She is the protégé of Grammy Award-winning producer 9th Wonder, the first lady of North Carolina super crew Kooley High, and one of the first artists signed to Jamla Records/It's A Wonderful World Music Group. As the brainchild of 9th Wonder's true school resurgence, Rapsody consistently sets the bar high for all emcees, male and female alike. Paying homage to her hip hop godmothers MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, and Lauryn Hill, this Snow Hill, North Carolina native represents much more than just the female side of hip hop culture; she is an emcee who represents hip hop culture beyond the lines of gender, proving that anything the boys can do, she can do, too, and better. Her virtuosity and dexterity behind the microphone highlight her presentation, and her humble demeanor attests to her constant pursuit of improvement with every beat and rhyme.
After proving her impeccable craftsmanship with features on 9th Wonder's "Dream Merchant 2," Skyzoo's DJ-Drama hosted "The Power of Words," and numerous Kooley High releases, Rapsody made her solo debut on December 7, 2010 with "Return of the B-Girl," a 20-track project boasting production by 9th Wonder and DJ Premier among others, as well as features from Big Daddy Kane, Mac Miller, Skyzoo, Rah Digga, Phil Ade, and more. A published review praised the record: "A poet-turned-rapper, Rapdiddy (as she's dubbed herself) has always possessed outstanding wordplay, but B-Girl finds her effortlessly nimble delivery -- capable of both gritty and biting or sassy and sultry -- continuing to improve."
Rapsody has shared the stage with hip hop legends and rising stars alike, including Raekwon of the Wu-Tang Clan, Big Daddy Kane, J. Cole, Wale, Colin Munroe, Tanya Morgan, Suede of Camp Lo, Blu and Exile, and The Clipse, but it's her ability to captivate diverse audiences with her explosively dynamic live performance that sets her apart and has earned her much-deserved accolades from major media sources including Vibe, XXL, HipHopDX, and more. She has captivated audiences at sold-out performances at dozens of venues on The Incredibly Dope Tour with Mac Miller and the Mic Fest Tour with 9th Wonder and her Jamla Records label mates. In her sophomore project "Thank H.E.R. Now," she weaves more intimate stories of her personal experiences and shares the studio and soundbooth with heavy hitters Jean Grae, MURS, Raekwon, Estelle, Mac Miller, Kendrick Lamar, Big K.R.I.T., Marsha Ambrosius, and more.
Her style is polished and distinct, and her wordplay and flow are unparalleled in both delivery and execution. As she continues to strive to contend with her hip hop predecessors like Jay-Z and Mos Def, Rapsody is already undeniably one of the strongest and most promising forces in today's hip hop culture.
Believe Me
Rapsody Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mountains and peaks, valleys I been through
The landlord telling me come through, rent due
Since you seem to have it all figured out
Next month while you coppin' one, cop' me a Benz too
They all think just because rhymes being laid
That niggas getting paid, when I struggle like you do
Put out more product and it's better than labels move
Lauryn ain't crazy, just dont know what she been though
Complaining bout radio, my nigga, got no room
Cause niggas wit opinions dont support you on itunes
Listen, my soul mission was to rap and get paid too
Be someone that these little girls look up to
Now I see the game for what it is, a big chess move
Playing my cards all how they was dealt
I won't blessed with the money so my movement ain't felt
Nigga, smoke and mirrors, look in the mirror
Telling myself, "self ain't you glad your shit is imperial?"
