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
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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: