- Genre: R & B
- Influenced by: Tina Turner, Lauryn Hill, Mary J. Blige
- Similar Artists: Monica, Beyoncé, The Pussycat Dolls, Remy Ma
Though the tours with Snoop Dogg, the Game, and Madonna didn't come until after her appearance in the 2005 film Rize, which chronicled the lives and competitions of some of South Central Los Angeles' top krump dancers, Miss Prissy (called "the Queen of Krump" in the film), born Marquisa Gardner, was already a well-respected dancer and teacher in her own neighborhood before Rize was ever shown. Classically trained, Miss Prissy started lessons at age four, learning everything from ballet to jazz to tap. She discovered hip-hop dancing at 13 and enjoyed its expressiveness, but didn't really begin to take her art seriously until after high school, when she began teaching it to kids. It was at one of these lessons that a student introduced her to krump, the new form of dance that was becoming popular in L.A., and brought her to a session. Miss Prissy was struck by its wild energy, and soon joined in on the performances and competitions herself, her natural talent and creativity making her one of its stars. In 2006, wanting to pursue her own musical career, Miss Prissy declined Madonna's offer to continue dancing in her tour and signed with Forster Brothers Entertainment and began recording material for her debut album, In My Own Lane. ~ Marisa Brown, All Music Guide
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