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The evolution and elevation of women in hip-hop has been one of the most important movements the genre has seen in recent history. Longer-standing acts such as Nicki Minaj, Jean Grae, Trina, M.I.A. and Iggy Azalea have spent this decade as some of the most successful women in their genre, setting the stage for the next generation of female MC’s to elevate and carry hip-hop into the next era. Young, talented women such as Noname, Tierra Whack, Kamaiyah, City Girls, Tink, Dej Loaf, Young M.A, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion have all seen their share of star status and appreciation in hip-hop, often outshining their male counterparts on respective songs and projects.
This new female-driven movement in hip-hop validated itself early in 2019, when Cardi B scored a win for “Best Rap Album” at the Grammy Awards for her debut album Invasion of Privacy, besting efforts by hip-hop superstars Travis Scott, Pusha-T and late artists Mac Miller and Nipsey Hussle. It was one of the most polarizing and admittedly controversial wins in the history of the award, but it was historic all the same. Countless conversations proceeded to stem about female rappers, their rankings among themselves and their place among hip-hop’s best artists. And everything about that is positive and important; the only issue is that it should’ve taken place a year prior.
In 2018, another esteemed female MC had an album recognized for the same “Best Rap Album” category. The album contained production from hip-hop royalty and guest verses from some of the best artists in the history of the genre. And despite all of the mainstream validation alongside of the nomination, she continued to remain the best kept secret in the genre. But looking further into her journey into hip-hop and her ever debated place in the game, it’s not really surprising. What’s not debatable, however, is her elite level talent as one of the best MC’s in hip-hop today.
Rapsody, the gritty, street and soulful MC from Raleigh, North Carolina, has been one of hip-hop’s most consistent artists, both underground and mainstream alike, since her first project dropped back around 2010. Since then, the list of artists that she’s collaborated with is as impressive of a list of MC’s as one could ask for: Kendrick Lamar, Phonte, Chance The Rapper, Adè, Raekwon, Mac Miller, Anderson .Paak, Busta Rhymes, Jay Electronica, Rah Digga, Styles P and Black Thought. Having the respect of her peers in order to work with artists of that caliber should be enough of an indication of just how talented she really is. But before one even gets into Rapsody’s undeniable talent as a MC, it would be irresponsible not to acknowledge the very special team that has been instrumental in her steadiness and success in the rap game. She is signed to Jamla Records, a based label that’s home to both soulful R&B artists and street conscious MC’s that don’t waste a bar on anything that’s not high level rap content. They also smartly benefit from the musical contributions of Jamla member and legendary hip-hop producer 9th Wonder, originally of the groundbreaking hip-hop group Little Brother. 9th and Rapsody appear to be a destined duo, as they’ve spent much of the decade creating some of her best records to date.
Rapsody began to garner an underground buzz seemingly out the gate, with her impressive 2012 debut album The Idea of Beautiful and succeeding, album quality projects such as She Got Game and Beauty and the Beast landing her acclaim as one of hip-hop’s most respected and capable young MC’s. Her ability to rhyme alongside anyone and maintain her same confidence and poise was beyond impressive and naturally, created more of a demand for her music on a mainstream scale. In 2017, the consistency and grind would pay itself back in full with the release of Rapsody’s 2nd studio album Laila’s Wisdom. The album would display the MC at her most direct, focused and transparent state to that point, with almost every song containing high replay value and a purpose. And this time, there would be no overlooking one of hip-hop’s best kept secrets, as Laila’s Wisdom would score a nomination for Best Rap album at the 2018 Grammy Awards. Despite not winning the award, there was no question that Rapsody had officially arrived, and many would say it was years overdue. And with that newly found recognition and respect, naturally comes expectation for a MC of her caliber. Anticipation heightened for hip-hop fans as a summer 2019 date was confirmed for the newest album release. And what they would receive would be one of the most unique albums hip-hop has seen in years.
On August 23rd, Rapsody would release her third studio album Eve. The title, named after the first woman ever to walk the earth, is perfectly fitting when one scans the 16-song track list; almost every song is named after prominent, groundbreaking and/or historical woman, bringing things full circle who a woman who wants to make history in the hip-hop genre. Even with that information present, there is still no safe assumption of what tone the album presents just off it’s visuals alone. From the opening track however, it is easy to tell that Rapsody is looking for her crown, and will accept nothing less than just that.
The intro track Nina comes with all of the confident, borderline cocky that hip-hop’s greatest MC’s all share. Rapsody leads a call to elevate her fellow black woman, pays reverence to her influences such as Lauryn Hill and Ms. Simone herself, and most notably, labels herself as a god MC. There’s no yelling, no fast paced rhyming and no intense beat switch, just simple teaching moment for anyone who may have overlooked the talented MC on this journey so far, and is an appropriate tone setter for the album. And it does not take long for the album to deliver one of its more impressive moments. Rapping over an amazing flip of the legendary Phil Collins’ track In the Air Tonight, Rapsody takes aim at all haters, detractors and critics, pulling no punches on the direct and relentless Cleo, cleverly titled after the polarizing character from the cult-classic film Set It Off. Although never lacking confidence, her demeanor on the first two tracks of this newest album appears much more serious, as if she now demands her stripes for her contributions to hip-hop, and rightfully so.
