Rapsody
Soul-drenched boom bap paired with elite, intricate lyricism. It is the sound of hip-hop culture being preserved and pushed forward simultaneously.
Soul-drenched boom bap paired with elite, intricate lyricism. It is the sound of hip-hop culture being preserved and pushed forward simultaneously.
Rapsody creates music that feels like a masterclass in the craft of hip-hop. Her sound is anchored by the warm, soulful production of 9th Wonder and The Soul Council, characterized by dusty vocal chops, crisp snares, and melodic basslines that provide a rich foundation for her voice. It is music that demands your full attention, rewarding deep listeners with layers of meaning and technical brilliance.
What sets her apart is her absolute commitment to 'Culture Over Everything.' While many of her peers lean into trends, Rapsody doubles down on the lineage of Lauryn Hill and MC Lyte, delivering complex internal rhyme schemes and metaphors that bridge the gap between street-level storytelling and academic-level social commentary. Her delivery is versatile, shifting from a gritty, urgent flow to a more conversational, vulnerable tone without losing its authoritative edge.
For those looking to dive in, 'Eve' is a monumental starting point, with each track named after an influential Black woman. It showcases her ability to weave personal narrative with broader historical context, all while maintaining a groove that feels timeless. It is essential listening for anyone who values the 'art' in rap.
Marlanna Evans (born January 21, 1983), better known by her stage name Rapsody, is an American rapper. After signing with music producer 9th Wonder's music label It's a Wonderful World Music Group, she released a series of mixtapes and collaborated with Erykah Badu and Talib Kweli. Soon afterwards Rapsody released her debut album The Idea of Beautiful (2012). She would attain further prominence when she was featured on Kendrick Lamar's 2015 album To Pimp a Butterfly, on the track "Complexion (A Zulu Love)". Her second album, Laila's Wisdom (2017), received critical acclaim and was nominated at the Grammy Awards for Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song. Rapsody released her third studio album, Eve on August 23, 2019, to critical acclaim from music critics. In 2020, she was featured alongside Cordae, Chika, and Busta Rhymes, on the Stevie Wonder song "Can't Put It in the Hands of Fate". Rapsody released her fourth album, Please Don't Cry, on May 17, 2024.
Shares boom bap, conscious hip-hop, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); sample based, analog warmth, hi fi (production style)
Shares conscious hip-hop, boom bap, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); sample based, analog warmth, hi fi (production style)
Shares boom bap, conscious hip-hop, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); rap, intense (vocal style)
Shares boom bap, conscious hip-hop, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); confident, soulful, contemplative (moods)
Shares boom bap, conscious hip-hop, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); contemplative, confident, soulful (moods)
Shares boom bap, conscious hip-hop, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); sample based, analog warmth (production style)
Shares boom bap, conscious hip-hop, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); confident, contemplative, soulful (moods)
Shares boom bap, conscious hip-hop, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); rap, intense (vocal style)
Shares boom bap, conscious hip-hop, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); confident, contemplative, soulful (moods)
Shares conscious hip-hop, boom bap, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); contemplative, soulful, empowering (moods)
Shares conscious hip-hop, abstract hip-hop, boom bap, soulful (subgenre)
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