Talib Kweli & Rapsody Talk Rap Influences, Being Pro Black, Kendrick, Jay Z, Eve | People's Party

In this episode of People's Party, Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with rapper and writer Rapsody. This introspective interview highlights the huge contribution this talented lyricist has made in bringing the B-Girl back to the forefront of the culture. They discuss her growing up in the tiny town of Snowhill, NC; she speaks on being largely inspired to rap from growing up listening to MC Lyte and Lauryn Hill; and she shares the profound life advice she received from Ms. Hill. Rapsody also defines why being pro-black doesn't translate to being anti-white. Later Rapsody reflects on her close friendships with Mac Miller and Nipsey Hussle, and the enormous loss the hip-hop community felt with their passing. She speaks on her regular collaborations with 9th Wonder and his Soul Council beat crew, then details every member's signature style. She also digs into the guidance (and playful moments) she's shared with Jay Z, and her friendships with Kendrick Lamar, DaBaby, and J.I.D.. Rapsody explains how the concept for the "Eve" album came about and responds to the notion that female fans only want to hear "songs for the ladies." She also has wise words for the women in the game about being themselves regardless of any criticism they receive about their appearance or content. Check out the audio podcasts here: Apple - https://applepodcasts.com/peoplesparty Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/72bYFZB... Interview timing: 3:11 -- Rapsody speaks on her constant drive to grow and diversify all aspects of her writing and rapping abilities. She also expresses her gratitude to Talib for being one of her biggest inspirations. 6:48 -- Rapsody talks about growing up in the ultra-small town of Snowhill, North Carolina, and reflects on being raised as a Jehovah's Witness, and what it's like being one of 150 grandchildren. 11:20 -- Rapsody explains why MC Lyte's "Poor Georgie" song and video were such a huge influence on her, and shares advice Lauryn Hill gave her -- which has been instrumental in her growth as an artist and a person. 14:35 -- Rapsody breaks down why she chose to start her album "Return Of The B-Girl" with a shout-out to almost every known female emcee. They also discuss her (and 9th Wonder's) love of the Star Wars franchise, and Talib flawlessly spits some bars from his favorite MC Lyte record. 18:54 -- Rapsody frames what pro-blackness means to her, and notes that it doesn't mean anti-white. 22:03 -- Rapsody talks about Mac Miller, their friendship, his respect for rap culture and what we lost when he passed. She also recalls her first collab with Nipsey Hussle, the last time she saw him before his death, and being a powerhouse of support for his community. 26:42 -- Rapsody recalls her first meeting with 9th Wonder, him being an inspiring teacher, and how important his leadership was for her career. 30:57 -- Rapsody explains the vision of the Bright Lady studio being a safe haven for rappers, speaks on 9th's Wonder's Soul Council beat making crew, and gives an overview of each member's style and specialty that they bring to the table. 39:38 -- Rapsody reflects on meeting Kendrick Lamar, getting his ear on records, and turning to him for career, and life advice. She also recalls her favorite stories coming up under Jay Z's wing, and touches on the career and lovable energy of DaBaby and how he's similar to 50 Cent. 46:00 -- Talib expresses his affinity for Rapsody's song "The Man", and thanks her for her contribution to hip-hop's celebration of both black men and women. 48:28 -- Rapsody details how listening to Nina Simone and Roberta Flack during an interview led the concept for her album "Eve." 54:42 -- Rapsody responds to the Uproxx article that speaks on her perceived desire to uplift all female emcees in the industry regardless of their persona. 58:23 -- Talib asks about Rapsody's close friendship with rapper JID, and their work on the song "Iman". She also speaks on networking for cameos, and the process of beat selection. 1:02:24 -- Talib recites valuable advice he received from Dream Hampton, when she told him "don't make music for the ladies." Rapsody gives her take. 1:07:23 -- Rapsody explains the importance of black artists to publicly express pride and self-love, using her song "Black and Ugly" as a frame of reference. 1:11:06 -- Talib asks about Rapsody's love of basketball and lessons she's taken from the sport that translate to her hip-hop career. UPROXX Video celebrates Hip-Hop, Style, and Creativity through a mix of original programming and music videos from the biggest artists, entertainers, and innovators from our culture. PEOPLE'S PARTY WITH TALIB KWELI People's Party is a weekly interview show hosted by Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh. Guests range from the biggest names in hip-hop, to global entertainers, to the most progressive minds moving our culture forward. #TalibKweli #Rapsody #PeoplesParty #UPROXXVideo