I rule everything around me the C.R.E.A.M
Get your dollar, dollar bills yall this game is all a scheme
For control and being sold is a backwards kinda thing
They saying I'm the future so I'll never waste my ring
And not answer my calling to be your daughter dream
My train of thought rapid, Im just blowing esteem
Putting fear in these rappers all proclaiming they king
If Maximus had a wife, then to Rome I'd be queen
Believe me, frontin' niggas gimme heebie jeebies
Believe me, frontin' niggas gimme heebie jeebies
Believe me, frontin' niggas gimme heebie jeebies
Believe me, too many of you frontin for TV
Only real live niggas get respect easy
Believe me, frontin' niggas gimme heebie jeebies
Believe me, frontin' niggas gimme heebie jeebies
Miami beach, ain't seen no water yet
Heavy on mind like Avirex, I X'd
Out distractions, to be the rap rim
Goal that they tryna reach if you needing some evidence
You can ask 9th, address like residence
I'm nothing like these niggas we separate, I'm Evelyn
I spazz out like ex-wives to ballers
You wanna feel something? Then you know who to recommend
Jamla the squad in present tense, the team
Like Dream of '92 that they prayed to the reverend
To rebirth a nation, water distilled
So, when she break water spill, catch the flow like Jacqueline
Onassis, the curse and the gift
Canibus, take notes to you niggas that's battling, nigga
Whats beef? Cattle and javelin
That shit ain't real nowadays, niggas just actin' it
Zulu the real, the nation I rep
Keep medallions round my neck like the belt post accident
Kanye West, walk with Jesus my way
How you really all should pray if you knew what was happening
Yo, forget the name, they never can do
Twenty years still touched cuz the flow so passionate
Like prayers up to Jehovah when traveling
Protect me from rap foes and all the fake rap men
Believe me they souls is paper thin, for paper when
Heart ain't gold, I dont find you rich like Solomon
Rap three times nice like the number of wise men
Frontin' niggas juke 'em every day like Heisman
Believe me, frontin' niggas gimme heebie jeebies
Believe me, frontin' niggas gimme heebie jeebies
Believe me, frontin' niggas gimme heebie jeebies
Believe me, too many of you frontin for TV
Only real live niggas get respect easy
Believe me, frontin' niggas gimme heebie jeebies
Believe me, frontin' niggas gimme heebie jeebies
In Rapsody's song "Believe Me," she conveys her struggles within the music industry and the challenges she faces as a female rapper. In the first verse, Rapsody talks about the financial struggles she faces, including being behind on rent and not having the same luxuries as other successful rappers. She also addresses the criticism she receives from others who believe that being a rapper automatically equates to being wealthy, when in reality, she works just as hard as they do. Rapsody refers to Lauryn Hill, a fellow female rapper who has been criticized for speaking out against the music industry's manipulation, and reveals how it's hard to get airplay if people aren't willing to support you financially. She advocates for being a good role model for the younger generation, and reveals that she sees the music industry as a game of chess.
In the second verse, Rapsody continues to deliver a deeper message, referencing Miami Beach as an example of a place where people have preconceived notions that are not necessarily true. She talks about how her focus is much greater than her peers, how she aims to achieve more than success in the rap game. The bars mention the typical facade of mainstream rappers, most often a consequence of seeking validation from labels or portraying an image for a celebrity status rather than the art itself. Rapsody remains grounded and real, and emphasizes the importance of being consistent and true to oneself. She ties together references to 90s hip-hop legends like The Notorious B.I.G, Wu Tang Clan, and Canibus, all while continuing to keep an eye on the ultimate goal- being a creative inspiration to young female artists and standing out as a true lyricist in the game.
Line by Line Meaning
Like, Like Mountains and peaks, valleys I been through
I have been through a lot of highs and lows in my life
The landlord telling me come through, rent due
I struggle financially just like everyone else, even the landlord is reminding me to pay rent
Since you seem to have it all figured out
People assume that because I'm a rapper, I'm rich and don't have any problems
Next month while you coppin' one, cop' me a Benz too
Even though I don't have a lot of money, people expect me to have expensive things like a Benz
They all think just because rhymes being laid That niggas getting paid, when I struggle like you do
People assume that rappers get rich from producing music, but I have financial struggles just like anyone else
Put out more product and it's better than labels move Meet the frustration that I never gave into, Nigga
I work hard on my music and I'm proud of the quality, even though it's frustrating that record labels don't recognize my talent
Lauryn ain't crazy, just dont know what she been though
People criticize Lauryn Hill for her behavior, but they don't understand the challenges she's faced
Complaining bout radio, my nigga, got no room Cause niggas wit opinions dont support you on itunes
People complain about the lack of diversity on the radio, but they don't support lesser-known artists on iTunes
Listen, my soul mission was to rap and get paid too Be someone that these little girls look up to
My goal is to be a successful rapper and also serve as a positive role model for young girls
Now I see the game for what it is, a big chess move Playing my cards all how they was dealt
I understand the music industry is like a game of chess, and I'm playing my hand to the best of my ability
I won't blessed with the money so my movement ain't felt Nigga, smoke and mirrors, look in the mirror
I don't have a lot of money, so my impact on the industry isn't as strong as it could be. The music industry can be deceptive, so it's important to be self-aware
Telling myself, "self ain't you glad your shit is imperial?" I rule everything around me the C.R.E.A.M
I remind myself that I have a unique gift, and I'm proud of what I create
Get your dollar, dollar bills yall this game is all a scheme For control and being sold is a backwards kinda thing
The music industry is all about making money, and sometimes that means compromising your values and selling out
They saying I'm the future so I'll never waste my ring And not answer my calling to be your daughter dream
People see me as a talented up-and-coming artist and I feel a sense of responsibility to fulfill my potential and inspire others
My train of thought rapid, Im just blowing esteem Putting fear in these rappers all proclaiming they king
I'm confident and driven in my music and I'm intimidating other rappers who claim to be the best
If Maximus had a wife, then to Rome I'd be queen
I see myself as a powerful, respected figure in the rap industry
Miami beach, ain't seen no water yet Heavy on mind like Avirex, I X'd Out distractions, to be the rap rim
I'm focused on my music and my career, even though I haven't had a lot of breaks
Goal that they tryna reach if you needing some evidence You can ask 9th, address like residence
I have a close relationship with producer 9th Wonder and he can vouch for my talent and work ethic
I'm nothing like these niggas we separate, I'm Evelyn I spazz out like ex-wives to ballers
I don't fit into the stereotypical rap mold, and I have a strong personality that can be intense at times
You wanna feel something? Then you know who to recommend Jamla the squad in present tense, the team
If you want real, authentic music, then check out the artists on my record label, Jamla
Like Dream of '92 that they prayed to the reverend To rebirth a nation, water distilled
Jamla aims to have a similar impact on the hip-hop world as the 1992 Dream Team had on basketball, by representing the best talent in the game
So, when she break water spill, catch the flow like Jacqueline Onassis, the curse and the gift
When I release new music, listen closely and appreciate the dexterity and artistry in the lyrics and flow
Canibus, take notes to you niggas that's battling, nigga Whats beef? Cattle and javelin
I'm advising other rappers to step up their game and take inspiration from my skills, and that beef between rappers is pointless
That shit ain't real nowadays, niggas just actin' it Zulu the real, the nation I rep
There's a lot of fake posturing in the rap industry, but I represent authenticity and the true spirit of hip-hop
Keep medallions round my neck like the belt post accident Kanye West, walk with Jesus my way
I wear medallions around my neck as a symbol of my beliefs and values, inspired by Kanye West's religious views
How you really all should pray if you knew what was happening Yo, forget the name, they never can do Twenty years still touched cuz the flow so passionate
If you knew the struggles and obstacles I face as an artist, you would understand the deep emotion and passion in my music
Like prayers up to Jehovah when traveling Protect me from rap foes and all the fake rap men Believe me they souls is paper thin, for paper when
I pray for protection from enemies in the rap industry who are driven solely by materialism and personal gain
Heart ain't gold, I dont find you rich like Solomon Rap three times nice like the number of wise men Frontin' niggas juke 'em every day like Heisman
I value integrity and honesty over wealth, and I put my heart and soul into my music. I have no patience for fake rappers, and I'm quick to call them out on their behavior.
Believe me, frontin' niggas gimme heebie jeebies
I'm tired of fake, posturing rappers who don't represent authenticity and true hip-hop
Only real live niggas get respect easy
I have respect for rappers who embody authenticity, honesty, and hard work in the music industry
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: THOMAS EVANS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tee Yah
Mountains and peaks, valleys I been through
The landlord telling me come through, rent due
Since you seem to have it all figured out
Next month while you coppin’ one, cop’ me a Benz too
They all think just because rhymes being laid
That niggas getting paid, when I struggle like you do
Put out more product and it's better than labels move
Meet the frustration that I never gave into, Nigga
Lauryn ain't crazy, just dont know what she been though
Complaining bout radio, my nigga, got no room
Cause niggas wit opinions dont support you on itunes
Listen, my soul mission was to rap and get paid too
Be someone that these little girls look up to
Now I see the game for what it is, a big chess move
Playing my cards all how they was dealt
I won't blessed with the money so my movement ain't felt
Nigga, smoke and mirrors, look in the mirror
Telling myself, "self ain't you glad your shit is imperial?”
I rule everything around me the C.R.E.A.M
Get your dollar, dollar bills yall this game is all a scheme
For control and being sold is a backwards kinda thing
They saying I'm the future so I’ll never waste my ring
And not answer my calling to be your daughter dream
My train of thought rapid, Im just blowing esteem
Putting fear in these rappers all proclaiming they king
If Maximus had a wife, then to Rome I’d be queen
[Hook]
Believe me, frontin’ niggas gimme heebie jeebies
Believe me, frontin’ niggas gimme heebie jeebies
Believe me, frontin’ niggas gimme heebie jeebies
Believe me, too many of you frontin for TV
Only real live niggas get respect easy
Believe me, frontin’ niggas gimme heebie jeebies
Believe me, frontin’ niggas gimme heebie jeebies
[Verse 2]
Miami beach, ain't seen no water yet
Heavy on mind like Avirex, I X’d
Out distractions, to be the rap rim
Goal that they tryna reach if you needing some evidence
You can ask 9th, address like residence
I'm nothing like these niggas we separate, I'm Evelyn
I spazz out like ex-wives to ballers
You wanna feel something? Then you know who to recommend
Jamla the squad in present tense, the team
Like Dream of '92 that they prayed to the reverend
To rebirth a nation, water distilled
So, when she break water spill, catch the flow like Jacqueline
Onassis, the curse and the gift
Canibus, take notes to you niggas that’s battling, nigga
Whats beef? Cattle and javelin
That shit ain't real nowadays, niggas just actin’ it
Zulu the real, the nation I rep
Keep medallions round my neck like the belt post accident
Kanye West, walk with Jesus my way
How you really all should pray if you knew what was happening
Yo, forget the name, they never can do
Twenty years still touched cuz the flow so passionate
Like prayers up to Jehovah when traveling
Protect me from rap foes and all the fake rap men
Believe me they souls is paper thin, for paper when
Heart ain't gold, I dont find you rich like Solomon
Rap three times nice like the number of wise men
Frontin’ niggas juke 'em every day like Heisman
Mielo
Jus listened to her new style whilst with Rocca-fella records (congratulations dear!! )
Than I listened to this track and my memory jumped to one of her other cyphers I few times listened to about hear and there mentioning about her son(something alongst those lines)...
Long story short in the words of Jigger I guess :"people look at you strange, say'n you changed/Like you work that hard to stay the same"
*best of luck Rapsody!!
I'd love to learn more about your work, please can you pass me in the right direction to get your older work of which I'd like to listen and study to and aswell than follow the latest releases too.
danny cd
she is better than 99% male rappers in 2014.
njenga victor
Better than them still in 2019...
Edinilson Rocha
Faxxxxxx
Apollo
Truth.
g. Dee
@Sean Mounts Fair enough i forgot about all of this and don't care anymore still think she's one of the best and you don't
g. Dee
@Sean Mounts Okay that's your opinion
infinitepossibility
Props to 9th Wonder - this beat is deep!
Thato Thamae
Bruh
Wilkine Brutus
I support your movement. We're so desperate for this type of musical content. WOW.
Chianya
I'm mad I'm just hearing about her 😒..that shit was so dope I almost cried ..