As a young woman growing up in the small rural town of Snow Hill, North Carolina, Rapsody idolized Lauryn Hill and Aaliyah. She admired both their artistry and what she calls their “tomboy femininity.” She quickly realized she saw something in them that she saw in herself.
“People think because I’m a tomboy and I’m fully clothed, that that’s not sexy,” she recently told HipHopDX. “But there’s a tomboy sexiness in that. I grew up in a time where Aaliyah was the biggest thing out and one of the sexiest things out. She wore baggy jeans. She wore big, oversized jackets. She was that tomboy femininity.”
So, it comes as no surprise Aaliyah is one of 15 strong black women Rapsody immortalizes on her third studio album, EVE. The 16-track potent lyrical adventure is peppered with countless poetic musings masquerading as seamless Hip Hop tracks, easily solidifying Rapsody’s musical legacy.
From the first note, it’s almost like Nina Simone’s “Strange Fruit” was made to birth “NINA,” the cascading album opener. As Rap spits her carefully crafted bars, the song slowly builds before it’s suddenly at its proverbial peak, spilling over into the 9th Wonder and The Soul Council-produced “CLEO.”
The hard-hitting banger, which is sprinkled with samples of the 1981 Phil Collins hit “In The Air Tonight,” enters the picture firing on all cylinders. The song is dedicated to fictional bank robber Cleo Sims, who was played by EVE collaborator Queen Latifah in the 1996 film Set It Off.
Here, Rap speaks to her critics and reveals she hasn’t always felt welcome in a culture she so effortlessly embodies.
“Remember early on, y’all ain’t treat me all the same though/Used to question why the brothers even rocked with me for,” she spits. “Member y’all wondered, used to wonder ’bout Wonder/Question why they’d ever wanna push a black woman/Niggas on my label who ain’t want me in the front end/Some sisters in the industry, y’all know y’all was frontin’ (I know it)/Dressed too tomboy, rap too lyrical (You said it).”
But like Rapsody confidently conveys on “AALIYAH,” she’s no longer a slave to other people’s opinions anyway.
“I don’t care what you got to say about me no more (More),” she raps. “Double dutchin’ when I’m tuckin’ and my back on the ropes (Ropes)/I be chillin’, ain’t got no feelings when I’m ridin’ the slope (Slope)/Skeezer’s gon’ be skeezers, I’m just dope (Dope)/I’m here to shake the system up, we gon’ rock the boat (Boat)/‘Cause I’m that somebody that you still need to know, squad.”
And with EVE, Rap gives the listener every opportunity to learn who she is through the lives of these powerful women. “SOJOURNER,” in particular, firmly sets Rap in her own category. Throughout the track, she rejects the glorification of typical materialism often found in rap music and makes it clear she’s gonna be alright without that Bentley or multimillion-dollar mansion.
“Lookin’ at the ads, they only love us if our ass out,” she raps. “And so I’m out, I got an Audi and it’s bad. I said that line ’cause niggas only respect you if you brag/It don’t work on me the same, don’t give a fuck ’bout what you have.”
Whether it’s Erykah Badu’s sparkling “Green Eyes” steeping the beat in neo-soul on “MAYA” or GZA’s “Liquid Swords” taking the wheel on “IBTIHAJ” featuring the elusive D’Angelo and the original track’s mastermind, it never feels like she’s making a cheap attempt at recreating legendary songs either.
Rather, it’s more like the perfect homage to the music and artists she holds in high regard, and she ensures every artist gets proper credit — even if they’re controversial.
Throughout the album, there are some subtle and not-so-subtle references to Tupac Shakur, who historically has both torn down women (“I Get Around”) and lifted them up (“Dear Mama,” “Keep Ya Head Up”).
On album closer “AFENI,” Rap spits, “We ain’t your hoes or your bitches” while snippets of “Keep Ya Head Up” linger in the background. While the contradictory symbolism of Tupac is obvious, one of Rapsody’s most endearing attributes is the ability to recognize every human is flawed.
