For over 20 years, Trina has used her lyrical savvy and tantalizing sex appeal to remind the world why she still lives up to the moniker established by her debut album's namesake, "Da Baddest." She's not only a talented artist, but the rapper has also paved the way for a generation of other sex-positive, female hip-hop performers. Her latest record, The One, which is also her first studio album in almost a decade, provides an example of her influential raunchy rap style.

The Miami-based rapper has dedicated her entire discography to uplifting women while showing them that they’re worth isn’t defined by a man. Her trend of empowering women arguably makes Trina one of the most important female artists of all time, and The One further solidifies that feat. Here’s a brief timeline highlighting the moments at which Trina effortlessly reminded the world of her sexual finesse and unyielding confidence.

Trina: 1998

When Trina first pulled up on the rap scene in 1998, she arguably had one of the coldest rap introductions of all time: 

“You don’t know nann, hoe (uh-huh) / Don' been the places I been/ Who can spend the grands that I spend been/ F**k 'bout five or six best friends,” was the first line in her featured verse on Trick Daddy’s single “Nann.”

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Although it was Trick Daddy’s song, Trina stole the spotlight with her dynamic flows and bold persona that showed listeners she wasn’t the one to be messed with. Her verse set the tone for the rest of her career and the song, which was the lead single from Trick Daddy’s sophomore album www.thug.com, reached No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs, in 1999. The chart topping single eventually led Trina to a record deal with Slip-N-Slide records, the same label that signed Trick Daddy.

Trina: 2000

Before Megan Thee Stallion’s “hot girl summer,” Rihanna’s savage style and Lizzo’s body positivity, there was Trina and her stan-worthy “baddest” aesthetic. Following in the footsteps of artists like Salt-N-Pepa and Lil' Kim, Trina placed the bar high for female rappers, who sought to express themselves via raunchy, sexually explicit lyrics. The Miami rapper encouraged women everywhere to make themselves a top priority in her debut album Da Baddest B***h. With its hard-hitting flows and Trina’s confident bars, the album established a pace for the new millennium, as it confronted the public perception of women and their sexual autonomy.

Trina: 2008

Her fourth album, 2008’s Still Da Baddest peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 chart, making it Trina’s best-selling album. Although it isn’t clear whether the album was about her breakup with Lil Wayne, whom Trina was dating prior to the album’s release, it certainly sounded like it. Trina spent most of the album bragging about her physical features and how she could pull any man she wanted, especially on “Single Again.” Despite her bravado, the album also gave Trina the space to be vulnerable about her heartbreak, as she rapped about being the best her ex ever had and how it was a huge mistake to lose her. With singles like “Killing You Hoes” and “Hot Commodity,” Trina quickly returned to her more braggadocious style toward the end of the collection. Still
Da Baddest wasted no time reiterating Trina’s self-worth, in spite of anyone in her past who may have hurt her, especially the men in her life. 

Using self-love to remedy relationship troubles is a common trend throughout Trina’s music. It's also one of the main reasons her messages and influence continues to be celebrated within the hip-hop community today.

Trina: 2019

The rapper turned Love and Hip Hop: Miami star makes no exception reclaiming her spot ahead of the pack, on The One. Trina takes the first half of the album to clarify why she’s “the one” with tracks like “BAPS," which also features Nicki Minaj and in classic Trina style, boasts of their sexual prowess.

However, in the latter half of the album, Trina allows herself to process the pain she’s endured over the years. Although the album was delayed six years, Trina’s theme of recovering from heartbreak and moving on from unworthy men remains a timeless message. In singles like “Get Money” and “On His Face,” Trina emphasizes the importance of taking care of yourself, prioritizing money over romantic love, and fostering your self-worth by putting yourself first.

There's no denying Trina's position as an iconic female MC, and The One is like her personal diary, generously shared with the public. Through her music, Trina embraces her flaws, often venting about mistakes she’s made in past relationships. All the while, she invites listeners along her journey to self-love and acceptance, offering them well-needed advice on choosing themselves first. Her influential voice continues to inspire other female rappers with its unyielding willingness to boldly let women know they are worth more than the men they date and the labels imposed upon them by society. 

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