so whats Happen to our UK Female Rappers?
Many women MCs have needed to come off the back of male crews to get noticed; some have even needed to step up their lyrical prowess to prove their superiority. In terms of "development", sexiness has been the way to go. Jeans and Timberlands are traded in for skirts and Jimmy Choos. Then the music gets tweaked and ends up being far removed from what it was intended to be. A Female Rapper can not release an entire rap album, and many other female rappers have followed suit to make the music seem that much more acceptable. people do tend to have very short memories when it comes to female rappers, So what happens when you get a female rapper who fails to spice up her image and music enough to make it palatable for a broader market? It seems they exploit other avenues, The few who have re-emerged are yet to make their previous impact, or some are languishing somewhere on the underground, probably wondering where it all went wrong. So Lets take a look at the UK scene and it's all rather dismal, considering the boom of female MCs like Miss dynamite, Shysite, Lady Soverign & Estelle, But where are they now??
Who remember's those Female Rappers that Made It all happen First?
I Have compile a list of UK Female Rappers that where/are detrimental to the History of UK Hip-Hop.
Back in the days
Monie Love - Myspace
Love began her hip hop/BritHop career as an emcee in the British Jus Bad crew, which featured DJ Pogo, Sparki, and MC Mell'O'. The group released the single "Free Style/Proud" on the independent Tuff Groove record label in 1988. Love first gained critical and commercial notice in the United States 1989 for her cameos in Queen Latifah's Grammy-winning and pro-woman single "Ladies First," in the Jungle Brothers' well-received single "Doin' Our Own Dang," and in De La Soul's hit single "Buddy." The acclaim led her to a recording contract with Warner Bros. Records, making Love one of the few British hip-hop efforts released by a major label. Read more here
The Music: "Its a Shame" VIDEO
Wee Papa Girl Rappers - Last Fm Official Website
The Wee Papa Girl Rappers were part of a first wave of female rappers within the British hip hop community to have significant commercial and UK Singles Chart success in the late 1980's/early 1990's Originally signed to Jive Records - twin sisters Sandra Lawrence aka Total S and Samantha Lawrence aka T.Y. Tim/Timmie, are best remembered for the single Wee Rule - ironically more inspired by and reggae and dancehall than rap/hip hop, which reached #6 on the UK Singles Chart in October 1988. Another one of their singles Heat it Up - featuring Two Men and A Drum Machine, was a very popular dance track which reached #21 on the UK Singles Chart in June 1988. It also featured an acid house/techno style remix from Inner City's Kevin Saunderson which may have contributed to the popularity of the track at the time and they released two albums on the Jive label before splitting up. Read More Here
The Music: "We Rule" Video
Cookie Crew Last Fm Official Website
Their career took off after winning a national rap championship and recording two sessions for the John Peel BBC Radio 1show. They gained a recording contract from the UK dance record label Rhythm King and were put in the studio with theproduction trio Beatmasters, who put them in a house music direction. In July 1987, the resultant single "Rok Da House" (no relation to the dance single "Rock The House" by Scoop) was popular in the nightclubs. Their follow-up single "Females" also was a minor hit in October 1987. The continuing popularity of "Rok Da House" in nightclubs eventually renewed interest in the track and garnered a couple of television appearances on the No Limits programme. The record was re-issued at end of December 1987 and crossed over into the mainstream. The song became a Top 5 hit in the UK Singles Chart at the beginning of February 1988,and was even used for an advertising campaign. The track is often quoted as being the first hip house record. The duo moved on to another record label, ffrr and different producers, resulting in a string of hit singles in 1989, with "Born This Way (Let's Dance)", "Got To Keep On" with Edwin Starr and "Come And Get Some"; plus the album Born This Way! which reached number 24 in the UK Albums Chart, "Got To Keep On" also reached #33 in the U.S. Dance chart. By 1992 there were differences of opinion between the duo, who wanted to pursue more of an orthodox hip hop/rap style. Read more here
