(Photo: Courtesy of Chocolate Industries)

So far, Britain’s much-hyped grime scene—a home-brewed hybrid of hip-hop and electronic music—has produced only one semi-star, Dizzee Rascal. Lady Sovereign could change that with her first domestic EP. The diminutive rapper, who recently threw down a few verses in Jay-Z’s boardroom, has the outsize personality that propels artists out of subcultures, and musically she’s already expanded into quirky ska rhythms. Lead track “Random” mixes cute quotes from U.S. hip-hop hits, double-Dutch hand claps, and a hurdy-gurdy melody—which should appeal to Missy Elliott fans everywhere.

Vertically Challenged
Chocolate Industries; November.
Performing at Webster Hall September 15.

Related:

• Archive: “Features”
• Table of Contents: September 12, 2005 issue of New York | Subscribe!