As she told DX, “I don’t expect him [Tupac] to be perfect, but what I appreciate is he was honest, he was truthful and he tried. For every song that talks about women in a light that we may not favor, there was another song that reminded you of who raised him. That’s why it’s important to showcase Afeni, his mother.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9c2OYak6eDo
Much like 2017’s Laila’s Wisdom, Rap shares the spotlight with several of her peers on EVE. But even with monster features from her fellow North Carolina native J. Cole (“SOJOURNER”), the reluctant rap goddess Queen Latifah (“HATSHEPSUT”) and fearless spitter Leikeli47 (“OPRAH”), Rap is never outshined.
Her wordplay wizardry, intricately woven details and unparalleled lyrical prowess emanate from every song. As Rap always says, “Culture over everything” and EVE is no exception.
No one else in the game can make a album like this. The depth of the subject matter can only be shared by a woman, and Rap is head and shoulders above any other female rapper (and 99% of male rappers) in the game right now. This is the type of album that cements a artist legendary status and it should be treated as such.
This sounds like a carefully crafted statement y an outside entity lol
Clever, gifted, conscious and mature!
Another gem and perfect example that LYRICS and content still counts.
I don’t care. I will not listen to this anyway
Cared enough to come bitch
So! Who cares.
Such an incredible body of work.
this album is nowhere near a 5 out of 5…who paid you all?
And you gathered that in the 24 hours you’ve had to listen to it? Gtfoh with your hate.
Probably the best emcee out right now. You wanted real Hip-Hop, here it is.
Rap is fire but far from the best …. there are at least 5 ahead of her … she’s top 10 though … so just be happy with that and leave inflation to the government
Then name 5 better than her
Album was poetically brillant. One of the greatest concept albums I’ve heard since Good Kid Maad City. She is letting you know that she isn’t a great female emcee, she is a great emcee.
I’ve waiting 8 months to claim an album of the year, this is the ONE! Thank you Rapsody for pouring your heart on this one! And all these feat, artist on here are on point! Definitely what HipHop needed!!
Beautifully crafted work of ART. Best album this year. Sorry my guy Corde.
This album just came out yesterday. I like Rhapsody a lot but you can’t come out with a 5/5 review the day after without letting it sit with you for at least a week.
Most album reviews I’ve waited for took a week/weeks or a handful of days. Why was this album not given the same amount of time to really thoughtfully analyze it, and who vetted the decision to release a perfect 5/5 score one day after it’s initial release?
Why are you so hurt??
They can review the album whenever they want, not everybody has to follow the script.
Keep it moving.
For the millionth time, music journalists get albums WAY IN ADVANCE dummy.
THEY CAN DO WHATEVER THEY WANTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT.
Like the one guy said, they get albums in advance before the public. I’m sure they’ve listened to this album quite a few times before giving it it’s rating.
You must be really, REALLY stupid if you think the media gets an album at the same time as everyone else. They get preview streams etc. long before the release date so they can provide this valuable info to shittalking dunces like you worldwide in a timely fashion. Don’t comment foolishly due to your ignorance and next time do your homework.
Regardless if they get the album in advance, why TF they ain’t give other albums the same treatment? And why it take so long for other albums to get reviewed if they’re truly sitting with these projects weeks in advance.
Bandana received a 5/5 as well and that review dropped a week later. Little Brother dropped a few days ago–no review. GTFOH with that noise.
Because it’s actually that good lol. It’s not fully digestible yet, that will take several listens. But the initial hit and lingering effect its left on the ears and conscience is undeniable. And this is an opinion based practice, so there is no time frame that can be placed on anyone’s perspective. lol
That score is only cause she is a female. Y’all pathetic
Really? Cuz you are in the minds of the entire staff? It’s a 5/5 because it’s hip-hop in its purest form and not the garbage you’re probably bumping, attempting to play it off as hip-hop.
You’re pathetic and sexist. Stfu clown.
This album is worthy of a 5 out 5 rating and reflects art in its purest form! Rapsody, Freddie Gibbs and Benny are the hottest artists in 2019! Top notch lyricism is back!
The album is what I want from a female MC. It’s refreshing not to hear the bad bitch/city girl/ twerk/brag rap. It’s well thought out the theme is on point as are the lyrics and features. Queen Latifah went off. Incredible body of art.
Certified Beyond Words
#blackwomanmagic
#realhiphop
This album is incredible and spine chilling. A five is not out of order for this masterpiece!
Lazy modern flow and just overall pathetic. Right now we celebrate everything done by a female, even mediocre garbage.
Hmmmm…this sounds like insecurity from a feeble mind. Pipe down with the hate lol. You’ve contributed nothing insightful nor relevant to this thread.
please wait at least a week or perhaps 2 when reviewing the next release, this might be a 5/5 but to proclaim that 24 hours after it drops is kinda nutty. shit is dope though.
FOR THE MILLIONTH MOTHER FUCKING TIME, JOURNALISTS GET ALBUMS EARLY!!!!
Yeah we’ve had this one for a little while. Same with the Common and Joell Ortiz. Believe it or not, I’ve been sitting on Soul On Ice 2 (which was supposed to drop in July) since June. It comes with the territory y’know?
Nice! I’ve only listened to a few snippets, but great work. I don’t care for females rappers, but this is still stellar hiphop. Not that demeaning crap people like Iggy or Nicki make. Females in America nowadays act like being a nasty whore, and marching with vagina hats on is “empowering”. Nah. Intelligence, class, ect, is empowering! And rhapsody has that!
Wanna know something funny as a truck driver I had the opportunity to listen to this at least 7x’s in a row and everytime I pick up many gems, many hidden bars…and the beats are by far best of the year frfr . I put this one side by side with Bandana
Sat with this for a minute. Can’t find anything wrong. Queen Rap did it again.
The album is actually an ALBUM…???
Fabulous album, by one of the best MC’S on the planet.
you better come with same energy when you review little brother album…if that gets less than 4.5 it will confirm you as jokers,,
Come on, the most transparent reach of a review ever. This is a literal ‘she’s good for a woman’ moment, judge her against the same measuring stick you judge anyone else you fucking clout chasers. This is a boring-ass album, have the guts to call it what it is.
I’ll call your opinion what it is — WRONG haha STFU.
Rapsody is the best female spitter in the game. Period.
A bit taken aback by the depth and raw appeal of this album. The engineering/production effectively matched the lyrical and song appeal she’s always had. Not to mention her personifying or alluding to the names of each song in the most clever of ways. THIS IS THE ONE! And I’m still soaking it all in! Rapsody, this is an automatic TEN sis!!! Thank you!!!
The album is dope! She got bars for days.
Reviewers got something right. Another classic by Rapsody!
I’m just saying. This album is fire tho
It’s actually an album, and not I’ll buy 3 cuts on iTunes and screw the rest of it!
Album is fire, not disagreeing, but am I allowed to find this constant post #metoo ’empowering of women’ theme tired yet? Are we going to get to a point when artists challenge woke-culture, and am I allowed to be bored that every artist in every form or art, world wide, is spewing the same woke rhetoric over and over? I cant be the only person in the world who feels like we’re heading into cringe-territory by forcing art into vanilla uninspiring ‘scared to get their feelings hurt vs scared of going against the masses’ boringness.
This! Album is defibety five mics though
Classic
This is not a perfect album at all, and I love Rapsody. There is no way that you get away from the spectacle of the release, the timing of the release, and the “theme” of the album and come away with a perfect album. If this album is a 5 then Beauty and the Beast is a 10. There are no narratives on the album. Rapsody is literally just rapping her ass off, which is what she does. But to express a pointed narrative in the promotion, artwork, and song titles without the substance to back it up is meh.
