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.