Lady Sovereign - Public Warning: The Biggest Midget in the Game?
by Benson on Thursday, February 15, 2007
Coolio, Spice Girls, Avril Lavigne…you can sing the lyrics, hum the tunes, recognize the faces…Yet, you would never admit to a friend such shameful things. Although I’m still divided on the admittance part, Lady Sovereign falls into the same category: catchy tunes and witty lyrics.
Lady Sovereign a.k.a. SOV, the self proclaimed “Biggest Midget in the Game”, is a 19 year old British hip-pop artist who’s latest album Public Warning released in 2006, is the epitome of what I call a “skipper”. When you find a skipper, the following scene usually unfolds: The first time you listen to SOV, all you hear is a little British psuedo-jamaican-accented girl spitting out profanities. So, what’s your first instinct? Skip!
But wait, another track comes on, your ears get tickled by the sound of the energizing blip-blop synth sounds of Love me or Hate me, the Ladys headliner track. After a few lines, you realize she’s quite fluid, could even say, not unlike the Nile, she flows; and her British accent seems to actually add to the already somewhat unique and humorous sound.
After finishing my first listen of Public Warning, hearing the lyrics and flow, one album comes to mind: Eminem’s Slim Shady LP. I know, I know, don’t worry, I am in no way saying this newcomer 19yo limey girl is of the same caliber as the legendary Slim, but the playful, drum-and-bass inspired beats, and addition of trailer-trash inspired, self insult laden lyrics, let listeners know that she is more than just a “skipper”. She seems to actually have a voice of her own.
SOV’s style becomes even more so apparent in the remix of Love me or Hate me with guest rapper Missy Elliot. Elliot’s deep and sloppy sounding rhymes make you appreciate the talent Lady Sovereign has stored within her, and find yourself craving more of her high-pitched, witty rhymes.
So, if you find a friend openly admitting to enjoying a little SOV now and then, resist the urge to laugh and give her a listen, you might just like it (but make sure not to admit it to anyone).
Check out the sites for Lady Sovereign or her label Def Jam.
Lady Sovereign ft Missy Elliott - Love Me or Hate Me Remix
Lady Sovereign - Love Me or Hate Me Video
Lady Sovereign - Hoodie Basement Jaxx Remix