Trina
Template:Short description {{#invoke:other uses|otheruses}} Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox musical artist
Katrina Laverne Kearse<ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref> (née Taylor; born December 3, 1974),<ref>Template:Cite tweet</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> is an American rapper who rose to prominence in the late 1990s for her collaborations with Trick Daddy on the singles "Nann Nigga", "Shut Up", and "Take It to da House". In 2000, she released her debut album Da Baddest Bitch. Afterwards, she made an appearance on the remix of "One Minute Man" by Missy Elliott and Ludacris. In 2002, she released the Kanye West-produced single "B R Right" featuring Ludacris, from her sophomore album Diamond Princess (2002).
Trina's third album Glamorest Life (2005), spawned the hit single "Here We Go" featuring Kelly Rowland, which was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Her follow-up album Still da Baddest (2008), peaked within the top ten on the Billboard 200, and reached number one on the US R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. In 2010, she released her fifth album Amazin', which featured the Lady Gaga co-penned track "Let Dem Hoes Fight", as well as collaborations with Diddy, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, and Rick Ross.
She has been described by XXL as "the most consistent female rapper of all time".<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> In 2014, Trina was included in BillboardTemplate:'s list of the "31 Female Rappers Who Changed Hip-Hop".<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Most recently, She was ranked #13 on Billboard's 'Top 25 Best Female Rappers of All Time.'
Early life
Katrina Laverne Taylor was born on December 3, 1974, in Miami<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and she grew up in the Liberty City area of the city.<ref name="official bio">Template:Cite web</ref> Her father is Dominican,<ref name="Baller 2005">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="BitchieLife" /> while her mother, Vernessa Taylor,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> was Bahamian.<ref name=BitchieLife>Template:Cite web</ref> They separated when Trina was a child. She attended Miami Northwestern Senior High School,<ref name="New Times 1999">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> where she was a majorette,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and where she graduated. Taylor initially educated herself towards becoming a real estate agent, before switching her career path to music.
Career
Breakthrough, Da Baddest Bitch (1998–2000)
In 1998, Trina was studying to get her real estate license,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> when she caught the attention of Miami rapper Trick Daddy, who asked her to appear on his track "Nann Nigga". The song was released as the lead single from Trick's second studio album, www.thug.com on July 14, 1998, reaching No. 62 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 3 on the Rap Songs chart. This kickstarted Trina's rap career, leading to a record deal with Slip-n-Slide Records with distribution from Atlantic Records.
On March 21, 2000, Trina released her debut album Da Baddest Bitch,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> which debuted at No. 33 on the US Billboard 200 and No. 11 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.<ref name="Billboard albums">Template:Cite web</ref> It stayed on the Billboard 200 chart for 39 weeks and on the Hip-Hop/R&B album chart for 49 consecutive weeks<ref name="Billboard DBB">Template:Cite web</ref> and was certified Gold by the RIAA by November of that year.<ref name="RIAA">Template:Cite web</ref> The album was preceded by the singles "Da Baddest Bitch" on December 22, 1999, and "Pull Over" on February 13, 2000, which reached No. 93 on the Hot 100, No. 46 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and No. 41 on the Rap Songs chart.<ref>Template:BillboardURLbyName</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Diamond Princess (2001–2003)
Trina began working on her second studio album in 2001 with Missy Elliott,<ref name="allmusic">Template:Cite web</ref> enjoying more creative control than ever before, saying in interviews that the album was "more what Trina's about, how Trina looks, how Trina feels, the things that Trina consists of."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> During this time, she started her own record label imprint, Diva Enterprises. In September 2002, she signed 9-year-old recording artist Lil' Brianna, who would appear on her track "Kandi" and later be known as Brianna Perry.
On August 27, 2002, Trina released her second studio album Diamond Princess,<ref>[[[:Template:BillboardURLbyName]] Diamond Princess], Billboard.com</ref> which debut at No. 14 on the Billboard 200 and No. 5 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, selling 67,000 units in its first week.<ref name="Billboard first week sales Diamond Princess and Glamorest Life">Template:Cite web</ref> The album was preceded by "Told Y'all", featuring Rick Ross, which reached No. 64 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and appeared on the soundtrack to the action comedy All About the Benjamins, and "No Panties", featuring Tweet, which reached No. 88 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and No. 45 on the UK Singles Chart. On October 22, 2002, Trina released the album's third and final single, "B R Right", featuring Ludacris, which reached No. 83 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 50 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and No. 24 on the Rap Songs chart.
