Rapsody facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rapsody
Rapsody performing in 2018
Background information
Birth name	Marlanna Evans
Also known as	Rapdiddy
Born	(1983-01-21) January 21, 1983 (age 42) Snow Hill, North Carolina, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop
Occupation(s)	Rapper songwriter
Years active	2003–present
Labels	It's a Wonderful World Music Group Roc Nation We Each Other
Associated acts	Mac Miller Talib Kweli
Signature

Marlanna Evans (born January 21, 1983), known as Rapsody, is an American rapper. She is famous for her clever lyrics and storytelling. Rapsody started her music journey by releasing several mixtapes. She also worked with well-known artists like Erykah Badu and Talib Kweli.

Her first album, The Idea of Beautiful, came out in 2012. Rapsody became even more recognized in 2015. ..... Her second album, Laila's Wisdom (2017), was highly praised. It was even nominated for two Grammy Awards. These nominations were for Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song.

Rapsody released her third album, Eve, in 2019. This album also received great reviews from music critics. In 2020, she joined Stevie Wonder on his song "Can't Put It in the Hands of Fate". Her fourth album, Please Don't Cry, was released on May 17, 2024.

Rapsody's Music Journey

Rapsody began her career while studying at North Carolina State University. She joined a hip hop group called H2O. Later, she became part of its spin-off group, Kooley High. Even though she had not rapped before, she quickly learned.

In 2004, the group met music producer 9th Wonder. He was very impressed by Rapsody's rapping. She made her first official recording in 2007. This was on 9th Wonder's album, The Dream Merchant Vol. 2.

Starting a Solo Career

Rapsody started her solo career in 2008. She signed with 9th Wonder's music label. Her first big step as a solo artist was her mixtape Return of the B-Girl. It was released on December 7, 2010. This mixtape was her first time working with famous hip-hop producer DJ Premier. It also featured artists like Mac Miller and Big Daddy Kane.

She continued to gain fans with her next mixtape, Thank H.E.R. Now. This project showed her talent for telling stories. She shared personal experiences in her songs. She also worked with many respected artists on this mixtape. These included Marsha Ambrosius, Estelle, and Raekwon.

Her project For Everything came out in 2011. It featured collaborations with artists like Kendrick Lamar. Many songs from this project were highlighted in XXL magazine. In 2011, Rapsody also toured with Mac Miller. She later toured with Phonte and 9th Wonder.

Joining Roc Nation

In July 2016, Rapsody signed with Jay-Z's record label, Roc Nation. Her first album with this label was Laila's Wisdom. It was released on September 22, 2017. This album earned her two Grammy Award nominations. These were for Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song.

Rapsody's third studio album, Eve, was released on August 23, 2019. Music critics praised this album highly. In June 2024, her song "Asteroids" was nominated for an award. It was recognized in the Adult Contemporary Hip Hop category at the Hollywood Independent Music Awards.

Rapsody's Style and Beliefs

Rapsody is known for her complex rhyme patterns and clever wordplay. She uses metaphors, which are like comparisons, to make her lyrics interesting. She looks up to Jay-Z, Mos Def, Lauryn Hill, and MC Lyte. These artists have greatly influenced her music.

Her music is mostly produced by The Soul Council. This is a team of producers at It's A Wonderful World Music Group. Rapsody's main belief is "Culture Over Everything." This means the culture of hip-hop music is most important to her.

She explained this idea in an interview. She said, "To me, it’s about culture more so than money or anything. I make music for the people of the culture we’re in; that comes first. If you touch the people first, the rest just falls into place. That’s what it means to me, just preserving and respecting the culture."

About Rapsody's Life

Rapsody grew up in a small town called Snow Hill, North Carolina. When she was younger, she watched the TV show Yo! MTV Raps. She saw MC Lyte as an early role model. Later, she said Lauryn Hill was her all-time favorite artist.

She did not hear much hip hop music growing up. She mostly listened to what her older cousins played. Her love for hip hop truly grew when she went to college.

Her 2017 album, Laila's Wisdom, was named after her grandmother, Laila Ray. This shows how important her family is to her.

In 2019, Rapsody played in the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game. This game featured celebrities with roots in North Carolina. Her team won the game. She played for about 12 minutes and made one assist.

Rapsody's Albums

Studio Albums

Extended Plays (EPs)

• The Black Mamba (2012)
• Beauty and the Beast (2014)
• Crown (2016)

EPs with Kooley High

• Kooley High Presents... Raleigh's Finest (Mixtape) (2007)
• The Summer Sessions EP (2008)
• Eastern Standard Time (2010)
• Kooley High Presents...David Thompson (2011)

Mixtapes

• Return of the B-Girl (2010)
• Thank H.E.R. Now (2011)
• For Everything (2011)
• She Got Game (2013)