As seen in our Spring issue!
Where She’s From
Snow Hill, North Carolina. From her humble beginnings as Marlanna Evans and part of rap collective Kooley High, to now being recognized by the Recording Academy, Rapsody’s rise to major player as a hip-hop artist is spectacular.
Why She’s Getting Raves
The double Grammy nominee garnered acclaim with her solo album Lalia’s Wisdom, about love, resilience and female empowerment, featuring rap heavyweight Kendrick Lamar. Awarded not one but two Grammy nominations for Laila’s Wisdom, and the other for her single, “Sassy.” Rapsody joins an elite category of only four other female emcees including Missy Elliott, Eve, Nicki Minaj and Iggy Azalea, who have each earned a solo album nomination for Best Rap Album (since the academy added the category in 1996).
High Notes
Along with an exclusive group of artists, Rapsody had the privilege to be invited to the White House by former President Barack Obama, and she joined jazz great Herbie Hancock to perform at the International Jazz Fest. She graced the stage alongside soul diva Aretha Franklin, Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper, and Terri Lyne Carrington in honor of the late Prince.
Music With a Message
“I want to be an artist that shows women that they do have a choice to be respect- ed for their talent alone and not because of looks or gender,” she says. “The only thing that matters is that you are dope.” Her message resonates in a cultural climate where MeToo and Black Lives Matter are reshaping women’s power in society. Rapsody continues to break barriers and her rise is inspiration for female emcees who haven’t had the same opportunities as their male counterparts.
What’s Next
Rapsody is confirmed to take center stage at Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend (March 28–April 2, 2018). The break- out star will be closing the festival on the main stage at Sunday’s hugely popular all-day event held at The Hilton Hotel in downtown Palm Springs. Catch her while you can!