Rapsody's "Ibtihaj" Featuring D'Angelo & GZA Is Hip Hop Heaven

BY Erika Marie 6.1K Views
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EveIn the recent discussions regarding women in rap, one name that was echoed throughout conversations was Rapsody. The North Carolina emcee is known for her lyrical prowess and throughout her career has continued to elevate as an artist. On Friday, Rapsody gifted fans with her latest single "Ibtihaj" off her forthcoming album Eve. She enlisted the help of veteran artists R&B singer D'Angelo and Wu-Tang Clan member GZA to create a song that encompasses the essence of hip hop itself.  

Rapsody's Eve is slated for release this month, and the rapper previously told Essence that is a project with a female empowerment theme. “It’s my ode to the women in my life who have made me who I am, but at the same time I realize it’s bigger than me,” she said. “It’s more about the village of black women. I feel like we all have similar experiences and similar stories and very similar inspirations. My last album, that was for me. That was all personal things that, you know, you can listen to and maybe you can relate, but a lot of it was for me.”

Quotable Lyrics

Hands buried the man and they raised the son to reign
That's a play on words, they say herb ain't all the same
Slaves in prison and they some unchained
While everybody in my gang a star DJ Preem
Screaming through the sun roof, "Money Still Ain't a Thing"
While I'm spending small bank, asking "Where is my change?"


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.