The award-winning, platinum-selling rapper, songwriter, and television personality shares her "open and revealing account" (Neil Martinez-Belkin, New York Times bestselling author) of coming of age in Miami, her unstoppable ascent to music stardom, and her lasting impact as a legendary figure in the hip-hop industry
Growing up in the Liberty City area of Miami, Florida, Katrina "Trina" Taylor spent her childhood feeling relatively sheltered by her mother and stepfather. Trina and her mother had an unbreakable bond and Liberty City felt like a playground made just for her. Even at a young age, Trina knew what she wanted: to be a powerful, successful, and magnetic woman, a woman who was entirely self-reliant and independent. She dreamed of becoming a dancer, sexy and sparkling in the background of rap music videos she saw being filmed around Liberty City. Little did she know, she'd eventually be the star of the videos, and a founding Queen of rap.
In Da Baddest, Trina's voice is powerful, insightful, witty, and provocative, while also showcasing her vulnerability and deep love for her family, home, and music. This evocative look into Trina's life as a music industry icon proves why she is the blueprint for future women in hip-hop and how she helped shape rap music history. Her story highlights the profound cultural impact of hip-hop and why no one but her can hold the title of "The Baddest B*tch." Katrina "Trina" Taylor is a platinum-selling hip-hop artist with over two decades of success in the industry. With an unlimited drive and talent, she has continued to conquer the entertainment world adding actress and television personality to her accolades. Entering into millions of households on Mondays on VH1, she is a lead cast member on Love and Hip-Hop Miami, giving fans a glimpse into her life. She has released six studio albums, four EP's, and a multitude of additional releases in her musical catalogue. In one of the most pivotal moments in her life, Trina was honored by the city of Miami with two keys to the city and officially proclaimed May 14th as Trina Day. In 2023, BET Networks honored Trina with the I Am Hip Hop Award for her longstanding and consistent stamp in pop culture and music. Other recognitions and nominations include American Music Awards, BET Awards, Billboard Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and many more. As a dominating female hip-hop artist, Trina is one of the first female entertainers to create and produce a festival that welcomes and celebrates all genres of music housed in Miami, Florida, called the Rockstarr Music Festival.
Sesali Bowen is the author of the acclaimed memoir-manifesto Bad Fat Black Girl: Notes from a Trap Feminist; and the creator and host of Purse First, the first podcast exclusively about female and queer rap. She was an entertainment writer at Refinery29 and one of the architects of Unbothered. Then she oversaw the entertainment vertical at NYLON magazine before branching out to write her first book. Her words have appeared in The New York Times, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, InStyle, and more. She has also appeared on Netflix's Explained and starred in campaigns for Showtime, VH1, and HBO. Behind the scenes, she provides creative marketing and storytelling services to brands and talent. Sesali was proudly born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, and currently lives in New Jersey.
