Lady Sov

I saw Lady Sovereign perform a couple of nights ago. Easily one of the most entertaining, gleefully, willfully uneven shows i've ever seen (or written about). Totally punk rock, too. I kept expecting her to throw up on the crowd, whom she was remarkably confrontational with, teasing and mocking one minute, sweet-talking the next. She's only 18 - can she keep it together? Signed by Jay-Z to Def Jam, she's either going to be a big Stateside success, a cult hero to underground hip-hop fans, indie-losers and internet music nerds or (I fear) a 5'1" British white female novelty dragged on stage on some horrible Def Jam package tour or awards show appearance. The girl can sure hold her alcohol, though.

Apparently she's a hit or miss live performer, shutting things down and storming off when things aren't up to her specifications or standards (whatever they may be), but why shouldn't she? When the hype comes to you without you lifting a finger, you don't owe anyone anything. I hope she takes advantage of that freedom, though collaborations with Basement Jaxx and rumored work with Missy Elliott show she's heading in the right, weird direction.

Of course, the same could have been said of M.I.A., who released a great debut disc, sucked live and wouldn't disappoint many if she retired to a life of agit-prop and art-school projects.