Glamorest Life (2004–2005)
On October 4, 2005, Trina released her third studio album, Glamorest Life,<ref>[[[:Template:BillboardURLbyName]] Glamorest Life], Billboard.com</ref> which debut at No. 11 on the Billboard 200,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> No. 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and No. 2 on the Top Rap Albums chart, selling 77,000 units in its first week.<ref name="Billboard first week sales Diamond Princess and Glamorest Life" /> The album was preceded by the single, "Don't Trip", featuring Lil Wayne on April 28, 2005, which reached No. 74 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and "Here We Go", featuring Kelly Rowland, on September 23, 2005, which became one of Trina's most successful singles, reaching No. 17 on the Hot 100, No. 8 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and No. 3 on the Hot Rap Songs chart and Top 20 in most countries worldwide. The single was certified Gold in the US in June 2006.<ref name="RIAA" /> The album's third and final single, "Da Club", featuring Mannie Fresh, was released on November 22, 2005.
Still Da Baddest (2006–2008)
On May 18, 2007, it was announced that Trina had left Atlantic Records and signed to EMI in conjunction with her original label, Slip-n-Slide Records.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
On April 1, 2008, Trina released her fourth studio album, Still da Baddest, which reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200, No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and No. 1 on the Top Rap Albums chart, becoming her first album to top the charts. Its first-week sales were 47,000.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The album was preceded by the singles "Single Again", which reached No. 25 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100, No. 59 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and No. 19 on the Rap Songs chart, and "I Got a Thang for You", featuring Keyshia Cole, which reached No. 21 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 and No. 59 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The third and final single from the album, "Look Back at Me", featuring Killer Mike, hit No. 1 in Denmark.
Amazin' (2009–2010)
On May 4, 2010, Trina released her fifth studio album, Amazin', which debut at No. 13 on the Billboard 200, No. 4 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, No. 2 on the Top Rap Albums chart, and No. 1 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart. The album sold over 32,000 copies in its first week.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 5/9/2010. HipHopDX. Retrieved on December 20, 2010.</ref> The album was preceded by the singles "That's My Attitude" on August 21, 2009, "Million Dollar Girl", featuring Diddy and Keri Hilson, on January 12, 2010, which reached No. 61 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and No. 20 on the Rap Songs chart, "Always", featuring Monica, on April 20, 2010, which reached No. 42 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and "White Girl", featuring Flo Rida and Git Fresh, on June 29, 2010.
Independent releases (2011–2016)
On March 28, 2011, Trina released the mixtape Diamonds Are Forever.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It was preceded by the singles "Ghetto", featuring T-Pain, "Waist So Skinny", featuring Rick Ross, and "Can I", featuring Mýa. The mixtape received 4.8 million streams in two days.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref> During this time, Trina was preparing her sixth studio album.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On November 9, 2011, Trina announced on MTV RapFix Live that she was no longer signed to Slip-N-Slide Records,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> the label she had been with since the beginning of her career.Template:Quote box On December 3, 2012, Trina released the mixtape Back 2 Business, which was preceded by the singles "Beam" featuring Gunplay and Iceberg Slimm, and "Bad Bitch", featuring Lola Monroe and Shawnna.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On December 17, 2012, Trina appeared as a co-host on the VH1 late night talk show Tiny Tonight! with Tiny, Tamar Braxton and Claudia Jordan.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On March 9, 2015, Trina revealed that she had signed a new imprint venture with Penalty Entertainment.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Days earlier, Trina had released the promotional single "Real One" featuring Rico Love, who she said would be the executive producer of her sixth album. On July 21, 2015, Trina previewed its music video on an episode of Love and Hip Hop Atlanta: Afterparty Live! on July 21, 2015.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:CbignoreTemplate:Dead YouTube link</ref> On October 29, Wolfgang Gartner announced that his song "Turn Up", featuring Trina and Wiley, would be featured on the soundtrack for the video game Need For Speed.