Rapsody

Marlanna Evans, known professionally as Rapsody, is a hip-hop artist and lyricist from Snow Hill, North Carolina. Evans began her music career while attending North Carolina State University, joining the hip-hop collective H2O and its spinoff group Kooley High. Her early work with producer 9th Wonder led to her recording debut on the album "The Dream Merchant Vol. 2." She launched her solo career with the mixtape "Return of the B-Girl," collaborating with DJ Premier, Mac Miller, and Big Daddy Kane.

Evans gained national recognition through a series of projects and collaborations with artists such as Erykah Badu and Talib Kweli. Her debut album, "The Idea of Beautiful," established her as a significant voice in hip-hop. She was featured on Kendrick Lamar's album "To Pimp a Butterfly" on the track "Complexion (A Zulu Love)," which further elevated her profile. After signing with Roc Nation, Evans released "Laila's Wisdom," which received a nomination for Best Rap Album at the Grammy Awards, making her one of the few female artists recognized in the category.

Her third studio album, "Eve," is noted for its focus on influential Black women, with tracks named after figures such as Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Myrlie Evers, and Aaliyah. The album features collaborations with Queen Latifah, GZA, JID, and J. Cole, and achieved a significant position on the Billboard 200. Evans has received honors including Lyricist of the Year at the BET Hip Hop Awards and recognition in EBONY Power 100 and XXL's list of the 20 Greatest Female Rappers of All Time.

Evans' fourth studio album, "Please Don't Cry," demonstrates her versatility, blending R&B, gospel, reggae, and trap influences with production from S1, Hit-Boy, and BLK ODYSSY. The album earned her a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for the collaboration "3:AM" with Erykah Badu. Evans has also contributed to mentorship initiatives such as Femme It Forward's MUSE program and released the EP "MadRaps" with producer Madlib.

Throughout her career, Evans is recognized for her intricate rhyme patterns, metaphors, and wordplay, as well as her commitment to hip-hop culture. Her philosophy, "Culture Over Everything," underscores the importance of preserving hip-hop's roots. Evans advocates for women's rights and representation in the music industry and has appeared on television programs including "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" and "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." With a Grammy Award, an extensive discography, and a reputation for lyrical excellence, Evans is regarded as a defining voice in contemporary hip-hop.