For many growing up, Lisa Maffia was the very picture of a strong, independent Black woman.
Often flanked by the male-dominated grime collective So Solid Crew with members such as Ashley Walters, Romeo and Megaman, Lisa stood out as the only woman in the group but also one who could absolutely hold her own.
Last year was the 20th anniversary of So Solid’s breakout – the year was 2001 and their hit single 21 Seconds was everywhere whether being played every hour, on the hour, on radio stations or causing an excitable frenzy in nightclubs whenever those familiar opening bars dropped.
For young millennials in inner cities such as London and Birmingham, So Solid became the first Black British heroes for the new generation and their legacy remains cemented.
Lisa was in the centre of it all, enjoying fame both as a member of So Solid and later a solo artist.