The Real Roxanne

Adelaida Martinez

Following the massive success of UTFO's "Roxanne, Roxanne" single in late 1984 and early 1985, over 100 "answer" records appeared, with several female emcees adopting the titular "Roxanne" alias. The Real Roxanne (born Adelaida Martinez) was among the most talented of the lot and had to contend with Roxanne Shanté for the title. Martinez was recruited by Full Force to replace the original Roxanne, Elease Jack who recorded the answer record 'The Real Roxanne' by Roxanne and UTFO. Martinez's debut was 'Romeo / Roxanne's Groove' in 1985 on Select Records. E Jack recorded a further solo 12" under the alias, Elease "The Original Roxanne" called 'Boys' in 1985. It took her until 1988 to release an album, by which time the Roxanne fad had run its course. Still, the self-titled release packed a wallop, thanks to producers Jam Master Jay, Howie Tee, and Full Force, plus The Real Roxanne's own forceful, sassy personality. She attempted a comeback in 1992, adopting the ROXANNE alias for the first time, with 'Ya Brother Does / Mama Can I Get Some'.