Lady Sovereign

Born Louise Amanda Harman in Wembley, London, Lady Sovereign was raised on the Chalkhill estate. Inspired by 90s artist Ms. Dynamite, she began practicing rapping at age 13. She left school at 16 and by 17 had established herself as one of the UK's few white female MCs, often associated with the emerging British grime scene. Lady Sovereign has also garnered attention from film audiences due to her connection with actor Rupert Grint.

Lady Sovereign first gained notice for "The Battle," a freestyle rap track featuring Shystie, Suz Rock, and Frost P. All participants in "The Battle" subsequently secured record deals. In 2005, she signed with Island Def Jam Music Group after auditioning for Def Jam Recordings president Jay-Z and chairman Antonio "L.A." Reid.