The only serious challenger to Lady Saw's "Queen of Slackness" title,
Tanya Stephens works the same formula of raw beats and sexually graphic lyrics, but with less brassiness than Saw.
Ruff Rider shows off her husky vocals and sassy delivery, allowing for an album full of wickedly enjoyable dancehall. Standouts include the swirling riddim of "Think It Over," done with the melody of the Tommy James '60s hit "Crimson & Clover"; a vicious duet with
Bounty Killer on "Cry & Bawl," and a hip-winding cover of the
Stevie Wonder hit "Part Time Lover." A quirky cover of the Shirelles' "Dedicated to the One I Love" aside, this DJ/singer exhibits deeper talent than her sex-siren image reveals. ~ Rosalind Cummings-Yeates