Trina shares a lot of behind-the-scenes stories that I had never heard before, and learning how she got into her career was both surprising and fascinating. What really stood out to me was how vividly she painted her experiences — you could really see it all unfold as she told it. Every story, from her career moments to her relationships, felt honest and relatable. She had a way of making you feel like you were right there with her.

One of the things I appreciated most was how she managed to be transparent without oversharing. She struck a perfect balance between being open and maintaining her privacy. Even when she touched on beefs or difficult relationships, she never came off as overly negative or petty. It felt like she was simply stating her truth, and doing so with maturity and clarity.

As a memoir girlie, I love a good memoir. Extra points if the author reads the audiobook.

I never down play anyone's story, but nothing about this book kept me coming back for more or really went into depth about anything. Usually a memoir shares about a persons struggles/challenges, is uplifting or motivating.. something. This book did none of the above. Basically, this book highlighted how Trina basically fell into the music business without having to work for it, or even desired it in the beginning. What I got from the book is that due to her success with Naan, she capitalized it on and it was a hustle for her. A way to make quick money and sell a brand. I respect the hustle and what she was able to do, but I think a book at this time in her life is still a little premature.

It was a quick 5 hour audiobook, which reflects how much she didn't have to say about herself or her career. This just appeared to be another attempt to keep her relevant.

Learning about Trina's life was so interesting, especially through the audiobook which she narrated herself. I didn't know much about her, so I probably enjoyed this more than someone who's been listening to her since the start, but I think it's worth reading either way.
We learn about her childhood, what it was like growing up in Miami, how she got into rap and became the icon she is today, her relationships - both personal and professional, and all the losses she's experienced throughout her life. I couldn't help crying at the end, that was so heartbreaking.
There's a big theme of female empowerment throughout which I also really appreciate. You can tell Trina wants to see everyone succeed and will do what she can to help them. I only wish the book was a bit longer & went a tiny bit deeper, but I'm glad we got what we did anyway.

I learned a bit about Trina and I appreciate her being vulnerable and showing how she built a name for herself in the industry even though that was not her original plan. She had many good memories to share, powerful female connections, lost loved ones, and grieved openly throughout the story but I do feel like much was missing but it is her story to tell as she sees fit.

As a huge fan of Trina, diving head first into Trina's memoir, Da Baddest, was a non-negotiable. I've loved Trina since I heard her rap that feature on Trick Daddy's Nann in 1998, much to my mother's chagrin. In my early teens, I admired Trina's beauty, confidence, assertiveness, and style. And while I usually had to sneak to listen to so much of her music at the time, Trina left an indelible mark on my friends and I (Silver Dollars, Dime Status Dames, y'all remember?). And over the years, my love for the Diamond Princess has only grown in admiration.

I enjoyed reading Da Baddest from the start-- learning about Trina's upbringing, her city, and the elements that shaped who she was becoming. I loved getting to know how she got into Uncle Luke videos, got involved in the hip-hop scene, and came to grow as such an iconic artist. Reading along as she spoke up for herself in such a male-centered industry inspired me. Seeing how she took risks, stayed the course, and worked hard to make her dreams to live a glamorous life come true impressed me all the more. Trina was always a rockstar in my eyes, so it was refreshing to read about her taking chances, owning her mistakes, and following her dreams.

While I didn't read anything I was surprised by or didn't already know, I loved digesting this book from Trina's point of view. It's one thing to hear about relationships in tabloids or blogs. It's another to see in print exactly how Trina felt in the moments she shared with those she's been publicly connected to. It was refreshing to see her building lasting friendships with other artists, such as Missy, Eve, and Monica. And I liked that she seemed so warm and giving to her friends. I did, however, feel so sad to read about all the loss she's experienced over the years. She's the type of woman I'll always champion for, whether she's constantly played over the airwaves or not. I truly wish her the best.

Overall, Da Baddest was a nice, quick read that I fully enjoyed. I'm glad that Trina shared these parts of herself with her fans and I look forward to seeing more from her in the near future!

Many thanks to Netgalley + Simon & Schuster for the eARC of Da Baddest by Katrina Taylor. It was truly appreciated!

. 4 stars 🌟

I received this book from netgalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

I went to college in 2005, so I would say my prime college years were with Trina. To say she was a huge part of my collegient experience, would be an understatement.

I found this book to be so informative about Trina’s upbringing and her life, the issues & loss that molded her as a human being and the strength that she gained from overcoming those losses.

She shares her experiences, her expertise on coming into the industry and she also shares her perspective on loss. All of which I found heartfelt, profound and touching.

I feel that I know Trina better after having read her book.

