North Carolina’s own Rapsody has sent waves of excitement through the music industry with her long-awaited return, as she announces her fourth studio album, “Please Don’t Cry,” slated for release on May 17th, 2024. After a five-year gap since her last full-length project, Rapsody’s latest offering promises to be a deeply introspective journey, marked by themes of self-discovery and self-acceptance.
In a heartfelt Instagram post on Thursday (March 14), Rapsody shared not only the album’s release date but also its tracklist and cover art. She hinted at the album’s overarching concept, describing it as a reflection of her personal evolution over the past four years—a period she describes as beautiful, challenging, and transformative.
“The last four years have been a beautiful, challenging, exciting, scary journey back to self,” Rapsody expressed. “A becoming. A reintroduction. An unveiling. An unlearning. A knowing. An unplugging. A welcome home. A reality check.”
With 22 tracks on the album, Rapsody has enlisted an impressive lineup of collaborators, including heavyweights such as Lil Wayne, Erykah Badu, Hit-Boy, Baby Tate, and Alex Isley. The album’s tracklist promises a diverse range of sounds and perspectives, offering listeners a multifaceted experience.
Rapsody’s announcement sparked enthusiastic reactions from fans and fellow artists alike. Vic Mensa, among others, expressed his excitement, while Reuben Vincent and Lena Waithe shared their anticipation for the forthcoming release.
The build-up to “Please Don’t Cry” has been meticulously orchestrated by Rapsody, who initiated a social media campaign under the hashtag #RapIsBack. Through a series of teaser videos, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and merchandise drops, she has steadily built anticipation for her return to the spotlight.
The album’s lead single, “Asteroids,” released in November, set the tone with its soulful yet impactful sound. Additionally, Rapsody debuted the track “3:AM” alongside Erykah Badu during a live performance earlier this year, further fueling anticipation for the album’s release.
“Please Don’t Cry” follows Rapsody’s critically acclaimed album “Eve,” released in 2019. Paying homage to influential women such as Lauryn Hill, Nina Simone, and Michelle Obama, “Eve” showcased Rapsody’s lyrical prowess and garnered widespread acclaim. Bolstered by collaborations with artists like J. Cole, D’Angelo, Queen Latifah, JID, and GZA, the album reached new commercial heights.
With “Please Don’t Cry,” Rapsody continues to solidify her place as one of hip-hop’s most respected and influential voices. As fans eagerly await the album’s release, anticipation mounts for what promises to be a powerful and resonant addition to Rapsody’s acclaimed discography.
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