Shawntae Harris (Da Brat)
Biography
Born and raised in Chicago, Harris attended Kenwood Academy and the Academy of Scholastic Achievement, where she participated in the school band and played seven instruments. She developed her career as a rapper under the name Da Brat and signed with So So Def Recordings, founded by producer Jermaine Dupri.
Her debut album, Funkdafied, was released in 1994 and entered the rap albums chart at No. 1. It went platinum, making Da Brat the first solo female rapper to sell one million units with an album. She followed with Anuthatantrum (1996) and Unrestricted (2000), while establishing a high-profile feature and collaboration career.
Da Brat later expanded into radio, television, acting, and producing. She has publicly discussed her bisexuality and relationship with Jesseca “Judy” Dupart. The couple married in 2022, and their relationship became the focus of the WE tv series Brat Loves Judy.
BQW Impact
Da Brat holds an important place in the history of Black women in hip-hop. The platinum success of Funkdafied established a major commercial milestone for a solo female rapper during an era when mainstream hip-hop was heavily male dominated.
Her public discussion of bisexuality adds an important LGBTQ+ dimension to that history. After keeping her personal life private for much of her career, Da Brat began speaking openly about her sexuality and relationship with Dupart in 2020. Brat Loves Judy subsequently brought their relationship and family life to mainstream television, expanding the visibility of a Black bisexual woman within popular culture.
Notable Works
Funkdafied (1994)
Da Brat's debut album, which entered the rap albums chart at No. 1 and went platinum, making her the first solo female rapper to sell one million units with an album.
Not Tonight (1997)
A remix of Lil' Kim's “Not Tonight” featuring Da Brat, Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott, and Angie Martinez that received a 1998 Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
Unrestricted (2000)
Da Brat's third studio album, released in 2000 and featuring collaborations with artists including Alicia Keys and Tyrese.
The Chi (2021 - 2024)
Da Brat appeared as LaPorsha in the Showtime drama, with five credited episodes spanning 2021–2024.
Brat Loves Judy (2021 - 2023)
WE tv reality series following Da Brat and Jesseca “Judy” Dupart as they navigated their relationship, marriage, and family life.
The Way Love Goes: A Guide to Building a "Beaurtiful" and Everlasting Relationship (2026)
A memoir and relationship guide co-authored by Da Brat and Jesseca Dupart, documenting their relationship, marriage, family life, and partnership.
Learn More
Da Brat's official website, including biographical and career information.
Da Brat's Official Artist Channel, featuring official music videos and current video content.
The Recording Academy's record of Da Brat's Grammy nominations and recognized recordings.
Official resource for Brat Loves Judy and its coverage of Da Brat and Jesseca Dupart.