I had higher expectations going in. I believed it would explore more deeply her experiences within the hip-hop scene, and feature something beyond short appearances from important figures like Biz Markie, MC Shan, Marley Marl, and a young Nas, but what resulted felt more like a superficial biography/critique of men's behavior. There were moments I appreciated, particularly when it centered on her rap career, “Roxanne’s Revenge,” and how she navigated the music industry. However, frequently, the film seemed to be something different from what was suggested beforehand. As someone who loves hip hop, especially from the eighties and nineties, I was eager to see a movie about Roxanne Shante. My enthusiasm lessened when much of the story concentrated on her family difficulties and problematic relationships (or choices) with men. I anticipated some background information regarding her early life, but instead of highlighting the pioneering rapper she was—perhaps showcasing her clashes with KRS and others—it felt like an hour-long portrayal of negativity toward men disguised as a documentary about a hip hop icon. Nearly every male character is depicted as abusive, controlling, violent, or predatory. The few males who show some positive traits are largely ignored. This pattern has become increasingly common in films recently, and I find it frustrating; it suggests an underlying bias. Not all men are harmful, just as not all women are perfect in reality. Even the final segment before the credits felt jarringly out of place, seemingly intended to criticize men for failing to meet expectations or giving gifts to women. Its connection to hip hop culture, or anything relevant, is unclear to me. It really could have been better if it had genuinely focused on Roxanne Shante’s career and her emergence as a hip hop icon in the 1980s. I'm giving it two door knocker earrings out of five.

Source on TMDB