rap Albums chart. It sold 77,000 units in its first week.[15]

The album was preceded by the lead single, "Don't Trip", featuring Lil Wayne, in June 2005. The single wasn't largely successful, however, as it only reached number seventy-four on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The second and final single from the album, "Here We Go", featuring Kelly Rowland, was released in September 2005. The single reached seventeen on the Hot 100, number eight on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number three on the Hot Rap Songs chart. The single also reached the Top 20 in most countries worldwide, becoming Trina's first majorly successful single. The single was certified Gold in the US in June 2006.[10] In 2007, Trina left Atlantic Records and signed to EMI in conjunction with her original label, Slip-n-Slide Records.[18]

2007-2008: Mixtapes, Still Da Baddest, Pretty Money

In 2007, Trina began work on her fourth studio album. To give fans a preview of the upcoming album, Trina released two mixtapes: Rockstarr Royalty and the Baddest Chick 2: Reloaded. Both were largely successful, with the first being released in early 2007 and the latter being released in the fall of 2007. Trina originally planned for her fourth studio album to be released in February 2008, but the album was delayed by a few months in order for Trina to put "finishing touches" on the record.[19]

Trina's fourth studio album, Still da Baddest was released on April 1, 2008.[19] The album reached number six on the Billboard 200, number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and number one on the Top Rap Albums chart, becoming Trina's first album to top charts. First week sales were 47,000.[20]

Trina's fourth studio album was preceded by the lead single "Single Again" in November 2007. The single reached number twenty-five on the Bubbling Under Hot 100, number fifty-nine on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number nineteen on the Rap Songs chart, becoming a mild hit. The second single from the album, "I Got a Thang for You", featuring Keyshia Cole, was released in February 2008 and reached number twenty-one on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 and number fifty-nine on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, making it a fairly successful single. The third and final single from the album, "Look Back to Me", featuring Killer Mike, produced by Hard Hat Productions was a regional hit club record.

In 2008, Trina created the Miami-based female rap duo, Pretty Money, with members Nisha and An-G. The group was to be featured on Trina's fifth studio album, but this never came about. The duo has yet to release any music.[21] Following the creation of the group, Trina began work on her fifth studio album in 2009.and in 2010.

2009-2010: Amazin'

The lead single from her fifth studio album, "That's My Attitude", was released in October 2009 but failed to chart. Because of this, the song was dubbed a buzz single. A mixtape, Amazin' (The Mixtape), was released in November 2009 in promotion of her fifth studio album. Another mixtape, The Definition Of A Million Dollar Girl, was released in January 2010 following the release of her fifth studio album's lead single. Nude pictures of Trina leaked in February 2010, and Trina appeared on The Mo'Nique Show in March 2010 to address the leaking of the pictures.

Trina's fifth studio album, Amazin', was released on May 4, 2010. Because of this album, Trina is the first female rapper to release a fifth studio album. Amazin' debuted at number thirteen on the Billboard 200, number four on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, number two on the Top Rap Albums chart and number one on the Billboard Independent Albums chart. The album sold over 32,000 copies in its first week of release.[22][23] Despite its low sales, the album received near positive reviews from critics.

The album was preceded by the official lead single, "Million Dollar Girl" featuring Diddy and Keri Hilson, in January 2010. The single was mildly successful, as it reached number sixty-one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number twenty on the Rap Songs chart. A second single, "White Girl", featuring Flo Rida and Git Fresh, was released in June 2010 but failed to chart. "My Bitches" was going to be released as the album's third single in July 2010 but its release was canceled. The album's third official single, "Always", featuring Monica, was released in August 2010 and has reached number forty-two on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

2011: Diamonds Are Forever, Upcoming sixth studio album

In preparation for her upcoming sixth studio album, Trina released a mixtape entitled Diamonds Are Forever on March 28, 2011.[24] Prior to the full release, Trina released three singles from the mixtape, which includes "Ghetto" featuring T-Pain, "Waist So Skinny" featuring Rick Ross, and "Can I" featuring Mýa. The mixtape was successful, receiving 4.8 million views in two days.[25] In a recent interview with MTVuk, Trina says that her sixth album is expected to be out by the end of the year and that there will be more pop/crossover music on the album. Trina is the only female hip hop artist, besides Missy Elliott and, to work on a sixth album.[26][27] On May 17th 2011, Trina released the next single off of her mixtape "Long Heels Red Bottoms".[28]

On Nov 9th, 2011, Trina announced on MTV RAPFIX live that she is no longer signed to Slip-N-Slide Records.