The Music: "Got to keep on" Video
She Rockers: Last Fm : Website
Pix: http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/252/17331929.jpg The group released a number of singles on the Jive Records label, and also released songs on the Music of Life label, including the Hard as Hell series. "Give It A Rest", their first single for Music of Life, was produced by Public Enemy's Professor Griff after the She Rockers—Donna McConnell, Alison Clarkson and Dupe Fagbesa—performed an impromptu rap to Public Enemy at their local McDonald's in Shepherd's Bush, London. Following Clarkson and Fagbesa's departure from the group in 1989, founding member McConnell (She-Roc) joined forces with original band member Antonia Jolly (Aurra), and landed a recording contract with Jive Records, releasing the singles "Jam It Jam", and the album, Rockers from London (Jive, 1990). "Jam It Jam" reached #58 in the UK Singles Chart in January 1990. Read more here
The Music: "Jam it Jam" Video
Free Album "She Rockers - Rockers From London" Free Download
Betty Boo: Official Website Clarkson studied sound engineering at college before having a string of hits between 1989 and 1992. Originally nicknamed "Betty Boop" for her similarity to thecartoon character, she changed it to avoid trademark disputes with Boop's owners. Of mixed Dusun and Scottish descent, she had an unusual, striking look, dressed in mildly provocative and revealing outfits and proved to be an influential pop music figure whose "sassy, powerful music and image launched a thousand wannabe's". Writing for The Guardian in August 1990, Lucy O'Brien noted the difference between the "quietly spoken" Clarkson and her "lovable toughie" pop star alter-ego, describing the latter as "a cartoon combination of Betty Boop, Barbarella and Buck Rogers". Whilst still at school, Boo began her musical career by signing to the British record label Music of Life with the hip-hop group the She Rockers, whose success led her to New York and work with Public Enemy, who encouraged her to pursue a solo career. Commenting on her time spent supporting Public Enemy on tour in the US, as well as working with Professor Griff in the recording studio on the song "Give It A Rest", Boo revealed that things didn't go as expected. Read More Here
The Music: "Doin the Do" Video
Q-Tee: No Official Website
Q-Tee (born Tatiana Mais, 1976, Kidbrook, London) is a British rapper and hip hop musician. She is principally famous for rapping lead vocals on two songs by Saint Etienne; the first of these being "Filthy" (B-Side to "Only Love Can Break Your Heart") and also released on Smash The System: Singles and More) and the second being "Calico" (on So Tough). At the time she recorded these songs she was 15 years old. In 1993, Q-Tee provided the rap on "Beautiful" by Babble, who were essentially the last two remaining members ofThompson Twins. It was released on their album: "The Stone" (Warner Bros./ Reprise Records #:9362-45387-2), andremixes were also released on the double A-side single: "Beautiful" / "Tribe"(#:9362-40972-2). She was signed to a recording contract to Saint Etienne's label, Heavenly Records in her own right four years later, and released one single, "Gimme That Body" in January 1996. The single reached #40 in the UK Singles Chart.
Read more here
The Music: "Afrika" Video
Evey-D AKA Evon - The Music Bully Website
Evey-D was only 15 when she first got signed to WEA & MCA.
Juss Vibzin" A-side Was her first 12" Single with the B-Side "Hell Hath No Fury Like A Woman Scorned". Both Tracks Produced by 'No Sleep' Nigel which also featured On The United Flava Of British Rap compliation in 1995.
Now recently Evey-D now kown as EvOn the Music bully has been working with a numoreus producers and featured on D.S.P "in the Red" with the Track "Where is it" And Hundred Strong "What shall i rap about" as well as Featuring on travis Blaq "Who R U".
EvOn Now Has Hooked up with up and coming producer Jay Moe and will be coming with a new album at the end of the year, The New Album comes with a twist so be Prepared, 2010.
