HIP HOP was bursting at the seams during the 1990s when Lady Cee became a teenager in Washington DC. Biggie Smalls, Tupac Shakur and Snoop Doggy Dogg (as he was known then) were some of the acts who caught her attention.

In the last five years, the American rapper has jammed to a different beat. Tear Drops is her latest dancehall collaboration with Jah Stranjah, a Jamaican artiste based in Maryland.

He produced the single which was released in January.

“My knowledge of Jamaican music is not as deep as my knowledge of hip hop, but I do have a good understanding of the spiritual aspects of reggae and its roots to the Rastafarian culture,” said Lady Cee. “My father is a huge reggae fan and would often play the greats such as Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh, Steel Pulse, Bob Marley, etc.”

Earth Again Remix, Dance Hall and Call Me are the other songs Lady Cee has recorded with Jah Stranjah.

While her father’s roots-reggae collection introduced her to Jamaican music, Lady Cee’s own tastes were whetted by dancehall acts like Lady Saw, Spice, Buju Banton, Spragga Benz and Baby Cham.

She has recorded a handful of independently-produced rap albums including Super Duper Slick and Girlz N da Hood.

Tear Drops is another attempt at breaking in Jamaica, where she has never visited.

“I was on my way there four years ago for the summer festival but never made it due to unforeseen, last-minute changes. I definitely plan to visit very soon, it’s a trip that’s long overdue,” said Lady Cee.