Lady Sovereign

Though very young, Louise Harman, performing under the moniker Lady Sovereign, has already made a mark for herself and broken unspoken barriers; in the male-dominated world of grime, she's the genre's most high-profile female MC, and she was also the first non-American female artist to be signed by Def Jam. Her video for "Love Me or Hate Me" became the first by an artist from England to reach number one on this country's version of Total Request Live. None of this would mean much, however, if Sovereign didn't have the songs to back up her accomplishments. Much has been made of her caustic wit and sassy delivery, almost to the exclusion of the lively beats and playful music that frame them. This Lady may come from the projects of London, but her presence is regal.