The Music: "Hell Hath No Fury"
MC NI: Official Website
MC Ni - Lyricist/Writer/Producer - mistress of Hip Hop and conscious rap Co-Produced a Hip Hop Musical - '2 Be the One' - Bloomsbury Theatre, July 2005 with young people from the Roundhouse Co-Head of Social Inclusion project - UDontStop.com Artist Tutor - Roundhouse Projects (ongoing) Music/Media Project Consultant Graduate B.Sc - Information & Communication Technology MA - Media Communication Technology
Projects/Jobs: Roundhouse Youth Initiatives Bang Ed Freelance projects Releases: 'All in the Mind' - Produced by Scratch Professer Co-produced by MC Ni b side - 'Mass Confusion' - Produced by MC Ni - Co-produced by Mikee D 'Sit Back Relax' 'Making Moves' - Produced by Daz.
The Music: "Step ahead" Music Vid
Phoebe One: Official Website
The Mobo Award Winner of Best Hip Hop Act (The first then and now only UK/ European Female Rapper Nationally and Internationally to have won a MOBO). She is dubbed the Poetess, the best British/European Female Rapper. This down to earth Lady of Rap/ Artist/Writer and producer with her great personality says, what you see is what you get. Phoebe has recorded and toured with the creme de la creme of the hip hop and Mainstream fraternity - and is now a veteran at performing to 5000+ crowd,Run DMC, Method Man , Redman(Jan 2004), Ludacris (February 2004) , Kelly Price, Usher, Beenie Man, All Saints, Definition Of Sound, Darkman and Erick Sermon (May 2004). You can also catch Phoebe One on Choice FM, Saturdays afternoons 12pm - 3pm. Phoebe’s last single “Get on it” was a Top 30 National Chart Hit, it featured Blu James on vocals, her previous single “Doing our Thing” featuring The Mainstreet Crew (Red Rat, Buccaneer and Goofy) was a Top 40 Hit.
The Music: "More then Me" Music video
lady Mc: Official Website
Starting her career in 1995 simply getting all her experience at live raves, pirate radio and MC'ing wherever so could! Since then she has become internationally known as the leading female MC in drum and bass, touring the United States (East Coast) and all over Europe, she is an entertainer that has been making marks throughout the world. Lady mc works all over Europe, she is an entertainer that has been making marks throughout the world working with pioneers such as like Afrika Bambaata, Kool Herc, Tim Westwood, DJ Rap, DJ Kraze, Grooverider and Fabio just to name a few. She has also worked with producer Tommy Dee (Kanye West & Kylie Minogues album) and also Michael Jacksons Choreographer, Sean Cheeseman.
The Music: "DJ KG & LADY MC 'Drum and Bass' Set" Video
Wildflower: - Official Website
No Info
The Music: "'domestic science' Ft estelle & Temper Plus Wildflower video
Temper: No Official Website
The Music: "'domestic science' Ft estelle & Temper Plus Wildflower Video
C-Mone: Official Website
Hailing from Nottingham's legendary crew Out da Ville 1997-2002, then going on to release her first official solo project a 4 track E.P called C-Mone let the UK Hip Hop community know there was another piece of the jigsaw coming through to put something down worth listening to. In 2005 MC C-Mone was crowned 'BEST Female MC' & featured on The Streets album 'A Grand Don't Come For Free'. In 2006 C-Mone released her first album 'The Butterfly Effect' & featured on the Groove Armarda project 'Sugar Daddy'. In 2007 the video and single for the album track 'Catch Me if You Can' was released and in 2008 C-Mone featured on Baby J's album 'Baby Food.' In 2009 C-Mone featured on alternative/folk artist Colin Mounsey's beautiful album 'Let Love Win' (DWR/Itunes March 2009) and Endemic's album 'Terminal Illness.'