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On November 13, Trina released her single "Fuck Boy", along with a remix of One Direction's "Perfect", both garnered positive reviews.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On March 21, 2016, the 16th anniversary of her debut album Da Baddest Bitch, Trina released the single "Overnight", which discusses the ups and downs of her career including lawsuits, label issues, and being underestimated.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On April 1, 2016, Trina released the single "Forget That", featuring Steph Lecor, from the Meet the Blacks soundtrack.<ref>Template:CitationTemplate:Cbignore</ref> On July 11, Trina participated in Missy Elliott's tribute for VH1's Hip Hop Honors: All Hail The Queens. On December 3, Trina celebrated her 38th birthday by unveiling a surprise EP, Dynasty 6, at a private Art Basel event.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The One (2017–2020)
On August 25, 2017, it was announced that Trina and Trick Daddy would star in the VH1 reality television series Love & Hip Hop: Miami.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
On June 21, 2019, Trina released her much-delayed sixth studio album, The One.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In a 2020 interview, Trina stated that she was working on another project that was "almost done".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Verzuz with Eve and future projects (2021–present)
On June 16, 2021, Trina participated in a competition match via Verzuz against her longtime friend and collaborator, Philadelphia rapper Eve.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following year, the former was awarded the 2022 "I Am Hip-Hop" icon award during the BET Hip Hop Awards.<ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Professional wrestling
On September 21, 2022, Trina made a guest appearance on All Elite Wrestling's Dynamite program, being revealed as the celebrity guest supporting Diamante against TBS Champion Jade Cargill.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Two nights later on AEW Rampage, Trina appeared in Diamante's corner during the TBS Championship match, which saw Diamante defeated by Cargill. After the match ended, Trina turned heel on Diamante; attacking her and showing her support for Cargill.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Personal life
Relationships
Trina was in an on-again, off-again relationship with rapper Lil Wayne from 2005 to 2007.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On October 5, 2005, during an interview with Wendy Williams, she confirmed that she and Wayne were engaged to be married. Trina later became pregnant by Lil Wayne, but suffered a miscarriage.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The couple have matching tattoos, Trina has "Wayne" on her wrist, while Lil Wayne has "Trina" spelled out on his ring finger.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
During her time with Lil Wayne, Trina was involved in a private affair with former G-Unit rapper Young Buck which lasted between mid-2005 and throughout 2006.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> She later dated basketball player Kenyon Martin from 2007 to 2010.<ref name="complex.com">Template:Cite web</ref> He had the image of her lips tattooed on his neck.<ref name="complex.com" /> Trina dated rapper French Montana from 2012 to 2014.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Trina began dating Raymond Taylor in 2017 and got engaged in September 2021.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Their engagement was called off sometime prior to 2024.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Trina privately married rapper and entrepreneur, Benjamin Kearse Jr., known as Beau Swurv, on May 22, 2024.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The two later appeared on the sixth season of Love & Hip Hop: Miami. Their marriage, however, has received mixed reaction and criticism on social media and in publications.
Family deaths
Trina's brother, Wilbrent Bain Jr., was murdered in a shooting in 2013.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Her mother, Vernessa Taylor, died at age 62 after a struggle with cancer in September 2019.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In July 2022, Trina's niece was killed.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Philanthropy
Trina started the Diamond Doll Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps younger girls with their life struggles.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The organization is partnered with the Florida Entertainment Summit to organize the Jingle Bell Toy Drive for children in South Florida.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web Template:Dead link</ref><ref name="Trina">Template:Cite web</ref>
Awards and nominations
BET Awards
| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | BET Award | Best Female Hip Hop Artist | Herself | Template:Nom | <ref name=bet>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 2002 | Template:Nom | ||||
