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Just managed to get a word with 9th Wonder’s Protege’, Rapsody. No Clinton Sparks, but ya’ll need to get familiar with the real. For those that prefer your hip-hop without the gimmicks and antics, this raw chick is where it’s at. Here’s a little peak inside the mind of a young artist that’s helping to bring lyricism back to the forefront of rap.
The Biz: I came across you in an article someone wrote about femcees, but I had no idea who you were or what you brought to the table at the time. Two days later, I came across “Extra Extra” with you and Mac Miller, which I thought was dope. Then I looked you up and saw that you were linked with 9th Wonder. How’d you end up working with him?
Rapsody: Im from North Carolina, and at the time I met 9th I was attending NC State University. Myself, and my now Kooley High group members, started a hip hop organization on campus. One summer we did a mixtape, and on the project I wrote and recorded my first two songs. Foolery, of Kooley High, had recently done an internship with 9th and asked him to come by and listen to the music, give us advice, etc. He listened to my songs, told me I had potential, but gave me some homework to help perfect my craft. And, he became my mentor….coaching me through the years. I signed with him a couple years later…and the rest is the future.
The Biz: For the rest of the world that doesn’t know yet, who’s Rapsody and what does she represent to hip-hop and for women?
Rapsody: Im a North Carolina girl, who loves music…hip hop. Im trying to create my own lane, one that reminds you of Lauryn, Lyte, Latifah, Bahamadia and the likes. Its about the music and touching the people. No gimmicks…lyrics and story telling…and just making good music the foundation in hip hop. I want to preserve the culture and introduce some to an emcee who happens to be a female you can spit, just as well as my brothers, who have never been exposed to someone like myself.
The Biz: One thing I love about hip-hop is tradition. I feel that vibe from you when I listen to your music too. To me it passes a sense of heritage to kids that grow up in places that don’t teach us about our roots. For this reason, the intro on your Return of the B-Girl tape is one of my favorite tracks on it. You paid homage to a lot of people that paved the way and inspired you in some way. Are there any more you thought of after the fact?
Complete interview behind the cut
