Jamla Records: Rapsody – For Everything – Mixtape

Review                                      Rapsody — “For Everything”                IWWMG/Jamla

Download at Rapsody — “For Everything” at DJBooth.net

Rapsody — a 9th Wonder (Little Brother; production for Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Buckshot and Erykah Badu among others) protégé — represents North Carolina well.

The female MC is a stone-cold lyricist; stays true to authentic hip hop; and rips up the tracks with her deadly flow, as well as witty word play and confident delivery.

The first track “Pace Myself” opens with clever lyrics in the chorus referring to the name of the track by referencing the Indiana NBA basketball team (“I gotta pace myself Reggie Miller/I want respect, checks and brillo”) and, of all things, the manufacturer’s message printed on car side mirrors (“clean pad out somewhere in south Euro/know it’s closer that it seems side mirror”).

In “Autobiography of M. Evans,” the second track, Rapsody rhymes about her family and being raised as a Jehovah’s Witness in North Carolina. In one emotional, introspective moment, she raps about marriage as well as blaming herself for arguments between her parents.

On the third track “A Crush Groove,” Rapsody reveals her crush on a friend from elementary school, disclosing her vulnerability and true feelings in hopes that he reciprocates them. She rhymes about their debates over the dopest MC, sports teams, music and sneakers. Rapsody also pays her crush the ultimate compliment when she compares falling in love with him to her first visit to New York City and the first time she heard Biggie.

“Ain’t Worthy,” the sixth track featuring Kool G Rap and MOP samples, is evocative of Premo’s style of production. Rapsody calls out fake dudes by referring to them as “T. Braxton” for being weak/week seven whole days. GQ, who appears on the track, adds a little spice with his lyrics at the conclusion.

Although “For Everything” is not a club banger, true hip-hop heads can listen from beginning to end while enjoying the journey Rapsody narrates with her deadly flow. This talented MC fills a void left by her predecessors — Monie Love, MC Lyte and Lauren Hill — and her love for hip hop clearly shines through on this mixtape.

Download at Rapsody — “For Everything” at DJBooth.net