I wish her success, love and happiness

When I learned Trina was releasing this book, the memoir connoisseur in me had to read it. Trina piqued my curiosity. I wanted to know more about the Miami hottie that hit the scene going blow-for-blow with Trick Daddy on the hit song Nann.
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Here’s what I learned.
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Trina never had dreams of becoming a rapper. In fact, she was well on her way to becoming a successful realtor when her close friend, Trick Daddy convinced her to do him a favor and lay a verse on a track he was recording. Reluctantly, Trina agreed. Little did she know, that song would shift the trajectory of her entire life. Thrusting her full force into a new career in hip-hop.
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While most new artists rush to tell their mom about their 1st release. Trina didn’t. In my mind Trina said, “𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘮 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘺 𝘴𝘩*𝘵, 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘢 𝘧𝘭𝘪𝘱.” And for that reason, when Nann was released, Trina hid the single from her mom Vernessa. The song was so sexually explicit Trina prayed her mom wouldn’t hear it on the radio. She knew her mom would be disappointed in what she’d heard. They shared a special bond. Trina never wanted to disappoint her mother. When Vernessa finally heard the song on the radio she was unhappy & confronted Trina. But as time went on, Vernessa very much supported Trina’s career. Even becoming her hair stylist.
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Although she’s known for her overt sex appeal. Trina’s not completely comfortable with this image. Many times in the beginning of her career she wanted to tone it down. But her record label insisted she flaunt her body, maintaining her sexy image.
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I also learned that Trina has experienced a lot of loss in her life. She writes about the passing of family & friends. My heart breaks for her. I can relate to her pain.
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Switching gears…did y’all know Trina was once engaged to Lil Wayne? I sure didn’t! Feels like I need my hip-hop card revoked for not knowing this piece of info!
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All in all, this was a quick and enjoyable read. While it doesn’t quite deliver that “wow” factor that makes a memoir unforgettable, it’s still a solid book worth picking up.

I didn't know much about Trina. I've heard a few of her songs & seen her on LHH Miami. This book gave me deeper insight into Trina's rise to the top. She spills it all from her childhood, her career, and her relationships.

The book started a little slow for me, but when it picked up, I was invested. I had fun getting the back story of some events that I've seen or read about. There were some things that Trina held back on. She skipped some of her relationships & the tea on her last album. Overall, it was a good read. 3.5 rounded up

Da Baddest!!! I was so happy & pleased to receive a digital ARC of this book. Thank you Netgalley & publisher. I probably had no business listening to Trina coming up but she was definitely one of the original IT Girls in the industry. She paved the way & was an inspiration to some of the biggest women rappers in Hip-Hop today.

From my knowledge of Trina, she’s always been a private person and after reading her memoir, I respect her even more. She shares how she navigated the music industry through all of her highs/lows, grief, love & being unapologetically Katrina!! You can tell she carefully thought of what she wanted to share with us, there was still more I wanted to know. However, this is not our story to tell. Five star rating as I don’t believe none of us as readers are truly qualified to rate the lives of others. I’m just extremely grateful that she was willing to be vulnerable and share her story! We love you Trina!!

Like many millennial Black women, I grew up on Trina's music, and she's someone I've always respected as an artist but never knew much about. I never watched Love & Hip Hop regularly, so when a lot of Black America got to know her more personally, I missed out on that as well. Da Baddest explains that: Trina is an incredibly private and insular woman who is careful about who she lets around her and the access the world has to her. I respect her that much more for this!

This memoir has moments that are very sad and transparent, but it is mostly a celebration of female sexuality and liberation, Black womanhood, joy, triumph, and creativity. Trina has been very protected on her journey in a way that many of her peers were not, so she fosters that safe space for the new class of rap girls with intention and pride. It's good to see a legend who doesn't feel threatened by the future because she knows that when it comes down to it, no one can do what she can!

While brief, this was well-written and I enjoyed it thoroughly, but I wish we'd gotten to know more about who Trina is today as much as we now know about her childhood.

4.5 ⭐️s

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for providing an ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the free arc in exchange for an honest review.

As a huge fan of Trina, when I saw this book was coming, I could not wait to get my hands on it. This book allowed me to see a different side to one of my favorite rappers. Trina, the legend that she is talks about her love life, her musical career and her personal growth in this book. This was such an great read.

Katrina "Trina" Taylor is an award-winning, platinum-selling rapper, songwriter and television personality. In this new memoir titled Da Baddest, she honestly shares her story of coming-of-age in Miami, close relationship with her mom, unplanned rise to stardom and legacy as an icon. She spills her raw feelings on the pages when talking about loss and celebrates her wins with readers.

