Introducing ‘Notes from Mr. Sandman‘ – a column slapping a spotlight on lyricists overlooked, under appreciated, or just plain criminally slept on. Or like a man named Nas once said, “I never sleep, cause sleep is the cousin of death.” Enter Mr. Sandman with what y’all missed while chasing the REM dragon; Photo: Instagram
Rapsody is a lyricist from Snow Hill, North Carolina who is best known for her arresting narratives, agile wordplay and explosive performances. She’s been widely acknowledged as an elite lyricist, but shies away from the main stage because of her unwillingness to compromise her development.
Rapsody’s bread and butter can be found in her ability to seamlessly incorporate real life experiences into her raps without diluting her creative vision. Each portrait is meticulously developed and fashioned in such a way that makes her a true visionary.
With fellow North Carolina-native 9th Wonder as her guide, Rapsody has cultivated a style that closely coincides with her personal growth. Her raps are intimate and bombastic, a reflection of a life fully lived.
“Rock the Bells” is an early song that reflects Rapsody’s raw approach to lyricism. Instead of conforming to what the scene was thinking a female rapper should be, Rapsody stuck to her guns and delivered a message that shows she’s able to transcend gender roles: [LISTEN]
Rapsody has collaborated with several notable artists including Jay Electronica, Common, Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller, Chance the Rapper and DJ Premier to name a few. Working with such a broad range of talents from various factions of rap set a high standard, and by religiously adhering to it she’s been able to carve out her own distinct niche.
The Black Mamba is an exploration of how to make it in a male-dominated industry. While fueled by fire and adrenaline, the album also looked to put into context some of the struggles she had to face. She found herself in the eye of a storm, but didn’t let it sway or manipulate her core principles. It is bold and courageous, a firm stand against industry norms.
“Legends of the Fall” is laced with urgency. Many artists she admired had fallen, and the creative mortality she found herself facing was sobering. She understood that she had to be meticulous and mindful of every step she made because the next one could be her last: [LISTEN]
Rapsody is a ronin of sorts, a hired sword who has the ability to jump on any project and slay. What makes it possible for her to share a stage with everyone from Big Daddy Kane to Kendrick Lamar is her attention to detail, and ability to capture the mood of whatever track she finds herself on.
Rapsody’s ability to adapt is underscored by her decision not to subscribe to any one particular philosophy. She’s not a frivolous artist who speaks just to hear the sound of her own voice, but rather a wordsmith who knows that timing is essential. As a result she’s been able to freely navigate the hip-hop landscape without being weighed down by dogmatic ideals.
On “Complexion (A Zulu Love)” Rapsody addresses a painful inferiority complex. For some in the African American community, having a dark complexion is a detestable characteristic. It’s a state of mind that makes way for self-hate, and Rapsody tackles the issue head on: [LISTEN]
Rapsody’s latest album Lalia’s Wisdom is a beautifully constructed homage to her maternal grandmother. For fans it is an extension of all the values she’s held dear to her as she’s grown as a lyricist. It’s her most intimate album to date, and a project that has added another endearing chapter to her growing legacy.
“Sassy” has Rapsody standing tall. She’s affirming her self-worth and reminding those around her to do the same. It’s a simple philosophy, but one that is hard to execute: [LISTEN]
Rapsody is an example of how slow and steady development will always trump the trends. Her progress hasn’t been the most visible, but each album has her bringing something different to the table. There are few lyricists as sincere as Rapsody, and that doesn’t happen by accident. She absorbed advice from loved ones and took it to heart, and in the process established herself as one of the most explosive lyricists in the game.
