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  Lady Sovereign Interview
interview 0366 added 18.01.06 words: Ben Spurr photos:
Shirlaine technical:
QED
Lady Sovereign is a 19 year old emcee that sparks debate all over the
UK. She is a white artist making big waves in a scene dominated by black males. Not that race is an issue here but for whatever reason, much like Tim Westwood it seems there is a divide amongst the public; some with nothing but love for her rapid-fire rhymes and others that just hate on her because of the way she looks and sounds. Personally, I fit in to the category of folk like Jay-Z, who appreciate her as a bright young talent who has enough attitude to stick a middle finger up at the haters, and enough original material to keep the supporters interested.
Rumoured to have signed a deal with Def Jam having impressed some bloke named Jigga in her recent trip to the states, it seems Sov's album will be one of the most anticipated releases of 2006. The only question is weather it can live up to the hype. Ukhh's Ben Spurr spoke to the lady herself before a recent gig in Nottingham. So all you need to do now is sit back, read on and make way for the S.O.V!
With so many emcees coming out of London, why do you think you are getting so much shine, what made you stand out from the rest?
 It's hard to explain but I didn't limit myself to anything, like some people get stuck in a box yeah and they can't get out. I don’t know I can’t really explain it…
Thinking bigger than the scene?
Not even thinking like, I don’t know it’s just me innit? Everyone’s got a different persona and a different way of doing things.
How was New York, I know you performed at the Knitting Factory, what sort of reception did you get?
Well it was good man, the Knitting Factory that show I did I was ill, I felt sick. It wasn’t my best performance but everyone was feeling it like it was sold out, you know. I felt ill all day like I was vomiting, it was nasty!
“...I didn't limit myself to anything, like some people get stuck in a box yeah and they can't get out...”
Ok, about the new album; have we got a name and do you know when it is going to be released?
Yeah, it’s called ‘Public Warning’ and it’s out the 6th of March.
What sort of vibe is it going to be? You seem to do a range of styles, is it going to be a mixture of tunes like on the Kano and Roll Deep albums?
 No, it’s different, it’s more than that you know it’s like everything you can think of. Like Drum n’ Bass mixed with Punk Rock or Hip Hop mixed with Grime or Grime on its own, y’know. It’s a bit mad, there’s nuff things going on in it.
How did the Ordinary Boys collaboration come about?
I met up with them in the studio and I did a remix with them first…
I’m liking the little video on the beach with them; where was that filmed?
That was in Brighton innit.
Who are you feeling in the scene, your down with Shystie aren’t you?
Nah, Nah, Nah…
What not anymore? At one point you featured on a track together.
I ain’t talking about it man, I ain’t talking about it!
“...(The upcoming album is) everything you can think of. Like Drum n’ Bass mixed with Punk Rock or Hip Hop mixed with Grime...”
Ok, we’ll steer clear of that subject! Are there any other mans that you are feeling that you reckon could be ready to blow after yourself?
L-Man, he’s in N Double A which is a crew from London.
How’s the UK tour gone so far?
 It’s been mad innit, it’s been a mixture like we’ve been places like Newcastle and I’ve never been there before. I ain’t been to Nottingham before either and it’s just mad to perform and see the reaction.
So this is all a new experience for you?
I’ve done a lot of UK stuff like Scotland and Manchester, Birmingham and all that but I’ve never been to places like this, like Nottingham and all that.
What’s your plans for the near future up until the album release, just bare promotion or what?
Yeah, just promotion stuff for the album and the single ‘Hoodie’.
Have you got any messages for the UKHH readers?
Just to go to ‘savethehoodie.com’
The warm up album ‘Vertically Challenged’ is out now on Chocolate Industries to get your appetite that little bit wetter before the real deal is dropped in March. It comes with remixes of some of her top tracks and a bonus DVD featuring interviews, videos and everything Sovereign like.
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Ben Spurr
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credit: Shirlaine
Forrest
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