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| ==Biography== | ==Biography== | ||
| Stephens was born in 1973 and grew up in ] and ], attending Zion Hill and Ocho Rios primary schools and St Mary High. | |||
| ===Early Life=== | |||
| Her album '']'' was released in August 2006,<ref name="Yursik">Yursik, Patrice Elizabeth Grell (2006) "", '']'', September 14, 2006, retrieved 2010-10-31</ref> and the first single "These Streets" was a number one hit in the Caribbean staying on Tempo's Chart at number 1 for more than 4 weeks. The album was totally sold out in Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean. The track "Rosa" is a tribute to ].<ref name="Campbell">Campbell, Howard (2006) "", '']'', 26 September 2006, retrieved 2010-10-31</ref> | |||
| '''Tanya Stephens''' was born in ] on the 2nd of July, 1973 and had 6 brother & sisters.<ref>http://www.vprecords.com/index.php?page=artistBioRuz&a_id=47</ref> Growing up she aspired to sing, at age 17, she walked into (now close friend and producer) Barry O'Hare's recording studio while still in her school uniform stating "I can sing". Barry then laughed at her and jokingly said "Go back to school, girl". After completing high school she returned to the studio and recorded her first song ''Dear Friend''. The single went on unreleased. | |||
| Her early material was lyrically typical of ] and drew comparisons with ],<ref name="Barrow">Barrow, Steve & Dalton, Peter (2004) ''The Rough Guide to Reggae, 3rd edn.'', Rough Guides, ISBN 1-84353-329-4, p. 325</ref> along with whom she was proclaimed "the top female artists in Jamaica" in 1998 by the '']'',<ref name="Wartofsky">Wartofsky, Alona (1998) "LADY SAW "Raw: The Best of Lady Saw" VP; TANYA STEPHENS "Ruff Rider" VP]", '']'', 9 October 1998</ref> but later developed beyond what she called "the same old four topics" to 'reality' themes and even lyrics critical of ].<ref name="Yursik" /> Social scientist Clinton Hutton said of her: "She is very intuitively intelligent and deftly tackles relevant social issues".<ref name="Lim" /> | |||
| === Big Things A Gwaan 1994-1996 === | |||
| Her 2001 album Sintoxicated saw her sign to Warner Music Sweden and make "a Macy Gray-style pop album with two Swedish producers, Emil Gotthard and Peter Cartiers".<ref>. The World's Greatest Music. June 6, 2011. Retrieved November 13, 2011.</ref> | |||
| In 1993 Tanya recorded ''Is This For Real'' which was released on Barry O'Hare's compilation album '''Further East'''. Later that year she started recording her first album '''Big Things a Gwaan''' with RUNNetherlands which after release in 1994 was very unsuccessful and is now out of print. | |||
| ⚫ | In 2007, Stephens was awarded a scholarship by ] to study for a Business Management degree via the internet from the ].<ref name="Cooke">Cooke, Mel (2007) "", '']'', 12 August 2007, retrieved 2010-10-31</ref> |
||
| === VP Records & Too Hype 1996-1997 === | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ''See ]'' | |||
| Tanya’s next CD, 1997’s Too Hype - a compilation of Tanya’s hit singles and new tracks that were actually demos, ”slipped" past her stringent quality control as it was released without her consent. It contained initial recordings of ''Goggle'' and ''Yuh Nuh Ready Fi Dis Yet'' which were hilarious yet commanding statements of female sexual empowerment. | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| === Ruff Ryder 1998-2000 === | |||
| ] reference Tanya's hit "Yuh Nuh Ready Fi Dis Yet" in "Living In Jungles" from the album '']' | |||
| ''See ]'' | |||
| in 1998 Tanya released Ruff Rider, which included songs such as: ''119'', ] tribute ''Part-time Lover'', ''Think It Over'', ''Man Fe Rule'', and ''Draw Fe Mi Finger''. For the writer/singer of tunes like ''Big Ninja Bike'', an exuberant deflation of men who don’t deliver on sexual promises. Tanya is about trying to bridge the gap between men and women and puncture the myth that it’s a man’s world she explains, saying “I have no problem being a woman - I love it.” | |||
| === Sintoxicated 2000-2001 === | |||
| In 2000, Tanya moved to Sweden to record a new "more pop-py" album with ] called '''Sintoxicated'''. The album was more ] than other releases by Tanya and not as successful with her critics. She quickly gave up with Warner/Chappell and moved back to Jamaica. | |||
| === Gangsta Blues 2001-2004 === | |||
| ''See ]'' | |||
| In 2001 Tanya announced that she was returning to her ]/] roots and started production on ''']'''. Recording for the album took place in-between 2001 and 2004. It was recorded across various recording studios in Jamaica and America. Production came from her long time life partner Andrew Henton among many others including Neil Amos, Romain "Sherkhan" Chiffre, Mr. Doo, Philip "Fatis" Burrell, Steven Stanley, and Digital B, and long time producer Barry O'Hare with writing coming from Tanya herself on every track, Andrew on most plus a lot of other writers throughout the album. The general topics covered on Gangsta Blues range from government, the current quality of modern music, love & politics. This was her first album to chart on the ]. | |||
