Laila's Wisdom
Rapsody · 2017
64 min · 14 tracks · underground hip-hop
Rapsody's lyrical prowess intertwines with rich, soulful production, creating an empowering narrative that resonates deeply within hip-hop.
Top tracks — play these first
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Power — This track showcases Rapsody's sharp lyricism and confidence, addressing themes of self-worth and resilience within a powerful beat.
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Nobody — Featuring prominent artists like Anderson .Paak, this track dives into the complexities of identity and societal perceptions, illustrating Rapsody's introspective style.
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Black & Ugly — In this poignant reflection on beauty standards and self-acceptance, Rapsody combines personal storytelling with broader social commentary, making it a standout track.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Rapsody's lyrical depth and soulful production create a compelling narrative that resonates within hip-hop.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of soulful samples and live instrumentation, creating a rich backdrop for Rapsody's intricate lyricism.
- Each track showcases a distinct narrative arc, often shifting perspectives or themes while maintaining a cohesive message about empowerment and identity.
- Rapsody employs varied flows and vocal deliveries across the tracks, enhancing the emotional weight of her lyrics and keeping the listener engaged.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- introspective lyricism with depth
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- soulful production that resonates
- thought-provoking themes and narratives
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek consistent upbeat tempos
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on September 22, 2017, Laila's Wisdom was Rapsody's sophomore album, following her critically acclaimed debut, Beauty and the Beast. At this point in her career, she was solidifying her voice in the underground hip-hop scene, gaining recognition for her storytelling and lyricism after being featured on Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Little Simz· Noname· Mick Jenkins
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Nobody
The verse shifts perspective to challenge societal views on success and worth by directly confronting how people perceive talent and ambition.
This change in address creates a compelling dialogue that engages listeners to reflect on their own definitions of success amidst external pressures.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Laila’s Wisdom 3:15
- 2 Power 5:35
- 3 Chrome (Like Ooh) 3:28
- 4 Pay Up 3:16
- 5 Ridin’ 4:52
- 6 Sassy 3:13
- 7 Nobody 7:27
- 8 Black & Ugly 4:09
- 9 You Should Know 6:17
- 10 A Rollercoaster Jam Called Love 5:19
- 11 U Used 2 Love Me 2:42
- 12 Knock on My Door 4:42
- 13 OooWeee 4:01
- 14 Jesus Coming 6:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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