| Video of the Year | "One Minute Man" (with Missy Elliott and Ludacris) | Template:Nom | |||
| 2003 | Best Female Hip Hop Artist | Herself | Template:Nom | ||
| 2006 | Template:Nom | ||||
| 2008 | Template:Nom | ||||
| 2009 | Template:Nom | ||||
| 2010 | Template:Nom | ||||
| 2011 | Template:Nom | ||||
| 2015 | Template:Nom | ||||
| 2022 | BET Hip Hop Award | I Am Hip Hop Award | Herself | Template:Won |
MTV VMA Awards
| Year | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Best Art Direction in a Video | "One Minute Man" (with Missy Elliott and Ludacris) | Template:Nom | <ref name=mtv>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Best Cinematography in a Video | Template:Nom | |||
| Best Direction in a Video | Template:Nom | |||
| Best Editing in a Video | Template:Nom | |||
| Best Hip-Hop Video | Template:Nom | |||
| Best Special Effects in a Video | Template:Nom |
Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards
| Year | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Best R&B/Soul or Rap Music Video | "Pull Over" | Template:Nom |
| 2002 | "Told Y'all" | Template:Nom | |
| "One Minute Man" (with Missy Elliott and Ludacris) | Template:Won |
Miscellaneous awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Source Hip Hop Award | Single of the Year - Female Solo Artist | "B R Right" (with Ludacris) | Template:Nom | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Artist of the Year - Female Solo | Herself | Template:Nom | |||
| 2004 | Best Female Rap Collaboration | "Right Thurr" (with Chingy) | Template:Nom | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Remix of the Year | Template:Won | ||||
| 2005 | American Music Award | Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Artist | Herself | Template:Nom | <ref name=american>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 2011 | EME Award | International Friend of Reggae Honoree | Template:Won | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| 2014 | All Star Music Experience | Lifetime Achievement Award | Template:Won | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
Discography
- Studio albums
- Da Baddest Bitch (2000)
- Diamond Princess (2002)
- Glamorest Life (2005)
- Still da Baddest (2008)
- Amazin' (2010)
- The One (2019)
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | A Miami Tail | Alica Strada |
| 2004 | Sweet Potato Pie | Regina |
| 2011 | The Cookout 2 | Woman Placing Bet |
| 2021 | Dear Best Friend | Pamela |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | The 15th Annual Soul Train Music Awards | Herself | |
| 2001 MTV Video Music Awards | Presenter | ||
| Lady of Soul Awards | |||
| 2002 | 2nd Annual BET Awards | ||
| 2003 | Trina: The Making of a Diamond Princess | ||
| 2005 | 2005 Radio Music Awards | ||
| With Friends Like These | Cleo | ||
| 2006 | DJ Khaled Makes A Video: Holla at Me | ||
| BET Awards 2006 | Herself | ||
| 2007 | The Parker Report | ||
| 2008 | BET Awards 2008 | ||
| 2010 | The Mo'Nique Show | 1 episode | |
| Style-City Music Presents | |||
| 2010 VH1 Hip Hop Honors: The Dirty South | Performer | ||
| My Mic Sounds Nice: The Truth About Women In Hip Hop | Documentary | ||
| 2011 | La La's Full Court Life | 1 episode | |
| 2011–2014 | RapFix Live | 2 episodes | |
| 2012 | 2012 Bet Hip Hop Awards | ||
| 2013 | Tiny Tonight | Co-Host | |
| 2014 | Rupaul's Drag Race | ||
| 2015 | Love & Hip Hop Atlanta: After Party Live! | 1 episode | |
| 2016 | K.Michelle: My Life | 2 episodes | |
| 2017 | Wild 'n Out | 1 episode,
Team Captain, Performer | |
| Being | |||
| Hip Hop Squares | 1 episode,
Contestant | ||
| The Mane Event | Herself – Bridesmaid | ||
| 2018 | Love & Hip Hop: New York | Herself | 1 episode |
| 2018–2025 | Love & Hip Hop: Miami | Main cast | |
| 2021 | VH1 Family Reunion: Love & Hip Hop Edition | ||
| Queens | Episode: “2022” | ||
| 2022 | AEW Grand Slam | Appeared in a backstage segment on Dynamite and accompanied Diamante on Rampage | |
| Baddies | Herself/Host | 3 episodes | |
| The Real Housewives of Potomac | Herself | Guest, 2 episodes |
References
Further reading
External links
- 1974 births
- Age controversies
- Living people
- 21st-century American women rappers
- American hip-hop record producers
- American people of Bahamian descent
- American people of Dominican Republic descent
- Atlantic Records artists
- Caroline Records artists
- Def Jam Recordings artists
- Elektra Records artists
- EMI Records artists
- Jive Records artists
- MNRK Music Group artists
- Universal Motown Records artists
- Hispanic and Latino American rappers
- Rappers from Miami
- Southern hip-hop musicians
- Hispanic and Latino American actresses
- 21st-century American actresses
- Actresses from Miami
- Participants in American reality television series
- American businesspeople in the real estate industry
- Businesspeople from Miami
- 21st-century American rappers
- American women record producers
- Women hip-hop record producers
- African-American women rappers
- 21st-century African-American women
- 21st-century African-American rappers
- 20th-century African-American musicians
- 20th-century African-American women