I grew up with Trina on the radio. Lyrics were raw! Yet she always maintained class, grace and sophistication. She is a feminist, rooting for and supporting women in the industry. Trina is a true girl's girl. She blazed a powerful path in hip-hop, as mentioned in the introduction by Missy Elliott.

Even though Trina opened her heart and life more than usual in this book, I still got the sense she was holding back. It gives just a glimpse of the Diamond Princess behind the provocative music. The woman still remains a mystery and prefers a private happier life, which I respect. Instead, this new release lets us know how and why Trina is "da baddest" on a surface level. Whether you are already a fan or just love memoirs, Da Baddest is a good read. Just don't expect a tell-all!

Happy Pub Day, Trina! Da Baddest is now available.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

(3.5) Da Baddest is supposed to be Trina's unfiltered memoir, but I honestly don't feel like we learned anything new about her. It covers her journey from a little girl in Miami to her somewhat accidental break out on "Nann" and her rise and reign as the Diamond Princess.

Trina comes across as a very private person and you get that same vibe in this book. She takes time to address many of the things that have previously been brought up in the media, but I didn't feel like I learned anything new. I was very disappointed with the writing of the book as it felt disjointed and all over the place.

Overall, Da Baddest is cool if you're just learning about Trina. Her resilience, talent, and loyalty to remaining her authentic self really stands out and explains why she'll always be Da Baddest.

Trina has always kept her personal life out of the line light, so I was surprised to see she was releasing memoir. Even in my surprise, I was excited to read The Baddest and was glad I was able to get this advance copy. Katrina Taylor has been a showstopper since she hit the scene in 98, and she hasn’t slowed up. Her contributions to hip hop can’t be disputed and The Baddest reminds readers that she was “that girl” before the world knew her as “that girl.”

The Baddest chronicles Trina’s rise to the artist the world knows and the issues she endured once she reached success. Trina’s connection to her family and her community is displayed throughout her story. I loved the relationship she had with her mother and how her mother influenced and supported her no matter what. Her brothers story touched me because I lost a brother the same away and it’s a pain that’s hard to describe.

Trina has always been a private person and she reminds the reader throughout the story. However, she still speaks on very vulnerable moments. Her relationships, her friendships, industry issues and more, are told in this book. This is not a tell all by any means. There are still a lot of things she doesn’t divulge, and she respects others privacy. Trina does give a behind the scenes look at the highs and lows of each album and the songs that had the girls going crazy.

One thing I loved over all about this story was how throughout everything, she remained humble. After selling millions of records, touring the world, and making hits, she never let the fame get to her head. Trina has aways known she was beautiful and even when she spoke on her beauty it wasn’t in a conceited manner. More like, she knows she’s beautiful but there is so much more to her than her beauty.

Da Baddest was a great read and I hope she narrates the audible version.

Trina has been a favorite rapper of mine since Nann dropped in 98. So when I found out she was releasing a book I knew without hesitation it would be added to my personal library! Then I lucked up and was able to get this ARC ebook version.

Typically I do not enjoy autobiographies as they sometimes reveal parts of the celebrity's life that do not really appeal to me. So there was some reservation and apprehension going into reading Da Baddest. I have had this ARC maybe 2 weeks and was reading other books but I kept feeling like I need to hurry up and read it. And I'm glad that I did!

I started this book 2 days ago and all 256 pages of this book had me enthralled. If you are looking for a tell all type of book this is not it. Da Baddest is about Trina's evolution into becoming the bad Bitch she proclaims herself to be. From how family oriented she is to show she accidentally became a rapper. The plans that she had wasn't on the road map to get her here where she is today but she still hit goals she had set. Trina dropped a lot of hidden gems and addressed her story how she saw fit and I love that for her. High profile relationships, friendships, beef etc can all be found in this book.

What I really enjoyed the most is how humble Trina read throughout the book. One can exude all the bad butch energy in the world but remaining humble and true to oneself while growing into Da Baddest is not an easy feat. I would gladly read this book again and recommend it to others to read!

* no quotes have been added to this review as the book has not been published yet so my copy may have some changes added or fixed. Upon publication I will added a few that really resonated with me

Trina most definitely displayed her overall character in this book. She was raw and direct. She experienced alot of heartbreak but it overcame what she endured to be the “baddest”. Some of the stories were funny, whereas some of the stories she told were heartfelt. I resonated with her as she was just wanted what was best for her no matter what route she took. And she had good people behind her along the way. She inspired many and thanked those along the way. Some of it was quite interesting but nonethe less and very good read. Very good story and recommend it for others to hear her truth.

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.