Vertically Challenged

As a DJ in Wash., DC, I've keenly followed the evolution of beats and bass from East London, spanning from late 80s acid house parties, to hardcore "rave" breaks, then jungle, drum'n'bass, speed garage, UK garage and now grime/eski presently.

If you're looking for drum'n' bass or hip-hop this CD isn't it. But if you're a true fan of either of those genres this IS essential listening material. Lady SOV's rapid-fire Cockney slang over air horns, punchy bass and scattered breakbeats encapsulate on CD the raw pirate-radio vibe of East London that heavily influenced the rave/jungle/drum'n'bass (as well as dancehall, garage, techno) subcultures. Here in the States the totalitarian power of the FCC would never allow this to happen, but the fact that in the UK it was (and still is) somewhat tolerated, millions of Londoners have access to this music as it is made live on the airwaves every day.

For open-minded hip-hop fans, this CD yields more evidence that New York isn't the mecca of urban music culture it's made out to be. Comparing the creative diversity of music styles or the sheer volume of weekly new releases between the two cities, London easily wins. And it finally seems that Londoners know this fact (and are rightfully proud).

But hey, let's not get into NY vs London or Grime/Drum'n'Bass/Garage vs. hip-hop. Both cities and styles are influential on (and influenced by) the other. Listen to Twista, Timbaland or Missy to hear the UK influence in American hip-hop. And drum'n'bass has liberally sampled US hip-hop for over a decade, both lyrics as well as beats.

Unfortunately, the dominance of pop and mainstream r'n'b on American MTV and radio prevents many from experiencing the genius that London has to offer. Hopefully CD's such as Lady SOV's and others in this genre will bridge the differences. And now that Jay-Z has signed her, anything is possible...

Ugh! I'm so disappointed! I love Lady Sovereign. I love all the songs on this EP. But I had no idea that they would be CENSORED on this disc! All curse words and objectionable phrases have been eliminated with editing, or in some cases, alternate lyrics. LAME! This EP should carry a label identifying it as a CLEAN version so that consumers know what they're getting. Strangely, there doesn't seem to be an Explict Lyrics version available. This seems to be it. If I am wrong, I apologize, and someone please correct me, but I haven't been able to find any listings indicating both edited and explicit editions exist, which is extremely frustrating. I have heard uncensored versions of these songs, so I know they are out there. Unfortunately, they are not presented on this disc. Awful.

Five stars for Lady Sov and these songs when they're uncesnored. One star for the versions presented here.

Rap can be a very interesting genre sometimes. While it is primarily overrun with mumbling men and unintelligent lyrics now, there are certainly still some good things about it. And quite possibly the most interesting thing happening in rap is grime, which is a mostly cockney-accented british rap scene that has been growing for years and has finally begun to boom. The Streets, Dizzee Rascal, Wiley, Shystie, Kano...just a few of the names. But the artist that i think will get the largest amount of attention comes in the smallest package: a 5'1 19 yr old white british girl who goes by the name of Lady Sovereign.

Her accent delivers the cheekiest of lyrics and the some of the beats in these songs are some of the best i have heard in a good while. She has been releasing songs on EPs and online for a couple years now, and her talent caught the attention of one very notable MC: Jay-Z, an extremely talented and powerful rapper, and who also has his own record label. He flew Lady Sov out to rap for him, and signed her. She then released Vertically Challenged, and the interest in her has been growing ever since. Now for the review of the material.

"Random" starts the album off right. Right from the beginning you feel the smile coming to your mouth. She deftly crafts awesome beats, a whole host of mockeries of American rap, and a sense of fun dance music. Definitely a great intro. "Chi Ching" is a little more poppy, and a little bit of a decline from Random, but few disappointments in this song. "Fiddle with the Volume" is actually my least favorite song. It is fun and it delivers the same amount of cheeky british lines, but it isn't quite up to par with the rest of the album. "Random (Remix)" is a great song. I like the original more, but this has a better beat for clubs.

"A Little Bit of SHHH" is a great song with a ton of bass and a ton of hooks, with a great set of beats in the background. Definitely one of the favorites. AH, and then comes "The Battle". This is not only my favorite song on the album, but it is my favorite rap/hiphop song ever. It is about 8 minutes long, and it is a boys v. girls themed rap battle, with Lady Sov and Shystie in the girls' corner and Frost P and Zuz Rock in the guys'. The beat is a simple but infectious one, but once the rapping begins the music doesn't even matter. Frost P, a master rapper in all ways, starts it off, and it doesn't lose your attention all the way through the song. Lady Sovereign delivers her normal cheek, Shystie is plays the part of the tough female rapper, Zuz Rock easily impresses, and Frost P shines as the most talented rapper with ease. Listen to this one, and you will be hooked, I promise. "A Little Bit of SHHH (Remix)", along with the next remix "Fiddle With the Volume (Remix), are both better than the original. It delivers the same amazing flow and great lyrics, but has much better beats to go along with them. Dance club hits are written all over these songs.

I have been listening to this album for a good three months, and i am still intensely in love with it. Ms Sovereign has proven herself to be one of the most talented and interesting rappers to come out in recent years. My few complaints are: 1) The fact that if you don't include remixes, this album only has 5 songs. 2) She did not, to remedy this, include some of her other amazing songs that she has posted on EPs and online. Other than that, I hope you buy this an join me in the ranks of those waiting with much anticipation to watch this artist's future.

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