2009 sees the release of C-Mone's first mixtape 'C-Mone Vs The Indie Boys', via her own indie record label Dark Whisper Records. 'C-Mone Vs The Indie Boys - The Mixtape' is a fusion of two musics- produced by Nick stez it features virtual collaborations, remixes, the building/remaking of tracks, acoustic remixes, sampling and original music
The Music: "Stan Bac" - Music Vid
Estelle: Official Website
In 2004 she broke into the charts with "1980" and "Free" and won a Mobo Award for Best Newcomer. Both of the videos were directed by Andy Hylton (http://www.andyhylton.com) and received much airplay on music channels. "Free" was written by Estelle and produced by Jimmy Hogarth. Her first album,The 18th Day charted at number 35 in the UK Albums Chart.[3] The album was poorly received and Estelle was not given the credit she deserved for the singles releasing.[citation needed] Estelle teamed up with short lived pop band 3SL for their single Touch Me Tease MeThe Music: "American Boy" Video
Miss dynamite: Official Website
Ms Dynamite (originally called Lady Dynamite) was first known for her vocals on the UK garage underground track "Booo!", which was regularly played on Londonpirate radio stations and was later released as a single. Whilst working at the radio station RAW FM, Ms Dynamite was discovered by Richard Forbes at a West End club. After working briefly with the UK garage act So Solid Crew, she released her debut album, A Little Deeper in 2002, featuring the hit songs "It Takes More" and "Dy-Na-Mi-Tee". In 2003, the album was released in the United States to critical acclaim. In 2002, Dynamite won the prestigious Mercury Music Prize,[1] for A Little Deeper. She donated the £20,000 prize to the NSPCC.
Read more here
The Music: "Booo" Video
New To the Game
Tor: Official Website
Pix: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/2511707551_030d93b059.jpg
Grafting her own pathway to musical success, homegrown UK talent, Tor Cesay is flipping the rap game on its head with her melodic flow and fiery feminine ways. And that’s no hype talk. You may have been lucky enough to witness Tor spitting over the BBC Concert Orchestra at Urban Classic, or see her performance at Glastonbury on the BBC Introducing Stage. Perhaps you recognize her vocals from the live performance at the Olympics 2012 winner’s announcement viewed by one billion people?
The Music: "Back on the ends" VIDEO
Nolay: Official Website
No.lay a female lyricist/singer/songwriter and aspiring dancer is one of the most inspiring and influential artists to appear out of the english underground scene.No.lay is not just one of the biggest grime and hip hop lyricists out there but has also been singing since the ages of 7/song writing and dancing as she has high expectations of herself becoming one of the greatest and most successful allround talented credible artists of today
The Music: "Bars of truth" Video
Shystie: Official Website
Chanelle Scott Calica (born 25 December 1982 in Hackney, London), also known as Shystie, is a British female rapper-songwriter and actress. Her mother was born and raised in Barbados and her father born and raised in Grenadamaking her heritage West-Indian. She grew up in Hackney, East London.[1] Shystie started gaining fame with her white label response to Dizzee Rascal's "I Luv U" and a tour with Basement Jaxx and The Streets which led to her being scooped up by major label Polydor. She is also the leading actress in the television series Dubplate Drama.
Read more here
Pix http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/8/m_f85d9a8c995ce7de69d1f1f604fa47d0.jpg
The Music: "Step Back" Video
Lady fury: Official Website
Every so often an outstanding performer lies in wait below the masked depths of the underground world, patiently waiting for the flawless moment in time to ambush the scene and creep into the limelight with uncontrollable energy. At a point of time, when grime is at its highest peak and in need of new talent, a hypothetic search is organised and beheld to unmask grimes next representative. That individual will take the biggest step in their life, entering into a world where weakness is looked down upon. He or she will realise their full potential when establishing their affinity for grimes gift to please large crowds and reaching out to a variety of listening fans.
