I was so hyped when I heard that Trina would finally be releasing a memoir! Then my excitement grew even more when I found out that Sesali would be co-writing. Although I really enjoyed learning her story, I do feel that she was holding back a lot. There weren't many juicy stories or tidbits. Throughout the book, she constantly mentioned that she's a private person, which I totally understand, but that privacy kinda made the "meat" of the memoir fall flat.

I would have loved for her to get a bit more detailed in her stories. Despite that, I did really enjoy the book, and as a fan of hers since middle school, I'm glad to have read it. Anyone who is a fan of her would enjoy this book.

When I first heard of this book, I for one was very excited. Ms. Diamond Princess was writing a memoir and I knew I needed to get my hands on it by any means necessary. But reading it kind of let me down though. I wanted to be able to learn a little bit more about Trina’s life but the majority of it was surface level. I understand she’s a private person but that kind of privacy could have just stayed away. Books like these are usually tell alls and Wikipedia could have gave me the information that Trina wrote. But it’s a quick and cute little read overall.

I know Trina to be very private my whole life so when I heard she was dropping her memoir I was super excited. I have no true complaints. It was clear, concise and to the point without the additional fluff that a lot of memoirs have, making them 13 hour books. I was aware of her mother and niece passing but the additional losses Trina experienced gutted me and I’ve never wanted to give a stranger a hug so bad. Praying for her strength. This is a great, short memoir about an iconic emcee. Hearing how she fell into rapping was entertaining and seeing how she remained in the rap game is inspiring.

Da Baddest is the story of Hip Hop phenomenon, Katrina “Trina” Taylor and her rise from growing up in the
Liberty City area of Miami, Florida to becoming one of the most successful and consistent female rap artists worldwide. Trina uses this book to share how she has navigated love, loss, success, and the pursuit of happiness on her own terms.

The “Diamond Princess’s” love for her family, fans, music, and community sparkles through the stories from her “Glamorest Life” that she chooses to share with honesty and integrity. After reading this book, you will have a new appreciation for this award-winning, platinum-selling rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur, real estate investor, philanthropist, and television personality and understand exactly why she will always be “Da Baddest B***h”!

Thanks to Simon & Schuster for providing me with an advance copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Da Baddest by Katrina "Trina" Taylor along with coauthor Sesali Brown was a solid read. I have difficulty rating memoirs and autobiographies, because it is someone's life, so how do "rate" that? I am a huge Trina fan, so it was refreshing to read about snippets of her life. More often than not, I felt she was holding back a bit, but I believe she gave her audience a few snapshots they were hoping for. As for me, I wish the book provided a more deeper dive into her life; however, throughout this book she expressed how valuable her privacy and image are to her and her brand. I respect it.

I absolutely enjoyed the accolades that she gave other female artists, and it appeared to be from a genuine place. She came with positivity and affirmations which I truly appreciated. Trina has experienced a lot of heartbreak and loss in her life, and she was honest about the effects on her... she was real. She did not bash anyone, and she did not need, but I think it's notable and says a lot about her character.

I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to her fans.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, Simon and Schuster, and the authors, Katrina Taylor with cowriter Sesali Bowen for an advance reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Da Baddest by Katrina Taylor with cowriter Sesali Brown is a testament to her hard work as a female rapper and so much more. Taylor provides insight into her life while demonstrating her range as a woman outside the studio. Clearly, there is more to Taylor than her lyrics and this book shows just that.

In the book, Taylor shares lessons learned along with her thought process while making decisions, which helps to draw in the reader. Another aspect that was refreshing was Taylor did not divulge the true names of those who were central characters in her life. This kept the story on her while respecting those individuals privacy and anonymity. All in all, a solid book that is well written and engaging for those willing to read the book.

Da Baddest by Trina is more than just a memoir; it’s a powerful testament to the resilience, ambition, and influence of one of hip-hop’s most iconic figures. Trina, the award-winning, platinum-selling rapper, songwriter, and television personality, takes readers on a journey through her life, sharing the incredible ups and downs, hopes, and dreams that have defined her career and personal growth.

Growing up in the Liberty City area of Miami, Katrina “Trina” Taylor was surrounded by love and protection from her mother and stepfather, which provided her with a strong foundation. Even as a young girl, Trina knew she wanted to be a powerful, successful woman—self-reliant, independent, and magnetic. She initially dreamed of becoming a dancer, imagining herself in the background of the rap music videos filmed in her neighborhood. However, life had bigger plans for her, and she soon found herself at the forefront of the rap scene, becoming a founding Queen of the genre.

What sets Da Baddest apart from other celebrity memoirs is Trina’s unfiltered and authentic voice. She shares her story with a mix of power, wit, and vulnerability, offering readers a deep dive into her upbringing, her rise to stardom, and her ongoing legacy in the music industry. Trina doesn’t shy away from the challenges she’s faced—both personally and professionally—but instead uses them to highlight her journey and growth as an artist and woman.

One of the most surprising aspects of Trina’s story is her multifaceted nature. Beyond her music career, Trina reveals her passion for architecture and her recent renewal of her real estate license—goals that may surprise those who only know her as a rap star. This glimpse into her other ambitions showcases her determination to succeed in various fields and solidifies her status as a true blueprint for others to follow.

Trina’s impact extends far beyond her music. Her support for other women in the industry, particularly through initiatives like the Rockstarr Music Festival with a mostly female lineup, underscores her commitment to uplifting and empowering the next generation of female artists. She sees herself in the girls she helps and is dedicated to creating opportunities for them, just as she did for herself.

Da Baddest is an evocative, insightful, and deeply personal account of Trina’s life and career. It’s a celebration of her achievements, a reflection on her struggles, and an affirmation of her place as a trailblazer in hip-hop. For anyone who has ever been inspired by Trina’s music or her story, this book is a must-read. It’s a powerful reminder that Trina is not just the architect of her own success—she is the blueprint for countless others who aspire to follow in her footsteps.

I love Trina , I grew up listening to her music so I’m so happy I had the opportunity to read her book ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I've enjoyed Trina over the past years, but her recent statement on BLM and more specifically black ppl during 2020 turned me all the way off. However, I was eager to give this a try because I feel she's always overlooked when we talk about female rappers. This was good.

𝐞𝐀𝐫𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
2 🌟
-
Oh my! I really wanted to like this book because it's by Trina "Da Baddest," but this book wasn't working for me. It confused me when she went between "mom and Nesta," who, if I understood correctly, are the same person. Her mom! That along irked me for some reason. The pace of this book is extremely slow to me. I just think I wasn't the correct audience for this book.
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 Oct.8
-
Thank you, Netgalley, and Simon & Schuster for the ebook for my honest review.

I have loved Trina since the early 00's, so I was super excited to receive an ARC of her memoir! She is one of the women who really put female rap on the map and honestly she gave birth to an entire generation of "City Girls". Though Trina was often criticized for being vulgar her lyrics have always taught young women to know and understand their worth. I was so pleased that Trina went beyond her persona and was able to show a more vulnerable side to her early struggles in life and breaking into the music industry. While she is known for being a female rapper we really get to see what a savvy businesswoman she is. I really hope in the future we get to see Trina's story on the big screen or even a limited series.