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December 14, 2005

On Our iPod: Lady Sovereign - "Vertically Challenged"

There's a lot of hype about 19-year-old U.K. rap sensation Lady Sovereign and her new album "Vertically Challenged." There's also a ton of hype about her becoming the first British grime artist to breakthrough in America. We're not convinced that that will happen, in part because of her at times over-the-top Britishness (be it ghetto-London Britishness, at that, even though it sounds awesome), but also because the grime genre itself is mostly too stark for American mainstream tastes.

We'd love to be wrong on this one, and Lady Sovereign stands a better chance than any other big name on the U.K. grime scene of finding success in the U.S. She has the talent and she's got the beats. "Vertically Challenged" (the title is a reference to Lady's height of 5'1") is not as good as some of her previously released singles promised. As a collection, the disc underperforms.

Lady Sovereign offers up her best on "Random" -- by far her best track -- and "Chi-ching " and "Hoodie." "Random" alone could be one of the best singles of the year and it is -- despite tons of expletives -- the most accessible grime record we've heard. It's certainly the tune with the most infectious hooks. Lady Sovereign will warrant comparisons with Missy Elliott. "Random" sounds like what super producer Timbaland (who produces Missy Elliott's best work) would sound like if he moved to South London and became a grime artist.

Where Lady Sovereign really shines is in her flow and MC style. She's got more attitude than she knows what to do with. And her lyrics take hard -- but clever and funny -- swipes at some big names (Nelly, Chingy) in American hip-hop and U.K. grime. Her numerous Adidas references can get under the skin and on the nerves after a while and are practically screaming out for a sponsorship deal from the German sneaker and apparel maker. Despite some soft spots, "Vertically Challenged" gets the nod from our iPod this week.

Essential Linkage
Lady Sovereign Official Website
BBC Homegrown Interview with Lady Sovereign
Profile: Lady Sovereign [Pitchfork Reviews]

Posted by Supercore at December 14, 2005 03:02 AM