Discography

Main article: Trina discography

Mixtapes

  • Trina & Pretty Money - Millionaire’s Girls Club
  • Trina - Trick-or-Trina
  • Trina & Qwote - Best of Both Worlds (Ladies Edition)
  • Trina - Trina Introduces: Victoria Balenciaga
  • Trina - The Definition of a Million Dollar Girl
  • Trina - Amazin’ (The Mixtape)
  • Trina & Pretty Money - C.R.E.A.M.
  • Trina - Rockstarr: The Baddest Bitch Reloaded
  • Trina - Who’s Bad?
  • Trina - Rockstarr Royalty
  • Trina - Diamonds Are Forever

Awards and nominations

  • BET Awards
    • 2001: Best Female Hip-Hop Artist - (Nominated)
    • 2002: Best Female Hip-Hop Artist – (Nominated)
    • 2003: Best Female Hip-Hop Artist – (Nominated)
    • 2006: Best Female Hip-Hop Artist – (Nominated)
    • 2008: Best Female Hip-Hop Artist – (Nominated)
    • 2009: Best Female Hip-Hop Artist – (Nominated)
    • 2010: Best Female Hip-Hop Artist – (Nominated)
  • Soul Train Music Awards
    • 2001: Best R&B/Soul or Rap Music Video – "Pull Over " - (Nominated)
    • 2002: Best R&B/Soul or Rap Music Video – "Told Y'all w/ Rick Ross "- (Nominated)
  • The Source Awards
    • 2001: Best New Artist – Nominated
    • 2002: Single Of The Year – Female Solo Artist – "B R Right" - (Nominated)
    • 2004: Remix of the Year – "Right Thurr" – (Winner)
  • ACE Awards
    • 2010: Power of Influence Award – (Winner)
  • 2011: International Friend of Reggae Honoree

References

[32]

  1. ^ a b Phares, Heather (2008). "Trina: Biography". allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/p282926/biography. Retrieved 2008-04-29. 
  2. ^ [1], xxlmag.com
  3. ^ "About Trina". MuzeMusic. 2008. http://ringtones.thumbplay.com/Trina-ringtones. Retrieved 2008-07-09. 
  4. ^ "BallerStatus Interview & Billboard Info". BallerStatus. 2005. http://trinafan.com/trina/ballerstatus.php. Retrieved 2012-01-19. 
  5. ^ "Exclusive Interview: Trina talks Beef, Break-ups, and Ballers!". Necole Bitchie. 2010. http://bitchielife.necolebitchie.com/2010/08/exclusive-interview-trina-talks-beef-break-ups-and-ballers/. Retrieved 2012-19-01. 
  6. ^ "Pressure Makes Diamonds". Slip-N-Slide Records. 2008. Archived from the original on March 31, 2009. http://replay.waybackmachine.org/20090331205703/http://www.trina-online.com/bio.html. 
  7. ^ Korten, Tristram (August 26, 1999). "Ghetto Glorious". Miami New Times. http://www.miaminewtimes.com/1999-08-26/news/ghetto-glorious/full. Retrieved March 17, 2009. 
  8. ^ "Da Baddest Bitch: Trina: Music". Amazon.com. 2000-03-21. http://www.amazon.com/Da-Baddest-Bitch-Trina/dp/B00004R8Q5/. Retrieved 2011-02-23. 
  9. ^ "Trina > Charts & Awards > Billboard Albums". allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/p282926/charts-awards. Retrieved April 11, 2010. 
  10. ^ a b RIAA - Recording Industry Association of America
  11. ^ "Da Baddest Bitch - Trina". Billboard. http://www.billboard.com/#/album/trina/da-baddest-b-h/413145. Retrieved May 15, 2011. 
  12. ^ http://www.billboard.com/#/song/trina/pull-over/3483712
  13. ^ Trina | AllMusic
  14. ^ Diamond Princess, billboard.com
  15. ^ a b Nickelback Debuts 'Right' On Top | Billboard.com
  16. ^ Glamorest Life, billboard.com
  17. ^ Trina – Glamorest Life – Music Charts
  18. ^ Crosley, Hillary (May 18, 2007). "Trina signs to EMI". Billboard. http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/genre/randb-hip-hop/trina-signs-to-emi-1003588165.story. Retrieved May 15, 2011. 
  19. ^ a b Popjustice – Trina – 'Single Again'
  20. ^ Strait Speeds Past R.E.M. To Debut At No. 1 | Billboard.com
  21. ^ Mixtape. Trina introduces Victoria Balenciaga
  22. ^ Godsmack Score Third #1 Billboard Debut With Oracle - Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV
  23. ^ Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 5/9/2010 | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales. HipHopDX..Retrieved on 2010-12-20.
  24. ^ http://www.vibe.com/posts/new-mixtape-trina-diamonds-are-forever
  25. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Fxo7BPF6iA
  26. ^ Trina: The Interview! | Mtv Uk
  27. ^ Missy Elliott
  28. ^ [2]
  29. ^ JR Rotem: Behind the Song | Video | BMI.com
  30. ^ 2007 BMI Urban Awards: BMI Award Winning Songs | News | BMI.com
  31. ^ Trina To Be Honored In Jamaica - Starpulse.com
  32. ^ "Trina Says: Let V-Nasty Use The N-Word! - HipHopStr.Com"

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Trina
Albums
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