L.A. Star - Poetess

If Crystal Waters were a full-time rapper instead of a singer, she might sound something like L.a. Star, who also has a rather nasal, dry voice. Given the East Coast/West Coast rap rivalry that was taking place in some hip-hop circles, it was surprising that a New York rapper like Star would dare to have L.A. in her name (even if it did stand for Lisa Ali instead of Los Angeles). Star claimed N.w.a. as a main influence, but in fact, Poetess is far from gangsta rap. While "Wondrous Dream," "Fade to Black," "Once Upon a Time" and other songs on the CD paint a troubling picture of urban life, Star has a lot more in common with Mc Lyte than the gangsta rappers of the West Coast. Although decent, Poetess wasn't a big seller. And as much potential as Star showed on this album, she never recorded a follow-up. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide