From: trueslant.com

Some two years since her first single “Pro Nails” featuring Kanye West, Chicago rapper Kid Sister (birth name, Melisa Young), older sis to Chicago DJ J2K (Josh Young) of Flosstradamus, finally has a full-length album to her credit in “Ultraviolet.” It’s a dazzling debut and well worth the wait, overstuffed with digitized dance grooves, rapid-fire rhymes, and odes to old school, female-fueled R&B beats.

Kid Sister may be a novice (she only started rapping in 2005, her music swiftly rising to Kanye-courtship), but here she benefits from the sheen of seasoned pros such as DJ A-Trak, Estelle and Gnarls Barkley’s Cee-Lo Green, among other esteemed contributors. Like West and the Black Eyed Peas’ recent work, “Ultraviolet” marries hip-hop with an electronic-infused dance beat on many of the tracks. The synths go wild, and the rhythms are irresistible, particularly on album opener “Right Hand Hi.” Produced by Steve Angello and Sebastian Angrosso, this thrilling track hits you hard upon the very first chorus; no repeat listen required to become an instant favorite. “Get Fresh” is Sister’s second best thing on “Ultraviolet,” another ready for the radio jam. She tosses in some Salt-N-Pepa-style tributes on tracks like “Life on TV” and “You Ain’t Really Down,”  but even with their nostalgic undertones, the production work makes them relevant.  And like Chicago compatriots West, Common, Lupe Fiasco and Rhymefest, Kid Sister avoids thug life tales and easy, sleazy sexuality that have unfortunately become ubiquitous in a lot of hip-hop. She’s not a groundbreaking rapper yet, but her way with words nearly match the beats’ fun factor song for song.

Like some of West’s work and the Peas’ “The E.N.D.,” “Ultraviolet” can’t maintain the energy throughout, despite its relatively short 37 minutes.  In a single listen, album tracks begin blending into each other by the end, and even though the tempo stays up, stretches of monotony trips up the momentum. This is an album best enjoyed in doses. But the promise of Kid Sister, first evident in one smash single, is now fully realized.  “Ultraviolet” ushers in a new innovative artist who, with time and talent intact, may be fit to join the ranks of Chicago’s impeccable rapping elite. It’s nice to see to see the city’s hip-hop boys’ club make room for a lady too, no disrespect to the gents.

Kid Sister headlines House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn, Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 6:30 p.m. Flosstradamus opens. $16-$18. Tickets are available for purchase here. Listen to “Ultraviolet” here.