The Music: "Beginning of the end" Video
Baby Blue: Website
"To look at Baby Blue, most can't help but be taken in by her caramel complexion, eyes that draw you in and her pretty lil' B-girl-next-door-persona. If that's the case for you, then pause, for appearances can be deceptive. Beyond the sweet exterior and slender frame lies a fiercely on-point MC. One can only assess that Baby's future is one as deep, omnipotent and blue as the world's oceans."
Pic http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/68/m_ea618397378542ad9acb4688a49f74ad.png
The Music: "Sometimes" Video
Lady Sovereign: Official Website
Lady Sovereign was born Louise Amanda Harman to Nicola Wood and Colin Harman. She was raised in North WestLondon's Chalkhill Council Estate in Wembley. She was influenced by her mother's Salt-N-Pepa albums and began writing her own raps at the age of 14. She began MCing ' in front of a mirror with a can of hairspray for a mic.' She was inspired by Ms. Dynamite : 'When I heard Ms. Dynamite's track 'Boooo!' in 2001 it inspired me. I hadn't heard a female mc before that..she's real... her presence..her image..the way she does everything..she opened so many doors for us girls. MC's are real, they write their own stuff, they rap about what they know, the stuff around them.' She began uploading some of her songs to various music Web sites. Around this time Harman adopted the Lady Sovereign moniker, a reference to the largesovereign ring she wore. After dropping out of school she landed a job acting in an educational film about the life of an up-and-coming MC who also dropped out of Preston Manor High School at 16.
Established Female Rapper/Vocalists. Has had OFFICIAL European Chart-Sucess and Been Face of Ruff Ryders U.K From '04'. Now working on towards Overseas Exposure...'INDEPENDANTLY' puttin in stuido time wid CREDIBLE producers "Ill-Starz Ent", "Hollah Blak ent" & "HeatMakerz ent".
Still Banging Out The Hits From LONDON 2 BROOKLYN.. Da Husstle's Strong.
Still Banging Out The Hits From LONDON 2 BROOKLYN.. Da Husstle's Strong.
PIX http://www.afrivolouscompany.tv/tom/archive/nailaboss/img/pic1_home.jpg
The Music: "Freestyle" Video
Mz Bratt: Official Website
Hailing from East London and at the tender age of 17, Mz Bratt is already an inspirational figure to many in the world of UK Urban/Dance music and TV. Billed by many experts as 2009's one to watch, Mz Bratt has emerged from the current UK Urban scene as the lone female role model within a male dominated arena. Her exceptional talent struck renowned award-winning urban producer Terror Danjah (Kano, Sway, Chipmunk, Shola Ama) who took her under his wing after hearing her at local MC battles and seeing her huge Myspace following.This was soon followed the news that Mz Bratt had been selected to be part of the T4 entertainment show 'Music-Cool', where she starred as the LEAD female- at one point reducing guest judge Jamelia to tears with her exceptional talent and vocal ability. Following this Mz Bratt then embarked on a huge US and European tour with Shoredich cool guys 'The Count and Sinden' which included shows at Glastonbury and Bestival.She has also featured on remixes and records with artists including Wiley, Tinchy Stryder, Taio Cruz, Sadie Ama and Grammy nominated US Star Jazmine Sullivan
The Music: "Who do you think you are?" Video
Goldielocks: Official Website
I'm a producer and 'rapper' / singer. I'm not very techy, I don't like wires or being a computer boff, it takes me a while to work things out but when I work it out it sounds amazing. To me anyway.
I'd rather have respect than money, and I am ALWAYS original. There is nothing more I hate than copy cats or fakers. I hate people who chat bullshit, drop names or buy champagne. Music means more to me than a new car, fresh garms or a chain.
So far I've had 2 singles and an EP released independently, I have a publishing deal with Puregroove, songs featured in the film 'Adulthood', had the Marc Jacobs runway show opened and closed by one of my songs, had my music used to back Nike and Fenchurch ad campaigns, played all around the world and been in some cool magazines. Not bad for a girl from Croydon who left school at 16 to go and work in JD Sports, but I'm still only just starting.
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