There are no narratives on the album?????? That’s what the entire album is about
You seriously need to use Q-Tips! Lol smh ??♂️
You have to be trolling, right? Hahaha ’cause that’s funny as hell. “No narratives,” y’all.
nice oh yaaaaa
It’s actually an album, and not I’ll buy 3 cuts on iTunes and screw the rest of it!
a very solid project from Rapsody.
Latifah killed that track
HipHop at its purest form! ???
-??? Meant to put ???
Classic
Sophomore jinx my ass!
The message is for all of us but this is a feminist album and one that manages to convey a message be inclusive to both sexes the beats are sick and Rapsody literally raps her ass off.
Incredible achievement made all the better for it being done on her own terms.
Bars…nuff said
No thanks.
It gets better and better with each listen too.
Very biased rating. It’s 3.5 at best. It’s more to an album than spitting. Some of the beats where boring imo. I cannot and will not call this a classic album
K, But you wrong tho.
You are correct…I don’t get why everyone is fawning over this album…the last one was much better.
I actually can’t understand this albums hype, the project is actually just boring and repetitive af man I fall asleep listening to this shit. Id give it a 5/10
Nina, Cleo, Oprah, Whoopi, Ibtihaj, Sojourner, Afeni are all stand out tracks to me. Good beats, bars for days and an artist in her prime- fully realized. That Nina intro is phenomenal. So much of this work reminds me of To Pimp A Butterfly. There’s a reason Kendrick picked her for complexion and Jay rapped that verse back to her when they met!
I would let my Kid listen to this over the TRASH Nickki, Cardi B or these other Stripper Rappers rotting young kids minds with….Rapsody & Che Noir the 2 best Female rapper alive right now !
If you like a certain type of hip-hop, that’s one thing, but black women aren’t monolithic, and must be free to express their feelings in art. Regardless of which experiences they’re rapping about.
The quotables on this album is ridiculous. Should win a Grammy for Best Rap Album this year. Excellent album.
This album blew my mind
Almost flawless. Phenomenal execution from start to finish 5/5
Dope
This album deserves 5 mics and is a hip hop classic. Hopefully Eve can be the #1 album in the country
FOH…a just released album can not be called a classic!!
She’s elite and it’s time we acknowledge it. It shouldn’t take comparing her to males for us to understand what we’ve been hearing for the last 8 years.
This is album of the year ,5/5 Been a fan since Day one
Classic
Is this really a 5 Mic album or is it just a good album that’s getting 5 Mics because we’re going crazy right now with feminism and the ‘me too’ movement? It’s an honest question–I haven’t heard it yet. I wanna hear honest answers. What do yall think?
Listen to it!!!
Perfection
wait… so this is supposed to be a black woman empowerment album, yet she glorifies the most famous thot in history (Cleopatra, who used her p*ssy to get ahead in politics, married her brother and then had him murdered, caused downfall of Caesar and Antony and wasn’t even of African heritage but a Greek) and also Oprah, one of the biggest sellouts in modern history who is totally controlled by her handlers in everything she says or does and only exists to push the agenda.
don’t get me wrong, the girl can spit and there are some dope songs on this album… just too much fake enlightement for me to take it serious
yite someone clearly hasn’t read their history books. Cleopatra was quite smart.
they never said she was dumb.
@tru_dat Rapsody goes off on the music industry in this song, telling of the struggles she had to go through to make it as a black woman in the industry. It was named after the character Cleo from the 1996 movie Set it Off, played by Queen Latifah. Cleo represents standing up for yourself and what you believe in and never taking no for an answer.
Great album
feminism is one hell of a drug
this album is nowhere near a perfect album. it’s 6 outta 10 at best.
This album is not all that. It is inferior to her previous one, which was great. FOH
Heat Rock no skips
good.
This joint is fire! If you can’t get with it stick to Kardi and the other strip club rappers.
I am the surgeon that cuts the dead flesh of the society. And this album is the cancer.
Rapsody is amongst the top top 5 MCees Rn.