There was probably no better introduction to the mid-2000s American music scene than having Jay-Z as your backer. Lady Sovereign had just that as the first female grime artist to gain popularity in the United States under the auspices of Def Jam in 2005. But somewhere along the way the story did not pan out as it should have. Although her star still shines bright in London as the most popular female grime artist, her work still garners only a cult following in the U.S.. Lady Sovreign is trying to change that in 2009. Signed to a new label-Midget Records on EMI-and releasing her second album, Jigsaw, Sovereign can hopefully make the American impact that other Brits have already achieved.

Taking her place as the biggest midget in the game, Lady Sovereign provided a solid group of songs on her debut, Public Warning which was released in 2006 and reached number 48 on the US Billboard charts, and #12 on the US Billboard rap charts. The lull in time between the two albums, grimes lesser popularity in the States, and no guest appearances as we are used to seeing from other artists who break between releasing albums, it’s not strange that in such a short time it feels as if we have to reacquaint ourselves with Sovereign all over again..despite her standout debut and even copycat following on Ego Trip’s (White) Rapper Show on VH1 (remember that? ) Luckily for us, she excels in what she does well-deftly spitting out tunes over infectious beats that cross between hip hop and funk. Still, what we’re left with at the end of it all brings us back to her latest album, Jigsaw. What exactly do all the pieces of the puzzle form? Unlike other Brit Invasions, Lady Sovereign’s edge isn’t soulful like an Adele or Lily Allen. It also isn’t revolutionary like M.I.A. Perhaps the issue is grime itself, which besides for Lady Sovereign and Dizzee Rascal has not picked up in the United States. Since Slick Rick the British rapper has not gained that huge American recognition—and unlike Estelle, everyone can’t switch genres while remaining true to their image. What we’re left with is a middling Lady Sovereign. Hopefully this spark that fizzled out will be able to find her own way. Maybe as the biggest midget she can see a bit more than we are giving her credit for.