As the album progresses, Rapsody opens up to a variety of themes and concepts, all featuring her next level writing and wordplay, which rivals that of any of her contemporaries. She pays tribute to a R&B legend, asking for real love and sincerity on the smooth and soulful Aaliyah, gets extremely bold and outspoken on the upbeat and bouncy Whoopi, and proclaims that her rise to the top is inevitable on the brash and supremely confident Serena. She’s enlists the help of a young, up and coming female MC named Leikeili47 for an uptempo track about being concerned only about money, whether earning it or giving it away, and doing whatever they need to protect it in the appropriately titled Oprah. And in one of the more important tracks of the album, Rapsody stresses beauty in not only black women and men alike, but in women that may look or dress unconventional the way she does on the short but strong Tyra. It may seem minimal, but it’s a song pushing a message of confidence and individuality that is very common in black culture, with the ever apparent need to seek approval for being different in any way.
Around the midway point of the album, the overall tone of the album shifts to more of an introspective and observant point of view, as Rapsody focuses on the state of the culture in hip-hop, politics and race relations, broadening the scope of topics that she tackles while not losing a single ounce of delivery and technical skill. There is also more notable features from some of hip-hop and R&B’s most talented stars. On turn song Maya, she touches on having to live with a free mind, body and soul in order to grow and prosper in her personal life and in her profession using verses full of enlightenment. She teams with two legends in R&B trailblazer D’Angelo and famed Wu-Tang Clan founder and MC GZA for the classic hip-hop flip Ibtihaj, a boom-bop track envoking the spirit of the glory days of hip-hop culture in the late 80’s through the 90’s. The track celebrates rap’s heroines such as Lady of Rage and Roxanne Shante, women who paved the way for all hard rhyming MC’s today, regardless of gender. It’s a clear standout moment of the entire album.
In another celebration of women, multitalented R&B singer and songwriter Elle Varner kicks off the uplifting and lighthearted track Michelle, where Rapsody calls for the ladies to go out and have the best time possible, listening to music and enjoying a night absent of judgement, responsibility and concerns with men. It’s one of the most positive and uplifting tracks that one will find in an era that doesn’t promote much of it. The following track Iman also pays respect to women, but specifically the beauty, power and spirit of the black woman. A touching chorus from Top Dawg Entertainment's lead crooner SiR and a funny but appreciative guest verse from Dreamville's newest star MC J.I.D. highlight one of the most positive and moving moments of the album. But for all of the highlights of Rapsody's third album, there may be no more impressive track than the one literally made for royalty. The track Hatshepsut celebrates notable female figures in the history of famous women who have left an everlasting imprint on modern day culture. Emphasizing strength, love, power and beauty in every form, the song is made as yet another celebration for women and the barriers they continue to tear down every day in society. And an enlightening, passionate feature verse from hip-hop legend and pioneer Queen Latifah beautifully caps off one of the most important songs of the year and in recent memory.
Closing out the album are a pair of songs that both catch the essence of Rapsody as a MC, but more importantly, as a human being. She goes bar for bar with one of hip-hop's biggest stars in fellow North Carolina native and Dreamville founder J.Cole on the soulful, boom-bap influenced Sojurner.
The two keep the track personal with Cole rhyming about various parts of his life, from his wife giving birth to his child to the traumas that he endured from his childhood that have played a role in his growth as man. For Rapsody, her verse speaks to her journey as a unique voice and personality in the modern space of hip-hop. As a woman who does not have the typical look and style of many popular female rappers, she intends to pave the way for many more unconventional MC's who still have the talent and drive to impact the culture in a positive way. The outro track Afeni is a song dedicated to the respect and uplifting of all women, given their role as providers, nurturers, wives, sisters, mothers and most importantly, the givers of life. One verse speaks to men and how they should always value the life and spirit of a woman no matter what. The second verse encourages women to always value themselves and to know their worth in every aspect of their lives. Appropriately named after the late mother of the late hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur, there is even audio from 2Pac's famous track "Keep Your Head Up", which even further highlights the theme of the track. An emotional and heartfelt chorus from R&B superstar PJ Morton adds the bow to one of the year's best songs, and appropriately caps off an amazingly constructed album.
As 2019 enters it's final quarter, it is common for many music fans, pundits and publications to consider what may be the best album or project of the year. There are different sounds, styles, fan bases and perspectives to consider when making the best choice for what project stands at the very top. In hip-hop, there has not been a project more unique, detailed or well delivered than the third studio effort from one of the best MC's in the world, period. What Rapsody has accomplished in the relatively early stages of her career is beyond impressive, and it goes well beyond her being simply a great "female rapper". She stands side by side talent wise with some of the best of the game and can compete with any one of them on any given day. Her latest album Eve is the latest chapter in a story of a MC who is determined to leave a lasting mark on the culture she loves, and with this career defining effort, she is doing just that.
Top 5 Songs:
Cleo
Afeni
Aaliyah
Sojourner
Ibtihaj