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Tanya Stephens brings a welcome female sensibility to the male-dominated dancehall scene. Born Vivienne Tanya Stephenson, Stephens was steeped in everything from calypso to American soul as a child. When she started rhyming as a teenager, she found herself bringing calypso's witty double entendres and a melodic singing voice (as well as strong toasting) to the table. She hooked up with producer Barry O'Hare for her first album, 1994's Big Tings A Gwan, which launched hits like "Kick Way" and "I Bet You Miss Me." In 1998 Stephens moved to Sweden, where she recorded alternative rock tracks -- of all things -- for Warner Bros. Needless to say the move didn't last -- she missed dancehall dreadfully, and within three years she was back in Jamaica, hanging around recording studios, armed with a burning creative streak. She released the refreshing and savvy Gangsta Blues in 2004 on VP Records.
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