Tag: rapsody

  The latest album from Rapsody can be served as a litmus test for both her, her fans and so-called fans. Since 2019’s ‘Eve’ (one of the best Hip-Hop albums of that year), Rapsody’s name has often been used as a barometer when discussions on the state of women in HOP music is brought up. Now it was time for fans and so-called fans to show up when product is on the street. The challenge for listeners was to go into this album ready to experience life for Marlanna Evans rather than simply jam to songs from Rapsody. ‘Please Don’t Cry’ sounds therapeutic for Rapsody as she utilizes this release to address her conflicts, joys and complexities while also addressing rumors and outside thoughts about her. This is the first time since being a major act that she is without 9th Wonder but is serviced production from the likes of S1, Major Seven, Hit-Boy, Eric G and others, with the majority of production from BLK ODYSSY. Rapsody continues to showcase her talent even as she wax’s poetic about the aforementioned subjects and with the exception of the Lil’ Wayne featured ‘Raw,’ this album does not waste rhymes about how “dope she is.” One of the replay value challenges of this album is that it can feel like an audio book with the interludes and music. The other challenge with this record is possibly the way it is mixed. It feels very flat and even when it comes to “dense albums” such as Common’s ‘Like Water For Chocolate’ or Kendrick Lamar’s ‘To Pimp A Butterfly,’ having a strong mix will often be the determiner on how the public responds to the release over time. ‘Please Don’t Cry’ was a very anticipated record but seems to not have made the same impact one would have expected it to, in a very great year of HOP music in 2024. Essentially this is making a statement which is I’ve given you (the listener) everything and now it’s time to understand who Marlanna is. Rapsody can add another notch to her ever growing catalog of music that listener’s can always depend on as ‘Please Don’t Cry’ was her testimony but bore witness to many who could relate. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Asteroids,’ ‘Stand Tall’ & ‘Back In My Bag’ Listen to QUANTUM LEAP RADIO every Saturday from 4-6p.m. CST & Thursday from 1-3a.m. CST on 90.1 FM KPFT Houston in HD11 Worldwide @kpft.org/listen (under “kpft in HD2”) Catch past episodes by searching and following @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO