Editor’s Note: The Albumism staff has selected what we believe to be the 110 Best Albums of the 2010s, representing a varied cross-section of artists, genres, and styles. Click “Next Album” below to explore each album in the list or for easier navigation, view the full introduction & album index here.
RAPSODY | Laila’s Wisdom
Jamla/Roc Nation (2017)
Selected by Daryl McIntosh
For far too long female emcees have had to endure labels or succumb to categorization that inferred that they couldn’t stand up to their male counterparts. But now hip-hop has Rapsody. Captain of the super-talented Jamla Records starship, Rapsody has arguably the strongest momentum heading into the 2020s for any rap artist and that really began with her 2017 album-of-the-year contender Laila’s Wisdom. Fun at times with songs like “Sassy” and more in-depth on “Black & Ugly,” Laila’s Wisdom is one of hip-hop’s most well-rounded offerings. It’s courageous enough to explore topics like the intersectionality of femininity and Afrocentricity and contains hip-hop’s highest quality of lyrical delivery, paired with soulful beat selection that structures a brilliant album.
LISTEN & WATCH: