Rapsody's love for artists like MC Lyte, Warren G, Alia, Queen Latifah, and Lauryn Hill solidified her passion for hip-hop.
Collaborating with Queen Latifah and D'Angelo on her tracks was an amazing experience, showcasing their immense talent and contribution to her music.
Working closely with 9th Wonder in the recording studio created a supportive and creative environment, allowing Rapsody to express herself fully and develop as an artist.
Deep dives
Questlove Supreme podcast: Early Musical Influences and Inspiration
Rapsody shares that her first musical memory was listening to Michael Jackson and being influenced by R&B and soul music. She discusses her love for artists like MC Lyte, Warren G, Alia, Queen Latifah, and Lauryn Hill, which solidified her passion for hip-hop. She also talks about her journey in the music industry, signing with 9th Wonder, and the process of working on her first solo project.
Collaborations with Queen Latifah, D'Angelo, and Mac Miller
Rapsody reveals that she worked with Queen Latifah on a track and was amazed by her verse. She also talks about collaborating with D'Angelo, mentioning that they have been neighbors for years. The process of getting D'Angelo on the record involved a series of fortunate events, including selecting the Wu-Tang Clan sample and having connections in the music industry. Rapsody describes how D'Angelo's passion for the song led to a powerful collaboration. She also briefly discusses her collaboration with Mac Miller and how easy it was to work with him.
Recording Process and Working with 9th Wonder
Rapsody shares insights into her recording process and working with 9th Wonder. She explains that they often recorded together in the studio, which created a supportive and creative environment. Rapsody discusses the experience of recording her verses, the pressure and expectations, and the guidance and patience provided by 9th Wonder. She also talks about their shared love for hip-hop and the influence of North Carolina's music scene on her development as an artist.
Influence of HBCUs and Northern Artists in North Carolina's Hip-Hop Scene
The podcast episode discusses the influence of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and artists from the North in shaping North Carolina's hip-hop community. HBCUs in North Carolina attracted students from different regions who brought diverse musical influences, including New York hip-hop, to the local scene. This fusion of cultures and styles contributed to the development of a unique sound in North Carolina, different from the traditional southern identity. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding the broader cultural context when considering the roots of regional hip-hop scenes.
Crafting an Album that Honors Black Women and Their Influence
The podcast episode explores Rapsody's creative process in crafting her album as a homage to the spirit of black women in America and around the world. Inspired by her connection to iconic figures like Nina Simone, Felicia Rashad, and Nikki Giovanni, Rapsody sought to showcase the different sides of herself through the album. She aimed to challenge the perception of being put in a box by expressing her various personalities and influences. The episode also touches upon the significance of music videos in bringing the album's concepts to life, with Rapsody expressing her desire to create a video for every song.
