Rapper Roxanne Shanté joined “In Focus” to gear up for hip hop’s 50th anniversary.

She discussed her journey from a teenager in the projects of Queens to a pioneer of one of the most popular genres.

Shanté was 14 years old when she rose to fame with “Roxanne’s Revenge.” The song’s a rebuttal to U.T.F.O.’s 1984 song, “Roxanne, Roxanne.”

“Roxanne’s Revenge” was an instant hit and was the first known hip hop diss track.

Shanté is credited with popularizing diss tracks, cementing her as the “Queen of Rap.” She explained how these rap beefs shaped hip-hop culture and why she wanted to become a mentor for generations of female MCs to come.

Shanté also shared a number one R&B and a top ten pop hit with Rick James in 1986, “Loosey’s Rap.”

Hip-hop tells the story of New York City.

Shanté explained what’s in store for hip hop’s 50th birthday and how she’s honoring its contributions to the world.

The city and Universal Hip Hop Museum aim to raise $50 million with the 50th celebration.