Lipkin, Callie
Psalm One's Top 5 Ladies in Hip-Hop to Look Out for This Summer
Issue #28
By Amber Drea
Published: June 1st, 2006 | 1:15am
The long overdue sophomore full-length from Psalm One, The Death of Frequent Flyer, marks Rhymesayers’ first release from a female artist. Representin’ Chi-town’s indie scene alongside Diverse, Coppershot, and Farm Crew, Psalm fits right in with labelmates Atmosphere, I Self Divine, and Brother Ali, who also provides guest vocals. Backed by fun, catchy grooves by ANT, Maker, and more, Psalm’s clever wordplay and laid-back rhythmic delivery evokes The Book of Human Language-era Aceyalone.
Besides references to childhood traumas and racial profiling, the diaristic Death remains refreshingly issues-free. The former food chemist mostly rhymes about hip-hop politics, smokin’ blunts, and getting head. On “Rapper Girls,” which includes a hilarious rant from fellow female MC Ang 13, Psalm criticizes chicks whose flow is “good for a girl,” spitting, “Yeah, you bleed but you can’t rap period.” Other standout tracks include the bluesy, triple-time “Macaroni and Cheese,” the syncopated “Rap Star,” and the Latin-flavored “Beat the Drum.” Psalm One proves her worth as an MC without using her gender as a gimmick. Below, she tells us her top five ladies in hip-hop to look out for this summer. — Amber Drea
Jean Grae
At a time in hip-hop when yours truly needed guidance (toward the end of the millennium) – real female guidance that is – there weren’t many MCs to observe. The titties were always in play, but without them, what does she have to say? Jean Grae (formerly known as “What What”) aka “The Jeanius” gives you that cerebral oomph to make you believe that girls haven’t lost their touch in rap – most just try to sell records by getting naked. Jean Grae is quintessential cranial B-girl hip-hop: ill wordplay, seething disses, and actual concepts. Don’t sleep on her. Featured on the Roots’ last album, The Tipping Point, and newly signed to Talib Kweli’s Blacksmith label, expect big things from the woman.
Discography:
Negro League Baseball (12’’), The Attack of the Attacking Things (EP), The Bootleg of the Bootleg (EP), This Week (LP)
Lady Sovereign
What else can you do but look at her squishy little munchkin face and dance along? Not quite hip-hop, the grimy, Jay-Z-backed U.K. MC has garnered quite an international buzz with her unique brand of (kinda) hip-hop. Yes, ladies, you will dance in your undies to this music. Quirky…who doesn’t like that? Look for her debut on Def Jam later this year.
Discography:
Hoodie Vol. 1&2 (CD-single on import), 9 to 5 (CD-single on import), Vertically Challenged (LP)
Ladybug Mecca
And fuck you raw if you’re not cool like that. If you don’t know who the Digable Planets are, you should crawl back into the womb and try again, but I digress. Ladybug was the lone female member of Brooklyn-trio Digable Planets, who, within two albums, were able to capture a sound and an audience that was refreshing and needed (check for: Reachin: A New Refutation…andBlowout Comb albums). Recently signed to one of my favorite record labels, Heiro Imperium, Ladybug has overcome many obstacles, including a group split (they’re back together now, though) and an alleged drug addiction, to bless us again with her solo project. Her whimsical, harmonious voice and influences shine through on her latest effort, reminding us all that hip-hop is more varied and musical than ever. Rebirth of Slick? Maybe …
Discography:
Trip the Light Fantastic (CD)
Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott
I already feel myself getting flack for this choice. I’ll admit folks, as a “true school” MC indie princess myself, listening to mainstream music is sometimes looked down upon by my peers. But fuck ’em all to hell. With her top-notch producer in tow (Timbaland), Missy has sonically and creatively changed the game. Before ever embarking on a solo career, Missy worked with everyone in the industry, writing hit songs and building a ghostwriting and publishing resume that should be envied by every singer-songwriter. She is a true artist and a creative, eclectic mind who will be giving us way more to shake our asses to in the future. Be on the lookout for her upcoming soundtrack music for this summer’s Stick It movie. And what about those videos, huh? MTV all day, baby! Wow I’m gonna get beat up now…
Discography:
Supa Dupa Fly (CD), Da Real World (CD), Miss E. So Addictive (CD), Under Construction(CD), The Cookbook (CD)
Psalm One
Ahem. I mean, what more can I say about this angel of perfection? Oh boy! So as not to be confusing, I feel as though you, dear reader, should check for me this summer because I will most likely be in a town near you sweating profusely on a stage, rapping my ass off. From Chicago, I happen to be co-signed by the very sexy label Rhymesayers (Oh my God, I wanna have Slug’s babies!!!); have been pursuing music full-time since graduating from school in chemistry (yes, I did that—I’m no dummy!); I talk about sex, fun, and seriousness (don’t worry feminists I got your backs!); and this is the funniest way to sell myself. I am a writer’s rapper, am extremely cunning with gender issues (since everyone knows that girls can’t rap), and my favorite comedy is Blazing Saddles. Check for my upcoming single and album on Rhymesayers Entertainment called The Death of Frequent Flyer this summer. Have I told you how good you look today?
Discography:
Whippersnapper (EP), Bio:Chemistry (CD), Personal Surplus (EP), Nacrobats: Allways (CD), Bio:Chemistry 2 (CD), Get in the Van. Vol 1 & 2 (mixtape)
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