| ===Rebelution 2004-2007=== | |||
| ''See ]'' | |||
| Almost directly after the release of ] Tanya started working on '''Rebelution'''. Two years after the release of Gangsta Blues, VP Records released the eagerly awaited new album entitled '''Rebelution'''. Musically the album tends to be very acoustic, and the lyrics are as hard-hitting and poignant. However, Rebelution has a more cultural vibe, most notably on tracks such as To The Rescue (across the "Halfway Tree" riddim, a remake of Bunny Wailers classic "Ballroom Floor" riddim), The Truth, Come A Long Way and To The Limit, which draws on a classic Burning Spear riddim. Production came from (among others) her boyfriend & life partner Andrew Henton. The songs on the album range in topics. Racism, homophobia, addiction, relationships, sexism & politics. | |||
| ===Infallible 2007-2012=== | |||
| ⚫ | In 2007 Tanya started working on the free to download album Infallible.<ref name="Glea">"", '']'', 29 April 2010, retrieved 2010-10-31</ref> | ||
| === Guilty 2012-Present === | |||
| In 2012 Tanya announced that she had started work for '''Guilty''' set for a Winter 2012 release. '''Fire Burning'''; the first single from the album has been released as a free download. Other singles already released are ''Feeling It'', ''If You Knew'', ''Weather Change'', ''Want Love'' (ft. Marcia Griffiths).<ref>https://twitter.com/Tanya_Stephens</ref> | |||
| ==Personal Life== | |||
| ⚫ | Tanya is currently in a long term relationship with long time producer Andrew Henton. Together they have a daughter, '''Kelly-Shane Stephenson''', born September 16, 1994.<ref name="Brooks">Brooks, Sadeke (2010) "", '']'', 9 May 2010, retrieved 2010-10-31</ref> | ||
| ⚫ | In 2007, Stephens was awarded a scholarship by ] to study for a Business Management degree via the internet from the ].<ref name="Cooke">Cooke, Mel (2007) "", '']'', 12 August 2007, retrieved 2010-10-31</ref> | ||
| == Discography == | == Discography == | ||
Revision as of 19:47, 8 September 2012
| Tanya Stephens | |
|---|---|
 Tanya Stephens performing in Ilosaarirock 2012. | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Vivienne Tanya Stephenson |
| Also known as | Tanya Stephens |
| Born | (1973-07-02) 2 July 1973 (age 51) |
| Origin | St. Mary, Jamaica |
| Genres | Dancehall, reggae |
| Occupation(s) | Deejay, singer |
| Years active | 1990s-present |
| Labels | VP, Madhouse |
Vivienne Tanya Stephenson, better known by her stage name Tanya Stephens (born 2 July 1973, Kingston, Jamaica) is an influential reggae artist who emerged in the late 1990s. Stephens is most known for her hits "Yuh Nuh Ready Fi Dis Yet" — the single was later featured on the Reggae Gold 1997 compilation album — and "It's a Pity", which achieved Tanya international recognition.
Biography
Early Life
Tanya Stephens was born in Saint Mary Parish, Jamaica on the 2nd of July, 1973 and had 6 brother & sisters. Growing up she aspired to sing, at age 17, she walked into (now close friend and producer) Barry O'Hare's recording studio while still in her school uniform stating "I can sing". Barry then laughed at her and jokingly said "Go back to school, girl". After completing high school she returned to the studio and recorded her first song Dear Friend. The single went on unreleased.
Big Things A Gwaan 1994-1996
In 1993 Tanya recorded Is This For Real which was released on Barry O'Hare's compilation album Further East. Later that year she started recording her first album Big Things a Gwaan with RUNNetherlands which after release in 1994 was very unsuccessful and is now out of print.
VP Records & Too Hype 1996-1997
See Too Hype
Tanya’s next CD, 1997’s Too Hype - a compilation of Tanya’s hit singles and new tracks that were actually demos, ”slipped" past her stringent quality control as it was released without her consent. It contained initial recordings of Goggle and Yuh Nuh Ready Fi Dis Yet which were hilarious yet commanding statements of female sexual empowerment.
Ruff Ryder 1998-2000
See Ruff Ryder
in 1998 Tanya released Ruff Rider, which included songs such as: 119, Stevie Wonder tribute Part-time Lover, Think It Over, Man Fe Rule, and Draw Fe Mi Finger. For the writer/singer of tunes like Big Ninja Bike, an exuberant deflation of men who don’t deliver on sexual promises. Tanya is about trying to bridge the gap between men and women and puncture the myth that it’s a man’s world she explains, saying “I have no problem being a woman - I love it.”
Sintoxicated 2000-2001
In 2000, Tanya moved to Sweden to record a new "more pop-py" album with Warner/Chappell called Sintoxicated. The album was more pop rock than other releases by Tanya and not as successful with her critics. She quickly gave up with Warner/Chappell and moved back to Jamaica.
Gangsta Blues 2001-2004
See Gangsta Blues
In 2001 Tanya announced that she was returning to her dancehall/reggae roots and started production on Gangsta Blues. Recording for the album took place in-between 2001 and 2004. It was recorded across various recording studios in Jamaica and America. Production came from her long time life partner Andrew Henton among many others including Neil Amos, Romain "Sherkhan" Chiffre, Mr. Doo, Philip "Fatis" Burrell, Steven Stanley, and Digital B, and long time producer Barry O'Hare with writing coming from Tanya herself on every track, Andrew on most plus a lot of other writers throughout the album. The general topics covered on Gangsta Blues range from government, the current quality of modern music, love & politics. This was her first album to chart on the Billboard 200.
Rebelution 2004-2007
See Rebelution (Tanya Stephens album)
Almost directly after the release of Gangsta Blues Tanya started working on Rebelution. Two years after the release of Gangsta Blues, VP Records released the eagerly awaited new album entitled Rebelution. Musically the album tends to be very acoustic, and the lyrics are as hard-hitting and poignant. However, Rebelution has a more cultural vibe, most notably on tracks such as To The Rescue (across the "Halfway Tree" riddim, a remake of Bunny Wailers classic "Ballroom Floor" riddim), The Truth, Come A Long Way and To The Limit, which draws on a classic Burning Spear riddim. Production came from (among others) her boyfriend & life partner Andrew Henton. The songs on the album range in topics. Racism, homophobia, addiction, relationships, sexism & politics.
Infallible 2007-2012
In 2007 Tanya started working on the free to download album Infallible.
Guilty 2012-Present
In 2012 Tanya announced that she had started work for Guilty set for a Winter 2012 release. Fire Burning; the first single from the album has been released as a free download. Other singles already released are Feeling It, If You Knew, Weather Change, Want Love (ft. Marcia Griffiths).
Personal Life
Tanya is currently in a long term relationship with long time producer Andrew Henton. Together they have a daughter, Kelly-Shane Stephenson, born September 16, 1994.
In 2007, Stephens was awarded a scholarship by Resource Development International to study for a Business Management degree via the internet from the University of Sunderland.
Discography
Albums
- Big Things A Gwaan - RUNNetherlands - 1994
- Too Hype - VP Records - 1997
- Ruff Rider - VP Records - 1998
- Sintoxicated - Warner/Chappell - 2001
- Gangsta Blues - VP Records 2004
- Rebelution - VP Records - 2006
- Tanya: Collection Of Hits - VP Records/Warner/Chappell - (2009)
- Infallible - Tarantula Records/VP Records - 2010
- Guilty - VP Records - Winter 2012
Singles
- "It's A Pity" - Gangsta Blues
- "Yuh Nuh Ready Fi Dis Yet" - Too Hype
- "Draw fi Mi Finger" - Ruff Rider
- "Freaky Type" - Sintoxicated
- "Cry and Bawl" - Sintoxicated
- "These Streets" - Rebelution
- "119" Ruff Rider
Featured Singles
- "Dance 4 Me" - Mark Morrison featuring Tanya Stephens
References
- www.discogs.com/artist/Tanya+Stephen
- itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/tanya-stephens/id253866
- blackhistorydaily.com/black_history/tanya_stephens.html
- rateyourmusic.com/artist/tanya_stephens
- www.babylon.com/definition/Tanya%20Stephens/
- www.rhapsody.com/artist/tanya-stephens
- http://www.vprecords.com/index.php?page=artistBioRuz&a_id=47
- www.spindmusic.com/profiles/tanyastephens.html
- www.worldareggae.com/tag/tanya-stephens/
- www.musictory.com/music/Tanya+Stephens
- pipl.com/directory/name/Stephenson/Tanya
- www.riddimguide.com/tunedb/artist_Tanya%20Stephens/
- www.dancehallmusic.de/archives/2007/interview-tanya-stephens/
- wikiworldbook.com/global-address-book/Tanya-stephenson
- de.wikipedia.org/Tanya_Stephens www.westindiantimes.net/ent/entnws/33.htm eventful.com/stuttgart/events/tanya...-/E0-001-015658373-7
- wikipedia.qwika.com/de2en/Tanya_Stephen
- http://www.allmusic.com/artist/tanya-stephens-mn0000008122/credits
- Cite error: The named reference
Yursikwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - http://www.vprecords.com/index.php?page=artistBioRuz&a_id=47
- "Tanya Stephens Performs At Christopher's Tonight", Jamaica Gleaner, 29 April 2010, retrieved 2010-10-31
- https://twitter.com/Tanya_Stephens
- Brooks, Sadeke (2010) "Tanya Stephens Is No 'Infallible' Mom", Jamaica Gleaner, 9 May 2010, retrieved 2010-10-31
- Cooke, Mel (2007) "Tanya Stephens thankful for scholarship", Jamaica Gleaner, 12 August 2007, retrieved 2010-10-31
External links
- Interview with Tanya Stephens on Jamaican Observer (2003)
- Robbo Ranks interviews Tanya Stephens for 1Xtra (audio interview, 2006)
- Recent interview with Tanya Stephens (2008)