Telling the story of the famed Queensbridge rapper, Roxanne Shante, Roxanne Roxanne takes us back to 1984 during the birth of rap in New York City. Young Shante is the Queensbridge battle rap champion, and sets herself on a path to fame, but is often thwarted by the actions of vicious and selfish men. The story of self-discovery, growing up quickly, and eventual perseverance is at the heart of the female rapper who inspired some of the largest names in the industry to this day. The film stars Chanté Adams as Roxanne Shante, Nia Long as her mother Peggy, and Mahershala Ali as Cross.