Suga-T Returns With New Mixtape, Album

Suga-T, the sole female member of Bay area group The Click, has been missing from the game for a minute following her strong debut 17 years ago. But she's ready to pick back up the mic. The California native, whose real name is Tanina Stevens, is currently prepping the release of her new mixtape 'The Return of Suga: The Best is Yet to Come,' on August 2, in anticipation of her official studio release, 'The Game Needs Me,' slated for a late 2010/early 2011 street date.

The 16-track mixtape, hosted by DJ Jack Da Rippa, is the first in a three-part series featuring songs from her oeuvre as well as a sneak peek at her upcoming album. Its sequels will follow the free tape in September and October, all of which are sponsored by her perfume line, Suga-T Fragrances.

The female emcee, who is best known for her feisty verses on The Click's 'Hurricane' and E-40's platinum single, 'Sprinkle Me,' has been quiet on the hip-hop tip in recent years. Making her debut in the early 90s as part of the group Suga and Spice, Suga-T rose to mainstream prominence as a member of The Click, consisting of E-40, B-Legit and D-Shot, who released their debut 'Down and Dirty' in '92.

After releasing two more albums with the group and recording tracks with artists such as Tupac and Snoop Dogg, Suga-T altogether vanished from the hip-hop scene for other ventures including a stint as spokeswoman for "The Be About It Movement" and to launch Suga-T Fragrances. Her last solo album, 'Gettin' It,' was released in 2000.